Autism:
- Autism is a life-long brain disorder that is normally diagnosed in early childhood.
- People with autism have difficulties communicating, forming relationships with others and find it hard to make sense of the world around them.
- Autism is a spectrum disorder varying in symptoms, severity and impact from person to person and ranging from those with no speech and limited cognitive ability to those of high IQ and typically highly-focused interests and abilities. Repetitive behaviours are common across the spectrum, which includes Asperger Syndrome. This is a form of autism in which speech development and IQ are normal, but in which social disability can be compounded by depression or other mental health problems.
- Some people with autism demonstrate significantly challenging behaviours; most need specialist support and care.
- A distinction is made in assessing the needs of people with autism between those who have an IQ of less than 70, who are described as low functioning and classified as learning disabled, and those who have an IQ above 70 who are often described as high functioning.
- Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.
- In total more than half a million people in the UK have an autism spectrum disorder.
- Autism affects people of all racial, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
(From, Autism Speaks)
-The National Autistic Society
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We provide student support, work preparation programmes, job-finding support and employment support for people with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We also help employers with the recruitment, training and retention of staff with an ASD. -BBC
US researchers compared 56 children with autism with 56 who did not have the condition.
Those with autism were found to have more problems with complex tasks, such as tying their shoelaces, suggesting many areas of the brain were affected.
A UK autism expert said the Child Neuropsychology study showed how pervasive the condition was.
People with autism are traditionally identified as having problems interacting with others and with both verbal and non-verbal communication.
They can also display repetitive behaviours and have very focused interests.
But this study suggests autism can affect sensory perception, movement and memory because it prevents different parts of the brain working together to achieve complex tasks.
Full Article...
There was a documentary i saw involving Autism, on BBC iplayer (http://bbc.co.uk/i/mnkd3/)
The programme followed school children who are lobbying MPs to tighten the rules on classroom acoustics at a time when the government is investing in the renovation and building of schools. Poor acoustics make it difficult for children with hearing impairment to concentrate and follow their lessons, yet there is no obligation to meet the recommended acoustic standards.
We meet a family trying to find the right kind of education for their five-year-old son Adham, who is deaf and autistic, and there is a visit to Heathlands school to see the launch of the first GCSE in BSL.
- Broadcast on:
- BBC Two, 1:00pm Thursday 10th September 2009
-BBC
System 'failing autistic adults'
| Emma Wilkinson Health reporter, BBC News |
 Adults with autism can become socially isolated |
Thousands of people with autism in England are failing to get the diagnosis and specialist help they need, the National Audit Office says.
Most local authorities do not know how many adults with autism live in the area and provide no specific services.
Yet better support in areas such as housing and employment could save the taxpayer millions of pounds in the long run, a report concluded.
The government is due to publish its first autism strategy later this year.
People with autism struggle to communicate socially and have trouble understanding facial expressions and tone of voice and recognising emotions.
Around half of those with autism also have a learning disability, but for those who do not - those with high functioning autism, such as Asperger Syndrome - accessing support for housing, further education and employment can be particularly hard, the NAO said.
Three-quarters of local authorities have no commissioning plan in place for specialist autism services and 65% struggle to find appropriate housing.
The report also found that children with autism are often abandoned by specialist services when they turn 18, due to a lack of adult services or a proper transition plan.
Full article...-DukeHealth
What Causes Autism?
Many neurological conditions can cause autism including congenital infection (German Measles), neonatal brain injury, genetic abnormalities (Fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, Down syndrome, CHARGE syndrome, and others), and metabolic conditions (PKU, organic acidurias, and others).
It is known that genetics plays a role. Parents of one child with autism have a 5 to 8 percent chance of having another child with the condition. Boys outnumber girls three to one. Ninety percent of identical twins share autism.
Specific genes have been identified in some families that are associated with autism, but this is rare. Studies show that autism is a very complex disorder that probably results from a combination of genes and environmental factors. Numerous research studies are currently underway to determine which genes and environmental factors are involved.
Some children with autism have “developmental regression” that begins generally between 15 and 30 months of age. These children “go backwards,” losing skills they once had. They need to be evaluated carefully for metabolic diseases and for a kind of epilepsy called LKS. Treatments of these conditions can be helpful.
A genetic workup is indicated for many patients. Overall a cause of autism is found in less than 10 percent of cases.
It is important for parents not to blame themselves for having a child with autism. Doing so is bad for them and bad for the children. There is nothing known at this time that they could have done to prevent autism.
Clinical Evaluation
The diagnosis of autism should be made as early as possible, so therapies can begin. The diagnosis can be made by experienced clinicians on the basis of history and observation.
Standardized tests, especially the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI), can show where a child falls on the autistic spectrum and are useful for getting services in the school system and community.
In North Carolina, the TEACCH Program has served people with autism since the 1970s. Started by Professor Eric Schopler of the University of North Carolina, TEACCH was one of the first programs to take a positive attitude toward making a difference in the lives of people with autism.
People with autism are eligible for services throughout life and should be registered for a TEACCH evaluation as soon as the diagnosis is suspected. Although there is often a long wait to be seen, the wait is worth it. TEACCH Regional Center contact information can be found online.
Treatment
Early treatment is best. The cornerstone of treatment for children with autism is language/communication therapy.
Other therapies such as occupational therapy, behavior management, and social skills training are also often helpful. Classrooms for children with autism in schools are appropriate for some but not all children. The treatment of autism is beyond the scope of this brief essay.
The Duke Autism Program
The Autism Program at Duke began 15 years ago under the leadership of Dr. G. Robert DeLong, Professor of Neurology Emeritus, a distinguished investigator into autism and autism related disorders.
The program now consists of two physicians, Dr. Richard D’Alli, a child psychiatrist, and myself, as well as two speech therapists and a clinic coordinator. Dr. DeLong has remained involved as the research director. The principal roles of the program are diagnosis and pharmacological management.
The diagnosis is made clinically by the physicians. For those families willing to participate in the Neurogenetics Unit Study (see below), the tests mentioned above (ADOS and ADI) can be done free of charge within eight weeks.
A substantial minority of patients with autism have an associated behavioral or developmental problem for which pharmacological management can be helpful. These problems include selective mutism, obsessive behaviors, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, aggressive behavior, and mood instability.
Our philosophy is that zero is the right number of medications for a child with autism. For us to continue a medication, both parents and observers who are unaware that the child is on medication must see an undeniable improvement in the child’s behaviors. Parent education and help in finding community services are also provided. We make an effort to stick with families over the long haul and to help them solve problems as they arise.
Right, so thats what i found. Up next, some stuff i found about documentaries!
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