The latest tallies show that over three million people in North America alone carry some type of autism diagnosis. With this increase the biggest question people are asking is why. Over 20 years ago the incidence was estimated to be 1 in 10,000. Now it's a whopping 1 in 166 according to the U.S. Center for Disease control and is still expected to rise. With the life long care of someone with autism costing approximately 2.2 million per person according to the MIND Institute, we need to start committing proper resources to early intervention now to enable this population to lead fulfilling and productive lives as well as contribute to society
The frustrating point in the above scenario is the lack of interest and resources allocated through government and other agencies towards a solution. This includes actively determining the cause and implementing adequate research towards curative and helpful measures. The US Government will happily spend 1.9 billion dollars for a single Trident nuclear submarine in a fleet of around fifty, yet is only spending 66 million on the entire special education area, which includes special teachers, training and proper equipment and supports.
While hosting an autism conference in Hawaii last month I received a call from a grandmother asking if I could help her thirteen-year-old autistic grandson who was still in diapers. This just shouldn't be happening in this day and age. Whether there is a cure for autism or not, there are programs and interventions that help all children with autism grow up to be productive community citizens especially through early intervention practices as mentioned earlier. This can happen when parents put their own egos aside and recognize very early that their child has autism, accept the diagnosis and get the treatment the child deserves allowing them to use their inborn strengths and talents to live to their fullest.
Methodologies also need to be more visible and understood. Yes there are successful ways to approach autism like Applied Behavioral Analysis, Greenspan, Daily Life Therapy, Miller Method, the SCERTS method and Relationship Development Intervention which may all sound Greek to some, however, most parents just hear of one and go with it. This could be due to the nature of the beast so to speak, in that many parents of children with autism even show signs of autism themselves such as structured, literal thinking. This forces them to have limited beliefs and be less willing to consider other options in a more abstract manner. Many of these methodologies and belief systems have become rigid and unchanging even though many more options are now available and even more are on the horizon.
As to the cause, many speculate that mercury in addition to other heavy metals could be a strong culprit though the proof is not in the pudding yet. Books like "Evidence Of Harm" by David Kirby, a New York Times writer clearly organizes all the facts for others to draw their own conclusion surrounding the issues around immunizations. Perhaps it's in the dental amalgams, the fish we eat or other environmental surroundings.
Then still others are pointing to the gene pool saying it is passed on from one generation to the next. I know in my case, I believe my Aeronautical Engineer father has a high functioning form of autism and I grew up thinking he was "normal". I was therefore attracted to someone who also has many symptoms of autism such as the lack of social skills in certain situations, an egocentric focus, and perseveration (doing the same thing over and over again), especially when it comes to working 7 days a week 12 hour days. And then, there's me. The more I learn about autism, the more I certainly can see signs in myself.
The best, most proven hope of helping children with autism to lead fulfilling and productive lives I know of, is early intervention. Also, many experience reduced symptoms in their children with autism when gluten and casein are removed or reduced from their diets. Other dietary strategies are being successfully implemented such as a modified Atkins type diet or even sugar and milk free diets. Even if it isn't perfect, it's a step in the right direction. Others are having luck by adding vitamins, minerals and glyconutrients back into their systems. Glyconutrients are the sixteen essential sugars missing from our diets due to the poor cultivation processes with our natural fruits and vegetables.
Our Sherwood Park, Alberta based firm, Autism Today is Western Canada's leading provider of autism conferences. Parents, teachers and professionals can go to: www.keystotreasures.com to learn about our upcoming "Keys To The Treasure Chest" conferences and workshops. Upcoming speakers include: Dr. Lori Ernsperger and Nick Martin, March 2005, Stephen Shore, June 2005, Dr. Steven Gutstein, October 2005, and Dr. Temple Grandin, Dec 2005. Autism Today also hosts online education and Tele-classes as well as a broad selection of books, videos and other learning material.
