Autism Awareness
Autism is one of the autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), a group of developmental disabilities that vary in severity and the age at which a child first may show symptoms. ASDs can cause major social, communication, and behavioral challenges with symptoms typically present before the age of 3 years. ASDs include autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome. Autism affects people of every race, ethnic group, and socioeconomic background. The most recent data available suggests that autism spectrum disorders occur in one out of every 110 children. The overall incidence of autism is consistent around the world, but it is four times more prevalent in boys than girls.
Autism is one of the most common developmental disabilities. It is a neurologically based disorder and impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.
With proper knowledge, autism can often be reliably detected by the age of 3 years, and in some cases as early as 18 months. Studies suggest that many children eventually may be accurately identified by the age of 1 year or even younger.
Research indicates that early diagnosis is associated with significantly better outcomes for children with autism. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the earlier the child can begin benefiting from one of the many specialized intervention approaches.
During a well-baby/well-child visit, your child’s healthcare provider should perform a developmental screening, asking specific questions about the child's progress. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) lists these five behaviors that signal further evaluation is warranted:
- Does not babble or coo by 12 months
- Does not gesture (point, wave, grasp) by 12 months
- Does not say single words by 16 months
- Does not say two-word phrases on his or her own by 24 months
- Has ANY loss of ANY language or social skill at ANY age.
Having any of these five behaviors does not mean a child has autism, but because the characteristics of the disorder vary so much, a child should have a comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals knowledgeable about autism.
Reports
Autism Guidebook for Washington State: A Resource for Individuals, Families and Professionals
The National Standards Report – Addressing the Need for Evidence-Based Practice Guidelines for Autism Spectrum Disorders
More Information and Resources on Autism
American Academy of Pediatrics
Autism Center at the University of Washington
Autism Coalition
Autism Guidebook for WA State
Autism Link
Autism Outreach Project (NW ESD 189)
Autism Research Institute
Autism Society of America
Autism Society of Washington
Autism Speaks
Autism Spectrum Disorders (NIMH)
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - Autism Spectrum Disorder
Cure Autism Now
Early Support for Infants and Toddler (ESIT) (Washington State)
Families for Early Autism Treatment
Families Together for People with Disabilities
Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders
Ladders
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
Northwest Autism Center
Online Asperger Syndrome Information & Support
Organization for Autism Research
TEACCH Autism Program
UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute
UCSB Koegel Autism Center
WA State Department of Health Autism Awareness Project
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