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April is National Autism Awareness Month. I’m not very well educated on Autism, so I visited a couple of websites for information. The bloggers on the Parenting Special Kids blog have written some great information on Autism. I was shocked by some of the things I learned.
First of all, what is Autism?
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person’s lifetime. It is part of a group of disorders known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). For a more comprehensive definition, visit this site.
I have a little bit of knowledge, very little, since we have been working with a DAN! (Defeat Autism Now) doctor to deal with some medical issues with Sammy. I blogged about it here and here.
On the site Autism Awareness I read some statistics that did not surprise me.
• Autism rates have increased from 1 in 10,000 in 1994, to 1 in 150 in 2007.
• 630,000 of the 4,000,000 or 15% of babies born each year in the US are at risk for mercury-related learning and developmental problems.
• Study of Texas Counties by The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio suggests link between environmental mercury and autism Suggests that for every 1000 lbs of Mercury released into the atmosphere there was a 17% increase in autism rates.
That statistic, or projection, that blew me away was this…
• Based on the current progression rates, it is expected that by 2015, the Autism rate will be 1 in 9.
• And the fact that New Jersey had a rate of Autism that is 1 in 94.
The Autism Speaks website has articles on the research that is being conducted right now.
Part of the problem with diagnosing Autism, is that it has such a wide spectrum of signs and symptoms. It can range from non-functioning and non-verbal to high functioning. There is a beautiful young girl in our church who is on the high functioning end. If I were not a Sunday school teacher who is clued in on children’s disabilities, I would have no clue that she is Autistic. While some people might be “afraid” to deal with her, or wonder what to do, I like her a lot. She is a neat kid.
The National Institute of Mental Health has a very comprehensive list of signs, symptoms and other diagnoses.
Some other disorders that fall into the Autism spectrum, but have their own name are Asperger Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD).
There have been many articles written about the possible link between vaccinations and Autism. You can read some of these articles here, here and here. This is a very controversial topic, and I will leave you to form your own decision.
If you are interested in finding a DAN! Doctor, you can find a list of doctors on this site.
You can also find Autism awareness in some unusual spots. I have blogged about the NASCAR connection and special needs kids before. Autism awareness is another cause that many of the drivers support. Elliott Sadler is wearing a special helmet promoting Autism awareness in several races. The helmet will then be auctioned off on April 30th. Mr. Sadler’s niece has Autism. Driver Jamie McMurray also has a niece with Autism and works to promote Autism awareness.
There is also an organization called Athletes Against Autism that partners with Cure Autism Now.
You could spend all day finding connections with celebrities, major corporations, and others with Autism. Spend a little time today to learn more about this disorder.
Autism is fascinating. I feel like i have bornerline autism, or maybe I just identify with autistic people for some reason.
There’s quite a few sites with autistic people with interesting perspectives on things.