Autism has always been a primary concern of mine after experiencing what Autism can do to people of all ages during my previous law enforcement career. This is also a very important medical condition that needs immediate attention, exposure and more support from everybody in the world. Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or to play during activities.

   One should keep in mind however, that autism is a spectrum disorder and it affects each individual differently and at varying degrees - this is why early diagnosis is so crucial. By learning the signs, a child can begin benefiting from one of the many specialized intervention programs.

   Autism is one of five disorders that falls under the umbrella of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), a category of neurological disorders characterized by "severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development."

The five disorders under PDD are:

• Autistic Disorder
• Asperger's Disorder
• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)
• Rett's Disorder
• PDD-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)

Each of these disorders has specific diagnostic criteria which been outlined in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR).

Prevalence of Autism

   Autism is the most common of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders, affecting an estimated 1 in 150 births (Centers for Disease Control Prevention, 2007). Roughly translated, this means as many as 1.5 million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism. And this number is on the rise.

Based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other governmental agencies, autism is growing at a startling rate of 10-17 percent per year. At this rate, the ASA estimates that the prevalence of autism could reach 4 million Americans in the next decade.

Autism knows no racial, ethnic, social boundaries, family income, lifestyle, or educational levels and can affect any family, and any child. A child or adult will generally act out emotionally when attempting to speak or in watching TV or video programs. Presently there is a world of programs actively working on Autism treatments and cures.

And although the overall incidence of autism is consistent around the globe, it is four times more prevalent in boys than in girls.

What Parents of Children with Autism have to say ...

http://www.babybumblebee.com/autism.htm?gclid=CLidk-m4xJACFQSOFQoddl0UWQ

Jim Heitmeyer and Editorial Staff