Parents of Children with Autism are Highly Educated?

A recent study through the University of California Davis has presented some interesting findings related to autism diagnosis. The research identified 10 different areas within California that had clusters of autism, which meant that the rates of autism diagnoses were higher than normal. This study focused mainly on the hot debate that the cause of autism could have to do with environmental triggers.

According to the scientists of the study, the main two factors that contributed to the diagnosis of autism were that the parents had very high education, and they also lived close to facilities for autism treatment. The researchers of the study did not show that any environmental toxins contributed to autism in the area, which mainly encompassed Southern California and the Bay Area. This study looked at more than 2.5 million births in the region through 1996 to 2000, where 10,000 children were then diagnosed with autism.

Some researchers are pointing to the evidence that more affluent and educated families may have better tools to diagnose autism in their children, especially as it is hard to provide education about autism to areas that are disadvantaged. However, there is a long-term debate that has argued that autism awareness may be the cause of more cases of autism recorded. Some researchers do believe that this increase in the diagnosis has to do with an expansion of the diagnosis, greater awareness, and a greater understanding by many communities.

Doctors are still trying to determine what the triggers to the disorder may be, especially since they believe that it could be caused by a number of issues. Some of these theories include exposure to toxins, damage from medication, damage during birth, or even vaccines during childhood, which has been proven inconclusive by the Supreme Court. This is just another finding in research related to pursuing the cause of autism.


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A Label Doesn't Change The Child

Jean Myles, www.MommyToTwoBoys.blogspot.com, shares her story with me and my readers via an email interview. Thank you, Jean.

1. When was your three year old diagnosed?


Jaylen was diagnosed at 18 months.


2. Receiving a diagnosis at such a young age is great. Are you receiving Early Intervention services?


At 18 months Jaylen was getting a specialist to the house once a week and we quickly realized it wasn't enough. So he began ABA - DTT five days a week for an hour and a half. Then when he turned 3 he started an integrated PreK program run by special ed certified teachers where he also receives Speech, OT, and PT.


3. If so, can you explain what they are to my readers?


Oops, just did that above :)


4. Would you mind telling my readers a little bit about your child?


Jaylen was completely non verbal until 2, but now has a vast vocabulary, almost above age level. He still has some issues answering questions, and has instant and delayed echolalia at times.

He is very hyperactive, especially when there is a change in routine or he is overstimulated. He used to have very little eye contact and rarely responded to his name, but now does both more often than not.

Jaylen has emotional problems, mostly anxiety and cries often when frustrated or not sure of something. He also has very little empathy and can not "read" people. He used to have up to ten 30 minute or longer tantrums per day, but know has only 1 or 2 a week.

Sensory issues have become worse over time. He likes to squeeze into tight places, use a weighted blanket, and carry heavy objects.

He has difficulty playing with toys appropriately and to this point has no idea how to interact with other children other than to chase them and repeat what they say. However, he is getting good at turn taking games at home.

Jaylen is very bright, some of his teachers have even mentioned the term savant to me. Numbers, shapes, and letters are his favorite thing and he can easily become consumed in any activity involving them.


5. What has been the biggest help for you in obtaining information about autism, therapies and treatments?


The biggest help for us was his first placement. His coordinator, teachers, and therapists at his ABA school were just amazing. They were so involved in Jaylen's development. Since leaving that placement I have found several websites and mom's groups online that really help. A few books have also been helpful in reading about treatments and tips.


6. What has been your family's reaction to your child being diagnosed with autism?


The first day we were told something wrong was very tough to hear. Being a former teacher though, my husband and I both knew something wasn't right. But hearing it from someone else was hard to handle. The label didn't change him though. He is still the same kid, our same little boy, just now we know what is wrong and work hard to help him the best we can.

The Basic Symptoms of Autism

Autism is a diagnosable disorder that develops in children, but many of the symptoms are quite individual to each child. Many times autism can be diagnosed by a delay in development, or children that develop autism can also start to lose their language and social skills.

If you are a parent concerned with the development of your child, here are many of the basic symptoms of autism:

• Difficulty in language skills.
• Inappropriate social responses, like resistance to touch, limited eye contact, and lack of focus.
• Having a difficult time playing with other children.
• Having difficulty understanding feelings.
• Very hyperactive or passive behavior.
• Requiring a very structured routine to feel safe.
• A lack of response to heat or cold.
• No impulses or fear of danger.
• A strong attachment to objects, like strings or toys.

Of course, all of these symptoms are basic and could have to do with other childhood disabilities, although they are all also related to autism. It is important to contact your doctor if your child does not respond to hugging or cuddling and has difficulty socially interacting with other people. It is also necessary to have concern if your child is roughly a year and a half old and is having a difficult time communicating or using words. Other warning signs include your child using repetitive behavior, like continually closing or opening doors or spinning a toy.

For any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with your doctor right away about the development of your child. A child with autism is trying their best to decipher the chaos around them, which is why many of these symptoms occur. When you understand how to deal with your child after being diagnosed with autism, it will give you the opportunity to interact based on many of these symptoms to stop a number of problems before they start.

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How to Cope with Autism

Many families may have a difficult time adjusting to the initial diagnosis of autism in their child, but there are proven methods that can be used to cope with this condition. Many times, when a child is diagnosed with autism, the parents have been worried about them for quite some time, so they may also experience relief. Even further, many families have questions about a child talking, learning normally, or functioning within society after an autism diagnosis.

The most important thing to do as a family with a child with autism is to start by finding a support system right away. Many families feel anxious or have a number of questions, which is why it is important to meet with support groups or any organization that can provide further information. This may be a confusing or challenging time, so it is best if the parents have other parents to talk to who have been through the same circumstances. This can be encouraging and positive, and it may also give you as the parent further insight in how to cope with a child with autism.

Still, many other parents choose to explore alternative therapies. Some of these alternative autism treatments include dietary changes, vitamin supplements, and even chelation therapy, which is a treatment to remove heavy metals from the body. These treatment alternatives may provide different results for your autistic child, although you should consult with your medical professional beforehand.

Last of all, education is your best tool as the parent of a child with autism. You can read more information about how children with autism interact, and you can also gain further resources from nonprofit organizations. Staying in the know about the newest research will also make you feel more comfortable about new findings related to your child's autism.
Overall, the diagnosis of autism in a child is something that can be dealt with as a family with the right education, treatment, and support system.

For a great selection of all things coffee, check out Bethany North's website, http://www.thecoffeebump.com.