Image
Man Happy
Behavioral Health

Moving from Awareness to Acceptance of People with Autism

We have all heard the term “autistic” or the phrase, “on the spectrum.” But what do those phrases mean? What IS the spectrum?

The “spectrum” is the wide range of symptoms related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism for short. It is a condition related to brain development that affects the way someone perceives and engages with others. It can cause challanges with communication and social interaction.

April is World Autism Month. Organizations supporting families coping with autism are working to move beyond awareness to acceptance, because ASD doesn’t affect everyone the same way. 

Father Holding His Kid

Whom It Affects

One in 44 children under the age of 8 were identified with ASD according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. It affects all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. It is, however, four times more common in boys than in girls.

The causes are unclear; however researchers have ruled out any link between childhood vaccines and the disorder. It is believed there are a combination of biological, environmental, and genetic factors. According to the CDC:
 

  • Most scientists agree genes are one of the risk factors that make the development of ASD more likely.
  • Children with a sibling with ASD are at higher risk of having ASD.
  • People with certain chromosomal conditions like fragile X syndrome or tuberous sclerosis have a greater chance of having ASD.
  • Evidence suggests the critical period for developing ASD occurs before, during, and immediately after birth.
  • Children born to older parents are at a greater risk for having ASD.

What to Look For

Between 80% and 90% of parents of children with autism saw signs of ASD in their children by the time they turned two years old according to the National Autism Association. Intervening early can have a positive impact on the child’s long-term success.

The NAA recommends using the acronym SPOT to look for early signs of autism.
 

  • S. Social Differences — avoiding eye contact, disinterest in other children, strange play patterns
  • P. Persistent Sensory Differences — gets upset over normal daily sounds; overreacts or underreacts to lights, smells, tastes, or textures
  • O. Obsessive Behaviors — flapping hands, rocking back and forth, focused on one object or activity
  • T. Talking Delayed — little or no babbling by one year; no words by 16 months; seems deaf; loses previous verbal skills or language
Teacher and Student in Class

Treatment Options

Treatment for ASD is centered on reducing the effect symptoms have on daily life. The range of strengths and challenges for people with autism varies dramatically since ASD affects people differently.

Treatment typically involves several professionals and are created for the individual. They are administered in community, education, health, or home settings, or a combination of some or all of those.

Communication is important so providers are all working toward similar goals and supporting the stated progress and expectations.

Treatments typically fall into the following categories:
 

  • Behavioral — Applied Behavior Analysis is a behavioral treatment encouraging desired behaviors and discouraging undesired behaviors to improve skills.
  • Developmental — These focus on speech, language, physical, and other connected skills.
  • Educational — Given in a classroom setting, this treatment category arms teachers with ways to adjust classroom structure to improve outcomes.
  • Social-relational — These treatments help build emotional bonds and often involve parents or peer mentors.
  • Pharmacological — There is no medication for ASD, but some medications are used for co-occurring symptoms like hyperactivity, anxiety, or depression.
  • Psychological — Cognitive-Behavior Therapy is an example of an approach, focusing on the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
  • Complementary and Alternative — These augment traditional approaches and could include special diets, animal therapy, mindfulness, art therapy, or chiropractic care.

We Can Answer Your Questions

AltaMed is available to provide specialized care to newborns, giving them the best start at life. That includes age-appropriate immunizations and screenings. Our pediatricians also have information on early childhood development milestones and can talk to you about any concerns you may have during your child’s first few years of life. They can also help you find specialists in areas like child neurology and pediatric developmental behavior. 

Get started by contacting us today at (877) 462-2582.

Get started with AltaMed

See how AltaMed Health Services can help your family grow healthy.

Learn More

Moving from Awareness to Acceptance of People with Autism