What is Autism

Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that interferes with communication and social skills, and may cause significant intellectual disability. The disorder becomes apparent in early childhood and lasts throughout the lifespan. Autism is associated with rigid routines and repetitive, obsessive behaviors. It is four time more common in boys than in girls.

Although once thought to be quite rare, occurring in 1 in 10,000 individuals, Autism spectrum disorders are now thought to affect 1 in 150 children. In the 1990’s, the diagnostic criteria for Autism spectrum disorders were expanded to include persons with milder impairments than classic autism, and the “spectrum” now includes Autistic Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Rett Syndrome, Asperger Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). Asperger Syndrome and PDD-NOS generally cause less impairment than the other disorders on the Autism spectrum, but many individuals with a higher functioning diagnosis nonetheless remain unable to live independently, hold jobs, or develop relationships.

Although research now shows that the symptoms begin developing in early infancy and can be detected as early as six months of age, most children are not diagnosed until 18 months or older. Diagnosis is made by careful, systematic interviews with the parents as well as a highly structured communication, interaction and play assessment called the ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale). There are no laboratory tests or scans available for clinical diagnostic purposes, although research suggests a number of promising genetic and biological markers that appear to be associated with Autism spectrum disorders, and may be very helpful in the future both for diagnostic as well as research purposes.

Referral to early intervention services for intensive behavioral and speech therapy is the most important step for families to take in addressing the developmental delays that affect children with Autism spectrum disorders. Among the specialized therapeutic methodologies, and one of the most effective, is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Behavioral techniques are employed throughout preschool and school programs to help children acquire speech, . Many school districts have created programs within their districts to educate children with autism . Still, autism remains without any specific treatments that appear to be effective in addressing the core symptoms, although behavioral programs and, often, psychotropic medication, can reduce aggression, depression or obsessive behavior. Nearly half of individuals with autism also have mental retardation. Autism is a disorder that affects not only the individual throughout his lifespan, but also parents and siblings, who need to arrange for his care and supervision.

Families with children on the autism spectrum need resources that offer specialized diagnostic evaluations for children and adults, as well as individual and family psychotherapy, medication management, social skills training, respite and recreation. For additional information on the Cody Center, please visit www.codycenter.org, or phone 631-632-3070.

Facts about Autism courtesy of autismspeaks.org

Did you know:

1 in 100 children is diagnosed with autism
1 in 70 boys is on the autism spectrum
67 children are diagnosed per day
A new case is diagnosed almost every 20 minutes
More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined
Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
Autism costs the nation over $90 billion per year, a figure expected to double in the next decade
Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases
Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
There is no medical detection or cure for autism
Incidence vs. Private Funding
Leukemia: Affects 1 in 25,000 / Funding: $310 million
Muscular Dystrophy: Affects 1 in 20,000 / Funding: $175 million
Pediatric AIDS: Affects 1 in 8,000 / Funding: $394 million
Juvenile Diabetes: Affects 1 in 500 / Funding: $130 million
Autism: Affects 1 in 150 / Funding: $15 million