What is Autism?

Autism is not exactly one thing. More accurately, it is called “Autism Spectrum Disorder” (ASD) because there is a range of forms that this disorder can take. For example, Autistic Disorder, Rett Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Pervasive Development Disorder, and Asperger Syndrome are all under the umbrella of ASD. To say that someone “has autism” simply means that they fit into this group of complex disorders of brain development. Just as there is no one type of autism, there is no one cause. Recent research has identified certain gene mutations that are associated with autism, but most cases are a combination of these genes and environmental factors that affect early brain development.

Although autism is not tied to race or nationality, there are still certain factors that could increase a child’s risk. For example, boys are four to five times more likely to develop autism than girls, and families with one child who has autism are more likely to have another child with the disorder. Other medical conditions, like fragile X-syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, Tourette syndrome, or epilepsy, increase a child’s risk of developing autism.

Recent statistics show that 1 in 88 American children are on the autism spectrum – ten times what it was 40 years ago. This disorder affects over 2 million people in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide. About 40 percent of those affected have average to above average intellectual abilities (both Mozart and Lewis Carroll are thought to have been Autistic) and many have exceptional visual or musical abilities. Others are affected in such a way that makes living independently very difficult and about 25 percent are non-verbal, but learn to communicate in alternate ways.

There are certain language, behavioral, and social signs that indicate a child may be on the spectrum for Autism. Failure to respond to their name, poor eye contact, resistance to being touched, delayed or nonexistent speech, repeating words or phrases without apparent comprehension of their meaning, performing repetitive motions (like rocking, shaking, or hand flapping), developing routines that cannot be changed, sensitivity to light, sound, or touch, but engages in harmful activities, like headbanging, are all signs of autism.

Although there is no exact cure for autism, there are very beneficial therapies, like speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and nutrition therapy that can help treat some of the symptoms of autism. For example, if a child with autism has trouble with conversational skills, like eye contact or gestures, or can only hum, grunt, or shriek, speech therapy can be very helpful in overcoming these barriers. If an autistic child has trouble dressing themselves, brushing their teeth, or using a pen/pencil, occupational therapy can help improve these fine motor skills. If they have trouble sitting or standing, or coordinating large movements of their limbs, like catching or throwing, a physical therapist can help strengthen their gross motor skills and coordination.

If you have any questions regarding Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical therapy or Nutrition therapy for treating Autism please give us a call at 904-652-5408.  We have 3 locations in the greater Jacksonville area.

 

 

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