In this section, staff from the center respond
to your questions.
1.
What exactly is autism?
Autism is a complex developmental disorder which is linked to the abnormal biology and chemistry in the brain. This
disorder appears within the first 3 years of life and affects social and developmental skills.
2. Is there a screening tool that parents
can use that can be done immediately and doesn't take a lot of time?
The M-Chat (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers) which can be found online, is a popular parent questionnaire with
23 yes-and-no questions that focus on the child's language and social skills which screens for the possibility of autism spectrum
disorder in children as young as 16 months. Keep in mind it should be scored by a professional.
3. Has there been any progress in research
in finding the causes of autism?
Yes,
10 percent of all children with autism have an identified genetic disorder, such as Fragile-X or Rett's disorder and more
research is being directed at potential environmental triggers.
4.
How common is autism?
Autism is one of the four major developmental disabilities. It occurs in one to two of every 110 births, however if
you look at all children with ASD (PDD, Autism, ADD, ADHD,
learning disabilities, etc.) the number may eventually become 1 in every 5 children.
5. Can those
with autism learn meaningful job skills?
Specialty training with job coaches for people with autism enables them to learn skills that will help them
to obtain work in competitive employment, supported employment or in sheltered workshop programs.
6. Are there any red flag signs of autism I should
look for in my infant?
If you notice a lack of "joint attention", which develops around nine months it may require further investigation.
There will be a lack of shared enjoyment about a person or object. You may notice vocal patterns that go on and on and
squeals where the quality of the tone seems odd. This could signal trouble. It may be difficult to get your infant
to smile by six months. The development of these abilities is critical for more complex social behavior.
7. I am wondering,
is there is a difference between the diagnosis of autism and autism spectrum?
Autism is a specific diagnosis with a complex set of criteria defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
of Mental Health Disorders (fourth edition, text revision), known as the DSM-IV-TR, while autism
spectrum is the category that lists the five spectrum disorders.
8. My daughter doesn't want to hear the diagnosis of autism, is that normal
and what can I do to change her mind to get my grandchild evaluated?
Often denial is a natural instinct, however, you can provide your daughter with facts about autism emphasizing the importance
of early diagnosis and treatment which can mean a world of difference in the outcome for her child. There are many books
which may help, "Act Early Against Autism," written by Jayne Lytel, a parent of an autistic child, may be a
good resource to help your daughter realize the importance in taking that crucial first step as well as many online resources. Another
great resource is a book written by Dr. Doris Rapp, "Is This Your Child?" Discuss with her those traits that
seem to be red flags emphasizing and encouraging her to talk them over with the child's medical provider.
9. What Can My Child Eat on a GFCF Diet?
In general children can eat a wide variety of meat, chicken, eggs, fruits, and vegetables -– anything that does not
contain wheat gluten or casein. It is generally recommended that organic, whole GFCF foods be consumed whenever possible.
GFCF advocates caution that even a little bit of wheat or dairy could have a big
impact on a child with autism. To avoid accidentally eating the wrong foods, it's important to read labels carefully -- wheat
and dairy are often "hidden" ingredients in packaged products. It's also very important to inform teachers, therapists,
and other adults in your child's life that he is now wheat and dairy free.
