According to Autism Speaks, a leading science and advocacy organization, it is estimated that 1 in 110 children in US are diagnosed with autism. Government statistics suggest the prevalence rate of autism is increasing 10 to 17 percent annually.
What is unclear, however, is whether this is due to an increasing rate of the disorder or an increased ability to diagnose it.
Incidence of Autism on the Rise, Causes Unknown
A number of causal theories have surfaced in recent years – most of which have been renounced or unsupported, at the very least, by the medical community.
One such theory is that the MMR vaccine causes autism. Although it is true that that the disorder has increased steadily since around the same time the MMR vaccine was introduced, several major studies have found no connection between the vaccine and autism.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention both report that there is no proven link between autism and any vaccine.
Other suspected but not proven causes of autism involve diet, mercury levels and the body’s ability to regulate vitamins and minerals.
Many doctors believe the increased incidence in autism is due to newer definitions of the illness. The term “autism” now includes a wider spectrum of children. For example, a child who is diagnosed with high-functioning autism in 2010 would likely have just been thought to be strange and remained undiagnosed in 1980.
Causal Factors for Autism
What is known is that autism is a physical condition linked to abnormal biology and brain chemistry. The exact causes of these abnormalities remain unclear, but this is a very active area of research. In all likelihood, there are a number of factors that lead to autism.
Genetic factors seem to be important. For example, identical twins are more likely than fraternal twins to both have autism. Chromosomal abnormalities and other neurological problems as well as language abnormalities are more common in relatives of children with autism.
Interestingly, autism affects boys 3 to 4 times more often than girls.
Tests and Diagnosis for Autism
All children should have routine developmental exams conducted by their pediatrician. This is particularly true if a child fails to meet any of the following language milestones:
- Babbling by 12 months
- Gesturing (e.g. waving bye-bye, pointing) by 12 months
- Saying single words by 16 months
- Saying two-word spontaneous phrases by 24 months
- Losing any language or social skills at any age
Children suspected of having autism will likely undergo a series of genetic and metabolic tests.
Treatment for Autism
Autism remains a challenging condition for children and their families. The outlook today, though, is much better than a generation ago. An early and child-specific treatment program will greatly improve the outlook for most young children with autism.
Most programs will build on the interests of the child in a highly structured schedule of constructive activities. Treatment is most successful when it is geared toward the child’s particular needs. A variety of therapies are available, including:
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCh)
- Medications
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Speech and Language Therapy
Visit the websites for TEACCh, Autism Speaks and Autism Research Institute for more information.
A tremendous amount of research is currently being conducted throughout the world with the promise of unlocking the mysteries of both the exact causes of autism as well as the specific reasons behind the surge in diagnosis in recent years. Meanwhile, advances in the treatment of children with autism are leading to improved functioning and quality of life for those diagnosed with the disorder.
Stephen Raburn - Stephen Raburn… is a social entrepreneur, father, community galvanizer, activist, lobbyist, writer, lecturer, and champion of ...
