What is Autism? Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism and its associated behaviors have been estimated to occur in as many as 1 out of 31 children are being diagnosed. Today there are approximately Over 35,000 individuals in Central Florida. Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls and knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries. Family income, lifestyle, and educational levels do not affect the chance of autism’s occurrence. Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interaction, and leisure or play activities. The disorder makes it hard for them to communicate with others and relate to the outside world. In some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior may be present. Persons with autism may exhibit repeated body movements (hand flapping, rocking), unusual responses to people or attachments to objects and resistance to changes in routines. Individuals may also experience sensitivities in the five senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste.

There are no medical tests for diagnosing autism. An accurate diagnosis must be based on observation of the individual’s communication, behavior, and developmental levels. However, because many of the behaviors associated with autism are shared by other disorders, various medical tests may be ordered to rule out or identify other possible causes of the symptoms being exhibited. Since the characteristics of the disorder vary so much, ideally a child should be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team which may include a neurologist, psychologist, developmental pediatrician, speech/language therapist, learning consultant, or other professional knowledgeable about autism. Diagnosis is difficult for a practitioner with limited training or exposure to autism. Sometimes, well-meaning professionals have misdiagnosed autism. Difficulties in the recognition and acknowledgment of autism often lead to a lack of services to meet the complex needs of individuals with autism. A brief observation in a single setting cannot present a true picture of an individual’s abilities and behaviors. Parental (and other caregivers’) input and developmental history are very important components of making an accurate diagnosis. At first glance, some persons with autism may appear to have mental retardation, a behavior disorder, problems with hearing, or even odd and eccentric behavior. To complicate matters further, these conditions can co-occur with autism. However, it is important to distinguish autism from other conditions, since an accurate diagnosis and early identification can provided that basis for building an appropriate and effective educational and treatment program. Sometimes professionals who are not knowledgeable about the needs and opportunities for early intervention in autism do not offer an autism diagnosis even if it is appropriate. The hesitation may be due to a misguided wish to spare the family. Unfortunately, this too can lead to failure to obtain appropriate services for the child.

Individuals with autism usually exhibit at least half of the traits listed below. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and very intensity from symptom to symptom. In addition, the behavior usually occurs across many different situations and is consistently inappropriate for their age. • Insistence on sameness; resists change in routine • Severe language deficits • Difficulty in expressing needs; uses gestures or pointing instead of words • Echolalia (repeating words or phrases in place of normal responsive language) • Laughing, crying, or showing distress for reasons not apparent to others • Prefers to be alone: aloof manner • Tantrums – displays extreme distress for no apparent reason • Difficulty in mixing with others • May not want cuddling or act cuddly • Little or no eye contact • Unresponsive to normal teaching methods • Sustained odd play • Spins objects • Inappropriate attachment to objects • Apparent oversensitivity or undersensitivity to pain • No real fear of dangers • Noticeable physical overactivity or extreme underactivity • Not responsive to verbal cues; acts as if deaf although hearing tests in normal range • Uneven gross/fine motor skills (may not kick a ball but can stack blocks) Please note this symptom list is not a substitute for a full-scale diagnostic assessment.

Researchers from all over the world are devoting considerable time and energy into finding the answer to this critical question. Medical researchers are exploring different explanations for the various forms of autism. Although a single specific cause of autism is not known, current research links autism to biological or neurological differences in the brain. In many families there appears to be a pattern a autism or related disabilities – which suggest there is a genetic basis to the disorder – although at this time no gene has been directly linked to autism. The genetic basis is believed by researchers to be highly complex, probably involving several genes in combination.

Understanding of autism has grown tremendously since it was first described by Dr. Leo Kanner in 1943. Some of the earlier searched for “cures” now seem unrealistic in terms of today’s understanding of brain-based disorders. To cure means “to restore to health, soundness, of normality”. In the medical sense, there is no cure for the differences in the brain which result in autism. However, autism is treatable and individuals with autism can lead a fulfilling life.

During your information search, you will hear of many different treatments available for autism. Some of the therapies which you might read in print or hear in conversation include: auditory training, behavior modification, dietary interventions, education programs, facilitated communication, holding therapy, medication, music therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, sensory integration, vision therapy, vitamin therapy. Most professionals acknowledge that the treatment that has proven effective over time for the largest percentage of individuals with autism is a structured educational program geared to an individual’s development level. Parents have reported that many other treatments, like the ones listed above, have also proven effective for their individual child. Some parents will only want to try treatment methods that have undergone research and testing and are generally accepted by the professional community. For other, formal testing might not be a pre-requisite for them to try a treatment for their child. It is important, however that you gather the information concerning various options before making decisions concerning your child’s treatment. You will encounter numerous accounts from parents about successes and failures with any of the treatment options previously mentioned. You will also discover that professionals differ in their theories of what they fell is the most successful treatment for autism. It can be frustrating! You will find inconsistencies. But, you can learn to sift through them, and make rational educated decisions on what is appropriate for your child’s needs. Remember, you live with your child day to day. You know his/her needs and you will come to know his/her autism. TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS as you explore various options.

