Understanding Autism

Understanding Autism

Summary: Almost every minutes another child is diagnosed with autism. That's about three an hour and a day. This complex neurobiological condition, which can inhibit a person's ability to communicate, respond to surroundings or form relationships with others, is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States and presents lifelong consequences for individuals, family and society.

Understanding Autism

Article Body: Every minutes another child is diagnosed with autism. That's three an hour and a day. This complex neurobiological condition, which can inhibit a person's ability to communicate, respond to surroundings or form relationships with others, is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States and presents lifelong consequences for individuals, family and society.

The statistics are alarming: Thirteen years ago only one in , children was diagnosed with autism; today it's one in , making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined. Despite these epidemic proportions, research shows that many parents of young children are generally unaware of autism.

While there is currently no cure, nor an effective means of prevention, early detection and intervention can result in critical improvements for many young children. The most important thing parents and caregivers can do is to learn the early signs of autism and understand the typical developmental milestones their child should be reaching at different ages. Research now suggests that children as young as months old can exhibit signs of autism, some of which may include:

No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by months or thereafter

No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions by months or thereafter

No babbling by months

No back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving by months

No words by months

No two-word meaningful phrases by months

Any loss of speech or babbling or social skills at any age.

The earlier a child is diagnosed with autism, the greater the chance for success in treatment. With appropriate early-intervention services, from ages -, between percent and percent of children with autism will be able to attend mainstream kindergarten. Effective intervention programs focus on developing communication, social and cognitive skills, and include training for parents and teachers as well.

Many families are uninformed, confused and even fearful when a child exhibits signs of autism. They may be relieved to learn that there are ways to cope with it, reports Autism Speaks. For this reason the organization has made a commitment to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families and society.

Short of a cure, awareness and early detection are our best weapons and are critical to improving the lives of individuals and families struggling with autism.