Autism

In Canada, up until 2014, there has been no government monitoring system in place to give accurate statistics on the prevalence of ASD. What is known, is that ASD is the most common neurological disorder or severe developmental disability in childhood. A 2014 report by Autism Speaks Canada indicated that in the US, 1 in 68 children was diagnosed with ASD. Boys are 5 times more likely to be identified with ASD than girls. Most children are diagnosed after the age of 4, however the diagnosis can come earlier. Autism (or ASD) is a wide-spectrum disorder. This means that no two people with autism will have exactly the same symptoms. As well as experiencing varying combinations of symptoms, some people will have mild symptoms while others will have severe ones. Dana Lowry has worked in a variety of areas related to Autism. She has been an active advocate for those with Autism and in this presentation provides the viewer with an understanding of what it is like to live with Autism. Call responders can benefit from getting more knowledge about this neurological disorder and understanding how family members are impacted when someone in the family is diagnosed with Autism. Greater knowledge allows for empathy to develop, and this in turn increases the effectiveness of the call responder when dealing with people who call regarding this issue. Questions for Further Consideration: 1. Is there any way for a parent to tell if their child may have autism? Although every child develops differently, it is important for parents to be aware of the developmental stages of growth for children. The following "red flags" may indicate a child is at risk for an autism spectrum disorder. If the child exhibits any of the following, it may be helpful to speak to a pediatrician or family doctor for an evaluation: No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions by nine months No babbling by 12 months No back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving by 12 months No words by 16 months No meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating) by 24 months Any loss of speech, babbling or social skills at any age 2. Can an adult be diagnosed with Autism, and if so, what happens next? Yes, an adult can be diagnosed with autism. When anyone is diagnosed, the most important next step is for professionals and family members involved with the person to learn about the methods of support and intervention used with individuals with ASD and apply them to their interactions with this person. Local agencies specializing in developmental disabilities in general or ASD in particular, and resources on the Internet, are excellent places to look for this information. The diagnosis will also allow parents of adults to find support groups with those in similar situations. What are some of the family issues that can arise as a result of a family member having autism? The demands of living with a person with autism are great, and families frequently experience high levels of stress. Parents have to deal with behaviors and pursue treatments while also planning for the future; siblings might feel embarrassed or overlooked; and it’s important for the whole family to stay involved in the community. Recognizing and preparing for the challenges in store will make a tremendous difference to everyone involved, including parents, siblings, grandparents, extended family and friends. A child’s autism diagnosis affects every member of the family in different ways. Parents and caregivers must now place their primary focus on helping their child with ASD, which may put stress on their marriage, other children, work, finances, and personal relationships and responsibilities. Parents now have to shift much of their resources of time and money towards providing treatment and interventions for their child, to the exclusion of other priorities. The needs of a child with ASD complicates familial relationships, especially with siblings. However, parents can help their family by informing their other children about autism and the complications it introduces, understanding the challenges siblings face and helping them cope, and involving members of the extended family to create a network of help and understanding. (Reference: Living with Autism | Autism Society - Autism Society) Glossary: Autism spectrum disorder: is a serious neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs a child's ability to communicate and interact with others. It also includes restricted repetitive behaviors, interests and activities. These issues cause significant impairment in social, occupational and other areas of functioning. (Mayo Clinic) Asperger Syndrome: a developmental disorder related to autism and characterized by higher than average intellectual ability coupled with impaired social skills and non-verbal communication and restrictive, repetitive patterns of interest and activities.