Autism is a life long developmental disability, the result of a neurological disorder affecting the functioning of the brain. Usually diagnosed during the first 3 years of life, and accurate diagnosis requires a team of professionals, which may include a pediatrician, child psychologist, speech therapist and occupational therapist, among others. The prevalence rate of 1 of every 31 children makes autism one of the most common developmental disabilities affecting over 3.5 million individuals in the United States alone. Autism occurs 4 times more frequently in males than females and frequently occurs in association with other disorders that affect the functioning of the brain, such as epilepsy or metabolic disturbances. Interferes with speech, learning and social skills development. Echolalia is a common characteristic of autism – the person with autism echoes the words and phrases of others instead of forming his/her own. Symptoms can include any combination of the following: • Abnormal responses to sensations, such as touch or hearing. • Unusual ways of relating to people, objects or events. • Disturbances in the rate of appearance of physical, social and language skills. Delays in language development are common. • Resistance to change. • Lack of spontaneous or imaginative play. • Difficulties with skilled motor functions. • Social withdrawal. Manifests as a spectrum disorder. Individuals with autism may display characteristics of the disorder that range from mild to severe.

Many myths about autism exist. Some are out-dates theories or idea which current research has proven false. Others are broad generalizations about autism characteristics, which may apply to some individuals with autism, but do not apply to all. Autism is a spectrum disorder, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Individuals very greatly; each person with autism is unique and a person fist and foremost. THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS ARE NOT TRUE: 1. Individuals with autism never make eye contact; they do not look at you. 2. Autism is a mental illness. 3. Progress means that a person doesn’t have autism. 4. Individuals with autism don’t speak. 5. Autism can be outgrown. 6. Individuals with autism cannot learn. 7. Underneath all of the difficult behaviors is a normal person. 8. Individuals with autism cannot show affection and do not respond to physical affection. 9. Individuals with autism do not want friends. 10. Individuals with autism do not relate to peers/adults. 11. Individuals with autism are very manipulative. 12. Individuals with autism could talk if they wanted to. 13. Individuals with autism can’t smile. 14. Individuals with autism don’t notice others and don’t pick up cues from peers/adults. 15. When a person with autism does not respond to a question/direction to which he has shown a previous correct responsive, he is being stubborn, non-compliant, and/or obnoxious.

Today over 3.5 million individuals in the U.S. are believed to have some form of autism, and this is a conservative estimate. It is not a rare disorder, as you may have been told. Autism is the second most prevalent development disability, more so that Down’s syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy or Multiple Sclerosis. Autism occurs in families across the world regardless on income, race, religion or social factors. It may surprise you that such noted celebrities as movie star Sylvester Stallone, Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino, and M*A*S*H* star William Christopher and more all have children with autism. ASGO is ran by volunteers, majority who are parents of children with autism and understand what it is like to live with an individual with autism. Once a parent receives a diagnosis, the next question frequently asked is “What do I need to do next to help my child?” Oftentimes the next step involves planning for individual’s education. As many professionals in the field of autism will agree, developing and appropriate community-based education and treatment program for an individual with autism at an early age is an important step in assisting a child to reach his/her potential. This is not to say that older children or even adults cannot learn to develop. Everyone Can! If your child is younger than 3 years old, he/she is eligible for “Early Intervention” assistance. This is a federally funded program. Early intervention assistance may be provided to you in your home or at a school/organization. Related serviced should also be offered depending on the needs of the child, such as speech therapy, physical therapy or occupational therapy. From the age of three through the age of twenty-one, your child is guaranteed a free appropriate public education supplied by your local education agency. We encourage you to fully understand your child’s rights to an education and other available services. Often the period immediately following the diagnosis can be a difficult one, full confusion, anger and despair. As many of our parents can tell you, we all have had a similar feelings. However, there is life after diagnosis. Life can be rewarding for a child with autism and all the people who have the privilege of knowing the child. Is it always easy? NO! Remember that few worthwhile experiences are. It is sad to loose a dream, and some dreams for your child might change but it can be exciting and challenging to build new ones. With proper support, people with autism can lead productive lives as adults, living and working in our community. You can learn to help your child find the world an interesting and loving place to be. We are here to help you do that. Please feel free to contact us. We do not have all the answers – no on will – but we can share information and resources (with your membership you will receive the Greater Orlando Resource Guide) and help you along the way.