autism:

A Different Kind Of Diversity

story by | barbara stanton

One subject that is on the minds of moms [and dads and grandparents and nearly everyone else] is autism. The current statistics are 1 in 100 children meet the criteria for an autism spectrum disorder [ASD]. Autism is the most common Pervasive Developmental Disorder, affecting an estimated 1 in 100 births [Centers for Disease Control, 2007]. This means that as many as 1.5 million Americans are believed to have some form of autism. This number is increasing. Based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other research organizations, autism is growing at a staggering rate of 10-17 percent per year. According to the Autism Society of America the occurrence of autism could reach 4 million Americans in the next decade. Autism is a global issue with similar statistics worldwide.

There are several things that we know about autism but even more that we don’t. Here are some of the questions that moms ask.

what is autism? what does autism spectrum mean?

In the 1940s autism was considered to be the result of “refrigerator mothers” [moms who were emotionally cold toward their child]. Today we know that autism is a complex neurological difference. The person’s brain processes information differently so that they have difficulties in social relationships, communication, behaviors, and sensory concerns. They perceive the world differently; not wrong just different. They use their intellect as we [neurotypicals] use our instinct. Their learning process is diverse.

While we don’t know what causes autism, we do know that it is likely genetic. We also know that it is not caused by bad parenting nor is it about bad behavior. It is a spectrum because no two individuals are the same. One child may melt down while another may withdraw. Some are picky eaters, some wear only stripes, some hear every sound. They are all unique.

what’s the difference between Asperger’s Syndrome and other types of autism?

Asperger’s Syndrome is named for Dr. Hans Asperger who, in the 1940s, studied an unusual group of children who had high intelligence, strong verbal skills, and very focused interests. Because it was during World War II he had to hide these children from the Nazis. After his clinic was bombed his writings and work were lost until the 1980’s when Dr. Lorna Wing translated his papers. Asperger’s Syndrome was added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV [the book that professionals use to diagnose] in 1994.

Now a wrinkle, The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual V is probably going to eliminate Asperger’s Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorders. They will roll them into one category of Autism Spectrum Disorders. This won’t happen for a couple of years so for now we will continue to have Asperger’s Syndrome. But stay tuned. The primary differences between Asperger’s and other forms of autism are that people with Asperger’s Syndrome are of average or above average intelligence, developed speech typically, and have a desire for social interactions. Social situations can be stressful. They don’t read social cues well leading to social isolation, bullying, or discipline. They also have one or several interests that they can be fixated on. These special interests can be anything from trains to dinosaurs to sewer systems to computers to astronomy and so on. It is often difficult to identify children with Asperger’s, especially girls. There are no clear lines between Asperger’s Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder NOS [PDD NOS], and Non-verbal Learning Disabilities. Sometimes kids are not autistic; they are just different. what can I do if I think my child has Asperger’s Syndrome or another type of autism?

The interest in Asperger’s and autism has meant that there is more research being done and more information available. Professionals are constantly challenged to keep up with changes in their field on a variety of issues. While there is a lot of valuable information accessible some of it is erroneous or misleading. It is important to ask questions about what you are reading and hearing so you can make informed choices.

There are parents who analyze every quirk their child has and there are parents who can’t or won’t acknowledge the difficulties their child is experiencing. Some children