About Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complex neuro-biological disorder that is usually diagnosed before a child is three years old. While there is no known cause of or cure for autism, there are many effective treatments and interventions for the disorder. Autism is not the epidemic the media may have us believe, and it is not caused by vaccines.
ASD is not a new disorder
Autism is not a new disorder. First given a name in 1943, autism has likely been around for centuries. The criteria for diagnosing ASD have changed significantly since the middle of the last century, becoming more precise and focused. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 17 percent of children under age 18 are affected by a behavioral, developmental, or learning disability, and that the incidence rate for ASDs is as high as 1 in 150 children.
While these figures make ASDs the fastest growing developmental disorder in the United States, there is not a consensus as to whether ASD is an “epidemic.” ASDs may seem more common now than previously thought because there are broader diagnosis criteria, an increased public and professional awareness of symptoms of ASD, and perhaps a “true rise in prevalence,” according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Nevertheless, autism is not the sweeping epidemic that the media attention on it may have parents believe. This is not to downplay the need for parents to be highly aware of developmental delays that may indicate autism, but rather to let parents know that the increase in diagnoses should not be a cause for great alarm.
Vaccines not to blame
While there has been a great deal of speculation as to a possible connection between routine childhood vaccinations and an increase in ASD diagnoses, parents can rest assured that no scientific evidence exists to link the two. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that “sufficient evidence now suggests that vaccines and thimerosal are not likely responsible for the apparent rise in prevalence” of ASDs. Research suggests there may be a link between autism and environmental exposure, but parents should not be concerned that routine vaccinations are a cause of autism.
Treatment and Intervention proving successful
No medical tests can diagnose autism, and there is no cure for this complex disorder. However, research into interventions and treatments for autism is proving very successful. With an early diagnosis, followed by early treatment and intervention, the outcome for those affected by autism is positive.
Autism research is a growing field, and research on treatments and interventions is at the forefront. Applied behavioral analysis, communication interventions and speech therapy, sensory integration, and other treatments such as diet and medications, are all being investigated as ways to help those affected with ASD.
Although a diagnosis of autism would be understandably very troubling for parents, parents should bear in mind that an incurable disorder is not the same as one that is untreatable. ASD is a treatable disorder, and research in the areas of treatment and intervention yields is proving quite fruitful.