Autism! What Everyone Should Know.

The survey, commissioned by Generation Rescue, compared vaccinated and unvaccinated children in nine counties in Oregon and California. Among more than 9,000 boys age 4-17, the survey found vaccinated boys were two and a half times (155%) more likely to have neurological disorders compared to their unvaccinated peers. Vaccinated boys were 224% more likely to have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and 61% more likely to have autism.

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Not until the middle of the twentieth century was there a name for a disorder that now appears to affect an estimated 3.4 every 1,000 children ages 3-10, a disorder that causes disruption in families and unfulfilled lives for many children. In 1943 Dr. Leo Kanner of the Johns Hopkins Hospital studied a group of 11 children and introduced the label early infantile autism into the English language. At the same time a German scientist, Dr. Hans Asperger, described a milder form of the disorder that became known as Asperger syndrome. Thus these two disorders were described and are today listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR (fourth edition, text revision)1 as two of the five pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), more often referred to today as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). All these disorders are characterized by varying degrees of impairment in communication skills, social interactions, and restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior.

The autism spectrum disorders can often be reliably detected by the age of 3 years, and in some cases as early as 18 months.2 Studies suggest that many children eventually may be accurately identified by the age of 1 year or even younger. The appearance of any of the warning signs of ASD is reason to have a child evaluated by a professional specializing in these disorders.

Parents are usually the first to notice unusual behaviors in their child. In some cases, the baby seemed "different" from birth, unresponsive to people or focusing intently on one item for long periods of time. The first signs of an ASD can also appear in children who seem to have been developing normally. When an engaging, babbling toddler suddenly becomes silent, withdrawn, self-abusive, or indifferent to social overtures, something is wrong. Research has shown that parents are usually correct about noticing developmental problems, although they may not realize the specific nature or degree of the problem.
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Citation for this publication:
Strock, Margaret (2004). Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pervasive Developmental Disorders). NIH Publication No. NIH-04-5511, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, 40 pp.

Some claim that dolphins have the power to heal. It has been suggested that dolphins can alleviate depression and promote a healing response but this is still somewhat controversial, and according to many dolphin scientists, is without any real scientific basis.

Water Planet has a "Harmony Program" where children with Autism, Down Syndrome or ADHD swim with dolphins. They claim to have noticed a significant improvement in communication skills with children who have participated in this program.

Water Planet will be conducting several sessions during the spring/summer of 2007. As of April 22, they still had availability for the following sessions: May 06 through 11, June 10 through 15, July 08 through 13, August 05 through 10.

You can learn more by visiting their site and contacting them.

While large scientific studies have found no association between autism and vaccines containing thimerosal, many parents claim different.

Theresa Cedillo said her daughter suffered five days of fever, her temperature often spiking to 105 degrees, after receiving a measles, mumps and rubella vaccination at age 15 months. Michelle was a happy, robust, responsive and loving child - in short, normal - but hasn't been the same since, her mother told the court.

There are many other parents with similar stories. Read about Michelle's court case here!

Read a news story on the link between vaccinations and autism here!

In discussing autistic children with the parents, there is one thing that they all have in common.
While they all love their children and are completely devoted to them, there comes a time when they feel as if they are running on pure instinct because they are beat both physically and mentally.

Taking care of an autistic child is a 24/7 job and they all agree that they would love to have just one hour a day that they could devote to themselves.

There is nothing selfish or uncaring about this. It is natural for us to yearn for a little time for ourselves. It is something that we need to replenish
our energy and relax our nerves.

Ask your spouse to take charge or hire a sitter or friend to stay with your child for an hour each day just so you can soak in the tub or curl up with a book.

You need it and you'll find that it makes a big difference both in how you feel and how you interact with others.

Having a problem asking for help getting that hour a day? Try one of Dene's t-shirts or buttons to let others know that you could use the help. Click Here to order your "Dog Tired" shirts or buttons!

Bradley Larios,a 12 year old autistic boy proves that having autism doesn't stop you from being creative.

