Autism Awareness month
April is autism awareness month.
Autism is a neurodevelopment disorder marked by social deficits and repetitive behavior.
The history of autism dates back to around the 1920’s when the first suspected cases of autism happened. Then as the 30’s and 40’s rolled on Dr. Hans Asberger came up with the asbergers syndrome for higher functioning adults. In the 1970’s more awareness was made on autism and more advances as well. By the 1980’s the DSSM manual was updated and included autism with a seperate diagnosis for asbergers which remained until 2013. At that time everything was lumped together to be the autism spectrum.
Autism spectrum is a wide spectrum. Some on the spectrum can speak and have excellent language. Others are non verbal and very low functioning. Higher functioning autism was previously classified as Asperger’s syndrome which was founded by dr Hans Asperger a German pediatrician.
Autism can often be lumped in with other conditions such as learning disabilities, adhd, ect. 25-75 percent of individuals with autism spectrum disorder also have some other type of intellectual disability.
Causes of autism vary. Most of the cases of autism are caused by genetics. Other causes might be environmental. Further even prenatal treatments may cause autism. Some of these include gastationa diabetics, bleeding during pregnancy, complications from pregnancy, exposure to chemicals, illicit drugs, alcohol, and smoking.
There is no cure for autism but early intervention helps. Diagnosis comes from testing from a qualified professional. Testing is done to see if one falls on the spectrum.
Treatment for those with autism spectrum disorder include speech therapy, occupational therapy, special education services, behavior treatment.
Common symptoms with autism Spectrum disorder include rigid routine, repetitive behavior, very strong strength in area such as remembering things ect, social deficit, possible medical problems such as heart, blood pressure, diabeties.
Most people on the autism spectrum can lead happy productive lives, get married and some have children but require support.
Others on the autism spectrum who are lower functioning require more assistance with living and day to day needs.
There are many resources to help those on autism spectrum including the ARC, DORS, autism society, autism speaks, as well as many walks fundraisers ect to help those on the spectrum. Support groups are also available to help as well.
Many advances have been made on autism including possible breakthrough drugs ect that could maybe be used for treatment down the road.