Do you need help with autism?

One in 150 children is diagnosed with ASD 

If you’re a parent whose child has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a medical practitioner or someone with autism, there is a new on-line service available to connect families and individuals touched by ASD. The Autism Support Network provides support and insight, and acts as a resource guide for treatments, strategies and therapies. It was created to facilitate an exchange of ideas, help and interactive discussion.

There is no known single cause for autism and there is no medical test for ASD. It is generally accepted that it is caused by abnormalities in brain structure or function. It is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. 

In February 2007, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued their ADDME autism prevalence report. The report, which looked at a sample of 8 year olds in 2000 and 2002, concluded that the prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in every 150 American children, and almost 1 in 94 boys. Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined.

Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual, repetitive, or severely limited activities and interests. Other ASDs include Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS). Males are four times more likely to have autism than females.

The Autism Support Network matches members seeking similar support with one another, the ability to create appointments virtually or in actual locations between members, community groups for open sharing of information, user blogs, chat and capabilities for members to host and share personal photos and documents. The Autism Support Network includes resource listings across the United States, Canada, England and India.

Know the Signs: Early Identification Can Change Lives:

• Lack of or delay in spoken language

• Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects)

•  Little or no eye contact

• Lack of interest in peer relationships

• Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play

• Persistent fixation on parts of objects

Autism is treatable. Children do not "outgrow" autism, but studies show that early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes. Many people with ASDs have unusual ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to different sensations. The thinking and learning abilities of people with ASDs can vary – from gifted to severely challenged. It lasts throughout a person's life.

Update: Please view the CNN report Autism 911 as reported by fellow Health Examiner Jerilyn Dufresne