Bradley got tired of leads that wouldn't hold up to his dogs, and that lacked functionality. What he found in the marketplace were leather leads that were quite expensive, yet made from cheap materials that would break when the dog pulled, flimsy hardware, stitching that weakened and unraveled, and overall poor designs or workmanship so he decided to design his own.

Read his story here.

I've recently been made aware of another site that may interest many of you. Although it is not just about autism, it has some great information on many disabilities, including autism.

I,ve added this link in case you're interested: Primolicious!

Great site Gary!

One of the articles on Autism that I found there is New Theory About Autism Roots!

I'm sure it will interest many of you.

Autism! Confusing Isn't It?

While this design on t-shirts and buttons may not appeal to some who must deal with Autism every day, it is a very effective tool in helping to spread awareness.

I find that many people who are confused and feel uncomfortable about autism, see this design and are willing to admit to their confusion and ask about it.

If you want to help others understand autism, these t-shirts and buttons might be a good way to start. You can get more details or order by Clicking Here!

My one grandson, we call him Bubba, is in 3rd grade and they have him doing 4th grade work in half of his subjects.

The school called my daughter in for a conference the other day, and said that they thought that she should have him tested. Not for autism but for ADD.

I know, this lens is about Autism, but I'm sure some of you have delt with ADD and I'd appreciate some opinions.

Bubba has always been full of "spit and vinager"(lots of energy), and extra smart. The teachers say that he finishes his work, then disrupts the class by wanting to talk or whatever. He won't just sit in his seat and be quiet.

They, apparently feel that he needs to be put on medications to slow(quiet) him down. I think that medicating him is rediculous!

His grades are at the top of his class. Even with the 4th grade work. I think that the work is just too easy for him and he gets bored, but is that a good reason to medicate him? Shouldn't he somehow be allowed to learn at his own speed and not be medicated to hold him back?

Yes, I know that schools are set up to teach large classes and not to cater to an individual just because he has the capacity to learn faster. But, at the same time, he shouldn't be punished for this ability.

It seems like schools, and everyone else, wants to say that any kids that have to much energy have ADD anymore. The first thing that they want to do is medicate them. Hell, a third of the kids are being medicated for something. It's no wonder that we have such a drug problem! We teach them that drugs are the answer to everything from the time they're old enough to walk.

Although people with autism usually appear physically normal, unusual repetitive motions, known as self-stimulation or "stimming," may set them apart. These behaviors might be extreme or subtle. Some children and older individuals spend a lot of time repeatedly flapping their arms or wiggling their toes, others suddenly freeze in position. Some spend hours arranging objects in a certain way rather than engaging in pretend play as a typical child might, and becoming agitated if they are re-arranged or moved. Repetitive behaviors can also extend into the spoken word; perseveration of a single word or phrase can also become a part of the child's daily routine. Some may repeat words from movies and watch certain bits over and over again. Autistic children may demand consistency in their environment. A slight change in the timing, format or route of a routine or trip can be extremely disturbing to them. Autistics sometimes have persistent, intense preoccupations. For example, the child might be obsessed with learning all about computers, television programs, lighthouses or virtually any other topic.

Autism is defined in section 299.00 of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM-IV) as:

A total of six (or more) items from (1), (2) and (3), with at least two from (1), and one each from (2) and (3):
1. qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following:
a: marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction
b: failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
c: a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest)
d: lack of social or emotional reciprocity
2. qualitative impairments in communication as manifested by at least one of the following:
a: delay in, or total lack of, the development of spoken language (not accompanied by an attempt to compensate through alternative modes of communication such as gesture or mime)
b: in individuals with adequate speech, marked impairment in the ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others
c: stereotyped and repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic language
d: lack of varied, spontaneous make-believe play or social imitative play appropriate to developmental level
3. restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, as manifested by at least one of the following:
a: encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus
b: apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals
c: stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements)
d: persistent preoccupation with parts of objects
4. Delays or abnormal functioning in at least one of the following areas, with onset prior to age 3 years:
a: social interaction
b: language as used in social communication
c: symbolic or imaginative play.
5. The disturbance is not better accounted for by Rett's Disorder or Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.

