Healthwisery

Many refer to it as an epidemic now that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in every 110 children born in the United States is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, also known as ASD. For boys the numbers are even more alarming, standing at one in 70.

Some suggest this is the result of better diagnosing and record-keeping–plus, in the past, only severely affected children were identified. Moreover, the definition of autism has been expanded to include a range of milder, related conditions, and recently the American Psychiatric Association officially moved Asperger’s into the autism category.

AUTISM FACTS:

• If one identical twin has ASD, there’s a 60%-90% chance that the other will be affected.

• In non-identical twins, if one child has ASD, there’s a 2%-8% chance the other will, too.

• The median age of an ASD diagnosis is between 4.5 and 5.5 years.

• 51% to 91% of the time, developmental concerns are noted before the 3rd birthday.

• Diagnosis is up 10% to 20% annually.

• About 40% of affected children do not talk at all.

• 25% to 30% affected children have some words at 12 to 18 months and then lose them.

• Some children may speak, but not until later in childhood.

• Studies suggest that the cost, over the lifetime of an ASD-diagnosed child, is $3.2 million.

So, of course, we worry. What’s “normal” anyway? Aren’t all kids kind of quirky? Plus, everyone knows you shouldn’t compare one child with another, so… Continue reading ‘Info 101 – Autism Spectrum Disorder’ »

Autism – A Beautiful Soul

When our children are born into this world, we are probably besotted with their exquisite little bodies, fingers, hands, faces and their unique presence. The miracle of nature is before us as we hold that little bunny-rug wrapped bundle, as our hearts ooze with love and all the maternal or paternal juices that can flow.

We could dream of the future our babes may have as they will soon travel through their developmental milestones, perhaps just as their big brother or sister is seamlessly doing.

But with this new precious soul, we may soon discover that some milestones and typical expectations of their growth may not be traveling along as you had hoped, dreamed of, desired or expected. You may start to suspect that not all is as it ‘should’ be and begin to seek the answers why.

With our subsequent research, questions, doctors and specialist visits, various ‘tests’ for the child, worries and concerns, we may soon learn that our son or daughter is described or diagnosed as being on the Autism Spectrum.

With this revelation perhaps comes many responses, reactions, concerns, challenges for our belief ‘systems’; perceptions of life, the present, the future and other people; our own physical and emotional resilience and that of our other children, and may feel we have just been thrust at lightening speed onto another planet. Some of my clients have described this new experience as being one of now living in a forth dimension.

Continue reading ‘Autism – A Beautiful Soul’ »