World Autism Awareness Day Logo
Tomorrow is the 2nd of April and it is also the World Autism Awareness Day. World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) will shine a bright light on autism as a growing global health crisis. WAAD activities will help to increase and develop world knowledge of the autism epidemic and will impact information regarding the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention. Additionally, WAAD will celebrate the unique talents and skills of persons with autism an will be a day when individuals with autism are warmly welcomed and embraced in community events around the globe.
Did you know…
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Approximately 67 million people worldwide are affected by autism
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Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the world
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More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with diabetes, cancer and AIDS combined
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Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
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There is no medical detection or cure for autism, but early diagnosis and intervention improve outcomes
自闭症 (autism) - image from www.hebei.com.cn
An overview on autism
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a persons lifetime. It is part of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
It occurs in all racial, ethnic, ad social groups and is four time more likely to strike boys than girls. Autism impairs a persons ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors, such as obsessively arranging objects or following very specific routines.
Symptoms can range from very mild to quite severe. All Of these disorders are characterized by varying degrees of impairment in communication skills and social abilities, and also by repetitive behaviors.
Autism spectrum disorders can usually be reliably diagnosed by age 3, while first diagnosis usually takes place around 18-24 months.
Parents are usually the first to notice unusual behaviors in their child or their child’s failure to reach appropriate developmental milestones. Some paretns describe a child that seemed different from birth, while others describe a child who was developing normally and then lost skills. Pediatricians may initially dismiss signs of autism, thinking a child will “catch up,” and may advise parents to “wait and see.”
New research shows that when parents suspect something is wrong with their child, they are usually correct. If you have concerns about your childs development, don’t wait: speak to your pediatrician about getting your child screened for autism.
Although parents may have concerns about labeling a toddler as “autistic,” the earlier a diagnosis is given, the earlier interventions can begin. Currently, there are no effective means to prevent autism, no single effective treatment, and no known cure.
Research indicates, that early behavioral intervention for at least two years during the preschool years can result in significant improvements in IQ and language ability for many young children with autism spectrum disorders. As soon as autism is diagnosed, behavioral intervention should begin. Effective programs focus on developing communication, social, and cognitive skills.
Signs of autism (image from http://blogs.babble.com/strollerderby/)
Awareness and action
In many countries autism is not a recognized disorder and diagnosis can be difficult. Countries must make a commitment to building capacity for early recognition by raising awareness. Screening methods for detection of at-risk children are available for toddlers as young as 18 months of age. Such screening can occur during a regular well-baby check-up.
Find out more on World Autism Awareness Day.