These are rules of thumb and may not necessarily apply to all diagnosed autistics.

All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License.

For any of you that are visiting this lens that have been diagnosed with autism, I'd like to apoligize!

Because of the way that I've seen some autistic people treated,I wanted to do something to help. In the process, I seem to be confusing myself and I'm not sure that I'm not confusing others as well.

Some tell me that the article from Wikipedia is a bunch of crap, but I get the same information from most of the autistic sites that I visit. It's just worded differently on different sites.

From what I've been reading, most of my experiences have been with extreme cases of autism and not necessarily with autism in general.

What most confuses me is that from what I've been finding in my research, is that just about everyone could be diagnosed as having some degree of autism.

Depending on the doctor, research team or whomever, it would appear that if you are a little different than what society considers "normal", you could be diagnosed as being autistic.

Again, if this sounds cold or unfeeling, please forgive me, I don't mean it to be. It just seems to me that todays medical profession is a little to quick in diagnosing someone as being autistic, or they are using the word autistic to describe anything that they are not sure of. And by doing this, they are causing more harm than good.

As one person, I don't know what I can do to change the way autism is viewed, but I do plan on learning as much as I can and bringing what I learn to this lens.

If any visitors to this lens has information that might "enlighten" me, I would appreciate your comments.

OK! I know the intro is "textbook" stuff about Autism, and most of you have already read everything that you can lay your hands on, but there are still a lot of folks out there that are just finding out about it.

The textbooks can't really tell you everything though, so here is a good spot for you to share some of your experiences. IF YOU DEAL WITH AUTISM, VIST OUR GUESTBOOK AND TELL US ABOUT IT!

Some people spend most of their lives knowing that something isn't quite right, but not knowing what it is. Others lives are turned upside down because of Autism.

The more we can share about the affects that Autism has had on our lives, the easier it will be for others to understand.

Imagine if you would, a bus picking up your Autistic child or relative each morning to transport them to a learning center. You're thrilled that there is a place that will help teach them a skill and better prepare them for what the world has to offer, because you know that you can't do it all by yourself.

Would you be just as thrilled if you could be that "proverbial" little mouse, watching what goes on all day?

Watching your autistic child learning the skills of sorting other peoples dirty cloths and trash?

Watching your autistic child being yelled at because they accidentlly threw a dirty shirt in the wrong pile?

Watching your autistic child get paid a few cents an hour for scrubbing store floors or washing dirty laundry?

Some may consider this "teaching a skill", but it appears more like slave labor!

While we condemn child "labor factories" in other countries, we condone it right here at home. We subject our autistic children and relatives to what is nothing more than "slave labor camps" in the guise of teaching them a skill.

I've been there! I've watched as these "clients" have been treated like some 3rd class citizen. I've seen some of the abuse!

And no, it would do you little good to spend the day at one of these "learning centers". They are very good at "cleaning up their act" when company is around.

What you can do is talk with your autistic child. Pay attention! You know your child. If he/she is reluctant to get on that bus, or complains about their day, pay attention. Don't just brush it off!

The presidents and vice-presidents of these places that "help" people with disabilities make big bucks in the form of salaries. They may be convincing in their speeches about being dedicated, but like so many others, their dedication is to a big fat paycheck.

And that well trained specialist who is in charge of teaching your autistic or disabled child new skills? Just another person doing a job to pay the bills. Even if they "care", they're not going to rock the boat and lose their job.

Getting help in teaching your autistic child new skills and preparing them for life's pitfalls is great! But, pay attention! Listen when they complain. Find out why they may not want to get on that bus. And, heaven forbid, check out any new bruises.

Not every "learning center" has these problems, but many of them do. Check yours out!

These banners are links to some great and reliable stores so if you're shopping on-line, why not give them a try? Besides, I get a few cents commission anytime someone buys using one of these links! It doesn't cost you any extra and it helps me out, so thanks in advance!

If you've made it this far, I'd appreciate it if you would check out Dene's Place to see if there's anything that you might like for yourself or as a gift. It helps me pay the bills!

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to check out my other lenses when you have time.

Much of the information used here has been researched from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License.