To wrap up, more studies need to be in place to prove the validity of certain hopeful interventions. Parents need to know what options are available to them instead of hopping on the first methodology train that comes along. Through autismtoday.com we are implementing two such programs. The first is an unbiased study for glyconutrients in a predetermined group of children with autism. The second part of the effort involves devoting a portion of our site, which will be geared to offering a way for parents to sample some different methodologies for their children before deciding on a particular approach of treatment for their child.
Karen Simmons, known to many as "The Autism Lady" is the mother of six, one of which as autism, author of "Little Rainman", "The Autism Experience", "Artism", "Surrounded By Miracle's and "Peace of Mind for Autism" (CD). She has been featured in local media as well as Woman's World Magazine, CBC Radio, The Donna Seebo Show and The Vicki Gabreau Show. Also she is the CEO and founder of Autism Today Online Magazine at http://www.autismtoday.com, which is host to the top autism experts in the field today.
house refresh service Morton Grove ..According to the renowned research scientist and inventor of the... Read More
LIFESTYLE WELLNESS = An Adventure of Health + Vitality!Not a... Read More
High Fructose Corn SyrupBefore we get to high fructose corn... Read More
Monosodium glutamate, commonly known as MSG, was thought of as... Read More
If you're suffering from constipation, you are no doubt looking... Read More
I confess: I'm completely addicted to Pringles. My determination weakens... Read More
In parts 1-6 of this series of articles titled "Take... Read More
In a world where heart disorders and diseases are becoming... Read More
What Ever Happened to the Basic FourThe USDA was originally... Read More
With so much 'diet advice' around today it is little... Read More
You must add some fresh cherries, which are now in... Read More
Can You Lose Weight Through Eating?You get fat when you... Read More
If you want to lose weight, there is one thing... Read More
Enzymes are the workers in our body that make everything... Read More
It seems as if the health of America is failing.... Read More
Many of us, probably even you, want this thing called... Read More
So, what is new about this that you already don't... Read More
Fats (triacylglycerols) ...Some basic terminology ...fat or fatty acid ...In... Read More
Female and male athletes respond to training in a fairly... Read More
Do you know anyone who can't consume milk or milk-based... Read More
Unhealthy eating is a harmful problem in America, and contrary... Read More
As any student of chemistry will assure you, acids and... Read More
We know we need to eat a minimum of 5... Read More
When was the last time you consumed soda? Most likely,... Read More
For some people it is really hard to give up... Read More
cleaning service near Mundelein ..As you've probably heard before, your post-workout meal may very... Read More
"It is a bone-deep change you are going into, my... Read More
Cholesterol is present in our bodies by one of two... Read More
Studies on whey demonstrate it's an even better protein supplement... Read More
Before the thirties, people knew the importance of mineral. Their... Read More
"What exercises can I do to ?? As fitness professional... Read More
America's focus on nutritious eating began to receive national attention... Read More
Most recipes end with instructions to "serve immediately." You could... Read More
Carbohydrates have gotten a lot of bad press in the... Read More
It's 5:30 p.m. and you're heading home after a long,... Read More
Did you know that there might be poison in many... Read More
So, what is new about this that you already don't... Read More
It seems as if the health of America is failing.... Read More
Aging occurs when the body's cells die at faster rates... Read More
Having spent most of my life living off of junk... Read More
We know we need to eat a minimum of 5... Read More
Some experts consider carbohydrate craving and addiction as something more... Read More
Your face turns flush and your skin starts to itch.... Read More
Archeological records indicate that man has cultivated the olive tree... Read More
It is not a myth. Eating breakfast is an important... Read More
Detoxifying the body has become an apparent key preventative measure... Read More
The topic of nutrition is one that is always present... Read More
Please feel free to comment, so that the article may... Read More
The Benefits of SnackingYou may feel regretful about snacking, but... Read More
Nutrition usually only comes up when people are finally deciding... Read More
Nutrition |