First off what is Autism? According to Autism Speaks it is a spectrum disorder and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.Autism appears to have its roots in very early brain development. However, the most obvious signs of autism and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between 2 and 3 years of age. Autism Speaks continues to fund research on effective methods for earlier diagnosis, as early intervention with proven behavioral therapies can improve outcomes. Increasing autism awareness is a key aspect of this work and one in which our families and volunteers play an invaluable role.
That pretty much sums it up. Here's a little more detail: What causes Autism?
What Does It Mean to Be “On the Spectrum”?
What Does It Mean to Be “On the Spectrum”?
Not long ago, the answer to this question would have been “we have no idea.” Research is now delivering the answers. First and foremost, we now know that there is no one cause of autism just as there is no one type of autism. Over the last five years, scientists have identified a number of rare gene changes, or mutations, associated with autism. A small number of these are sufficient to cause autism by themselves. Most cases of autism, however, appear to be caused by a combination of autism risk genes and environmental factors influencing early brain development.
In the presence of a genetic predisposition to autism, a number of nongenetic, or “environmental,” stresses appear to further increase a child’s risk. The clearest evidence of these autism risk factors involves events before and during birth. They include advanced parental age at time of conception (both mom and dad), maternal illness during pregnancy and certain difficulties during birth, particularly those involving periods of oxygen deprivation to the baby’s brain. It is important to keep in mind that these factors, by themselves, do not cause autism. Rather, in combination with genetic risk factors, they appear to modestly increase risk.
A growing body of research suggests that a woman can reduce her risk of having a child with autism by taking prenatal vitamins containing folic acid and/or eating a diet rich in folic acid (at least 600 mcg a day) during the months before and after conception.
Increasingly, researchers are looking at the role of the immune system in autism. Autism Speaks is working to increase awareness and investigation of these and other issues, where further research has the potential to improve the lives of those who struggle with autism.
Each individual with autism is unique. Many of those on the autism spectrum have exceptional abilities in visual skills, music and academic skills. About 40 percent have average to above average intellectual abilities. Indeed, many persons on the spectrum take deserved pride in their distinctive abilities and “atypical” ways of viewing the world. Others with autism have significant disability and are unable to live independently. About one third of people with ASD are nonverbal but can learn to communicate using other means. Autism Speaks’ mission is to improve the lives of all of all those on the autism spectrum. For some, this means the development and delivery of more effective treatments that can address significant challenges in communication and physical health. For others, it means increasing acceptance, respect and support.
Now that you have a little more information, let me talk about my experiences with this disorder. As I said I know three people in my own personal life that suffer with it. I'll start with the most severe. Lil Man (I wish to keep under wraps out of respect to his family.)
Lil Man is 6 years of age but his mind is of a 3 year old. Now up to the age of 4 he only spoke maybe 5 words. His parents thought he would never talk, even after 2 months of insistence therapy. Finally he started speaking as if he's always been speaking. all the time. He still has trouble with some things and still doesn't speak too well but now you're able to understand some of what he wants. Now Lil man still has his moments of tantrums. He would get to over stimulated and he will freak out. When I'm with him he only says a few short sentences and still points to what he wants but at least I know what he's talking about. Now, to also give an idea of the ununderstanding of things, he doesn't understand his actions have dangerous consequences. I won't get into detail but I know he's done somethings that makes yu understand he meant no harm.
Now to my son. Jeremiah:
My son has a mild case that use to be called Asperger. He is now 11 years old. Now they see that as part of the Autism family. When he was growing up I knew something was different about him. He was slow beginning things, even though he's very smart. At some point I knew something was so wrong that I had him checked out and at the age of three he was diagnosed. I couldn't get him on medications because of the people I lived with. They thought I was making it up and I just wanted to change my son. Now about fast-forward four years, he started hitting himself and getting really depressed so I had to make him see a doctor again. This time I made him take his medication. I was scared for my son. He was Baker Acted about a few months ago because he wasn't just hitting himself, he was punching his face. I later found out it was caused by him not taking his medication properly. When he came home I was on him every day. Did you take your meds? Every morning and every night. Now he's doing better but it's still a day by day process. I didn't find out, Legos and video games are great things for him. He gets to build and he uses his mind more. However, in school, he needs special one on one time to understand what he's doing and to keep his grades up.
Now finally, my fiance: Mike
Now Mike is self-diagnosed but after he's gone into a few of my therapy sessions he's been diagnosed with Autism. I say self-diagnosed because he's never seen a doctor to tell him yes or no but you'd be surprised on how he's changed. Now as far as I've been told when he was growing up he would beat himself up and go into rage fits. He became solaced and didn't like being around people. However once he finished school he really got into the music scene. He was the lead singer of his band and even cut his own tracks. But he was still having rage fits which made him difficult. Or I'd assume because I know how he is when he has those rage fits and I don't like them. Now at some point he went online he tried to figure out what was wrong and came to diet that has actually helped over the years. It's a gultin-free casein-free diet. Basically you eat nothing that is made with wheat or milk. We've had to get creative on his foods. Thank goodness we found Earth Orgins in Port Charlotte. Now he can have pancakes, cakes, pizza, butter and cheese all over again without breaking his diet. Now, Mike has a bit of OCD but there's nothing that can be done about it. In fact, it drives me crazy because I hate reparation. Also when he feels he's done something foolish he will still hit himself. That act has only scared me once. Now, like Jeremiah, Mike is good with video games. He lost his passion for music once he started his diet. He plays until he feels he can't pass anymore and stops. Doesn't stop him from collecting for games and knowing how the game plays out.
Now those three males are whom I've known the pasts few years with Autism. Come to think about it, I don't think I've ever met a female with Autism. I'm sure one day I will. I hope this has been useful to you and maybe, you'll have more questions. I'm always open to help someone with how I feel or think about this subject.
Thanks.
Now finally, my fiance: Mike
Now Mike is self-diagnosed but after he's gone into a few of my therapy sessions he's been diagnosed with Autism. I say self-diagnosed because he's never seen a doctor to tell him yes or no but you'd be surprised on how he's changed. Now as far as I've been told when he was growing up he would beat himself up and go into rage fits. He became solaced and didn't like being around people. However once he finished school he really got into the music scene. He was the lead singer of his band and even cut his own tracks. But he was still having rage fits which made him difficult. Or I'd assume because I know how he is when he has those rage fits and I don't like them. Now at some point he went online he tried to figure out what was wrong and came to diet that has actually helped over the years. It's a gultin-free casein-free diet. Basically you eat nothing that is made with wheat or milk. We've had to get creative on his foods. Thank goodness we found Earth Orgins in Port Charlotte. Now he can have pancakes, cakes, pizza, butter and cheese all over again without breaking his diet. Now, Mike has a bit of OCD but there's nothing that can be done about it. In fact, it drives me crazy because I hate reparation. Also when he feels he's done something foolish he will still hit himself. That act has only scared me once. Now, like Jeremiah, Mike is good with video games. He lost his passion for music once he started his diet. He plays until he feels he can't pass anymore and stops. Doesn't stop him from collecting for games and knowing how the game plays out.
Now those three males are whom I've known the pasts few years with Autism. Come to think about it, I don't think I've ever met a female with Autism. I'm sure one day I will. I hope this has been useful to you and maybe, you'll have more questions. I'm always open to help someone with how I feel or think about this subject.
Thanks.
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