It’s special because it is one of the few, if not the only condition that imparts strengths as well as weaknesses. People with autism spectrum diagnoses have normal to very high IQs, and many have special skills. A few of us have remarkable and even extraordinary abilities. These people are called prodigious savants. Many of us have islands of ability and what are known as splinter skills.

Autism spectrum diagnoses are now known to be largely genetic in origin, and runs in families. Twin studies have uncovered many examples of identical (monozygotic) twins having autism spectrum diagnoses. One may have autism and the other AS, but when one identical twin is autistic, the other one is as well. If autistic conditions were not genetic, this would probably not happen.

Some people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder can perform well in particular areas. Drawing, music, calendar calculation and memory are the most common skills. These savant talents represent a very small percentage of people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Below is a list of frequently asked questions concerning environmental health and autism, and related issues.

Autism is a brain condition, present from birth, which affects the way the brain processes information. In 1995, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) concluded that autism probably results from a genetic susceptibility that involves multiple genes. A variety of factors could be associated with some forms of autism, including infectious, metabolic, genetic, neurological, and environmental factors.

In 2003, a detailed, federally supported study was published on the prevalence of autism spectrum conditions among children aged 3 to 10 years in metropolitan Atlanta. Using 1996 data, that study showed the prevalence for autism was 3.4 per 1000, with a male-female ratio of 4 to 1. The study did not show a major increase in autism compared to studies done in the 1980s and early 1990s.

Since autism has been thought to be a low incidence condition, funds have not been adequately appropriated to find its cause or treatment. Guesses at the prevalence and incidence of ASD's do not merit the attention of the Federal Government. They need to see data.

Certain behaviors exhibited to stimulate the senses, such as switching a light on and off repeatedly or humming loudly. Uneven skill development. Some skills are normal or superior for their age while others show significant delay.

We find that all people on the autism spectrum can benefit from the RDI® Program. It appears to be helpful regardless of IQ, language, gender or diagnosis. The most important factor in determining the rate of improvement is the degree to which we have to overcome obstacles like the child's desire to control others, and the presence of co-occurring illnesses.

We really do not know how many people in the United States have an autism spectrum disorder. We can say with some certainty, that there are more than the 5 in 10,000 (autism) and 15 in 10,000 (all autism spectrum disorders) that has been reported from the 1970's through 2002. Studies from California suggested a 273% increase from 1987 to 1998. This alarming number drew the attention of the media and of Congress as well.

No . Names are not being collected. They are not needed to know how many people have this syndrome. We do need to ensure that we do not enter a person twice (if they receive a diagnosis by two or more diagnosticians). We are asking the person reporting to use a designated standard method of coding for the cases that will allow the names to remain confidential.

Autism spectrum disorder (or ASD) is a lifelong developmental disability. The term spectrum disorder is used to describe the group of developmental disorders that includes autism, high functioning autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).

A2: The US National Institute of Health estimates that one American child in 150 is affected with an ASD, compared with one in 10,000 a decade ago. As many as 1.5 million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism. The overall incidence is consistent around the globe, but is four times more prevalent in boys than girls. It's now estimated that one boy in 94 is diagnosed with autism.

Currently, no single medical test exists that will definitively diagnose autism spectrum conditions. Neither AS nor autism can be diagnosed by looking at a blood sample or performing a brain scan. Although these are physical, neurological conditions, researchers are still looking for genetic or other physical causes that may lead to a definitive test. Short of this, the diagnosis is made on the basis of observable characteristics of the individual.

Research indicates that other factors besides the genetic component are contributing to the rise in increasing occurrences of ASD, such as environmental toxins (e.g., heavy metals such as mercury), which are more prevalent in our current environment than in the past. Those with ASD (or those who are at risk) may be especially vulnerable, as their ability to metabolize and detoxify these exposures can be compromised.

Although figures for the incidence of Autism Spectrum Disorders differ from study to study, most research indicates that: The reason for the increased incidence in males is unknown but researchers believe that the answer may be genetic.

No single cause of Autism Spectrum Disorders has been discovered. It is believed that the difficulties of Autism Spectrum Disorders are biological in origin and that there is abnormality in the brain which is probably caused by a combination of factors. These factors can include genetics, viral infections or complications during pregnancy. Other potential causes such as environmental toxins, diet and the effect of MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccinations are also being investigated.

Although most siblings of children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder develop normally, it has been estimated that between 2 - 7% of families with one child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder have two children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder or related difficulties (e.g. language disorder). It has been reported that the incidence of having two children may be as high as 9% but this figure relates to autism only.

Extensive research continues in search of a cure for Autism Spectrum Disorders. With appropriate support people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder can develop many skills and abilities throughout their life. Intervention should be implemented as early as possible in order to maximise development.

There is no fixed age and no fixed way to tell someone that they have an Autism Spectrum Disorder. It depends very much on the individual’s age, their level of awareness and their need to know. Telling an individual about the diagnosis is not completed in a single conversation. It is a long-term process and may bring out a variety of responses ranging from denial to relief. Specialised support and counselling may be required to assist the individual and others through this process.

For decades, autism was believed to occur in 4 to 5 per 10,000 children. In 2004, CDC partnered with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to issue an Autism A.L.A.R.M.[1] At that time, Data from several studies that used the current criteria for diagnosing ASDs (DSM-IV and ICD-10) found prevalence rates for ASDs between 2 and 6 per 1,000 children. Therefore, it was summarized that up to 1 in 166 children (6/1,000) have an ASD.

Though the presentation of symptoms with Autism can vary quite a bit, there are specific behaviors necessary for diagnosing it. Impairment in reciprocal social interaction must be present. We often envision a child with Autism as avoiding eye contact or perhaps as using people as they would inanimate objects. Communicative deficits also must be present for an ASD to be diagnosed.

ASDs are developmental disabilities that cause substantial impairments in social interaction and communication and the presence of unusual behaviors and interests. Many people with ASDs also have unusual ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to different sensations. The thinking and learning abilities of people with ASDs can vary—from gifted to severely challenged. An ASD begins before the age of 3 and lasts throughout a person's life.

No, and not every condition listed in the DSM is a mental disorder! The autism spectrum differs from mental illness in that it is believed to be present from birth (or from a very young age) and it doesn’t go away with treatment or spontaneously the way mental illnesses do. While most of the manifestations of the autism spectrum are behavioral there is no specific drug treatment that can make an autistic person less autistic.

That depends. Being autism spectrum is not being you, but merely being limited in certain ways you are. Therefore you may not need to ever attend another autism spectrum support group meeting once you realize your manner of living is consistent with the autism spectrum or you may become a facilitator of such a group and even the president of an organization devoted to helping those with autism spectrum diagnoses do as well as they possibly can.

Autism Spectrum Disorders are sometimes associated with other disorders that include Fragile X, Tuberous Sclerosis, Down syndrome, Tourette syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, language disorder, Deficits in Attention, Motor Control, and Perception (DAMP), Attention Deficit Disorder (with and without hyperactivity) and Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD). Around 30% of people with autism have epilepsy. Approximately 75% of people with autism have an intellectual disability.

Having a child with a disability can have a significant effect on parents. Parents may react to the diagnosis in a variety of ways including relief, shock, grief, anger and/or guilt. The upbringing of the child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder can place enormous pressure and strain on the parents, brothers, sisters and extended family (e.g. grandparents). As social activities and everyday outings can be extremely difficult, it is important for families to seek out support.