if it seems like autism is popping up more in the news lately, thats not a coincidence. On the web stories about autism abound, with headlines like Moms iron intake might be associated with autism risk from The Huffington Post and Children born too close together face autism risk from The Telegraph in the U.K. popping up just last month. More often than not, these stories feed the Internet beast and our hunger to unlock the mysteries surrounding autism rather than provide concrete answers.
In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimated that one in 88 children in multiple communities in the U.S. had been identified as having autism (now more commonly referred to as autism spectrum disorder or ASD). This past March, the CDC reported that this number was now one in 68 children, a 30 percent increase from two years ago. Its unclear whether this significant up-tick is due to a rise in the actual number of children with autism spectrum disorder or simply because more awareness has led to more diagnoses.
Nicole King, a board certified behavior analyst with ABC Behavioral in Eagle, said while there have been numerous studies focusing on ASD, we still dont know exactly why, or how, children develop it.
Theres a lot of research happening because its the fastest growing developmental disability (in the U.S.), King said. At this point, its likely (theres) a genetic component and environmental component, (but) the research hasnt pinpointed anything (specific) yet.
READING THE SIGNS YOUNG AND EARLY
King, who works with children with ASD, said while the cause of ASD is still unknown, early diagnosis and intervention is crucial to treatment. According to the CDC, most children are diagnosed with ASD after age 4, but some can be diagnosed as young as 2. The symptoms of ASD arent always easy to spot and can vary widely from child to child. King said typically symptoms are divided into three categories: social, behavioral and communication. Oftentimes children with ASD arent meeting the developmental milestones other children tend to hit at a certain age, such as not talking or smiling, or engaging in unusual play behaviors.
Eagle resident Ivy Peplinski said she didnt see anything unusual with her son, J.P., until he was almost six. Peplinski said J.P. was having some difficulties in preschool and seemed bored, but she didnt think that was an indication he might have ASD.
There (wasnt) a concrete sign or symptom to point us in any kind of direction, Peplinski said. The best way to describe it is he was frustrated. He was having a harder time with the teachers than other kids, and thats why we werent sure. We were wondering, Is he just bored with school right now?
Now age 7, Peplinski said J.P. has asperger syndrome, a form of ASD. Peplinski said she wasnt surprised when she found out J.P. was on the autism spectrum, mainly because her younger sister, whos 23, also has asperger syndrome.
LEARNING AND UNLEARNING BEHAVIOR
More here:
Vail Daily health feature: Understanding, diagnosing and treating autism spectrum disorder