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Amys Profile
Amy Goodman, MA Co-Director Autism NOW The Arc 1825 K St, NW Washington DC 20006 1-202-600-3489 Ex. 3734 E-mail: agoodman@autismnow.org Website: www.autismnow.org Other social media: Facebook and Twitter
Why did you choose this webinar and what are you expecting to learn from it today?
Prevalence
In the U.S. the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is 1 in 88 children or 1 in 54 boys according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC, March 2012) In England the prevalence of ASD is estimated to be 9.8 in 1000 in adults. The prevalence for adults may be a little skewed because in England the way individuals are diagnosed is different than in the U.S. but also due to individuals being diagnosed later in life.
Prevalence
Family History: If one child is on the spectrum, there is a 1 in 5 chance their siblings will be too. (see article) Parents ages: 30s/40s higher risk of having a child with autism (see article
Famous Parents
Doug Flutie, has a son named Doug Flutie Jr. Sylvester Stallone, has a son named Seargeoh Stallone John Travolta had a son who had autism, unfortunately he died of a seizure disorder Dan Marino has a son with Autism Toni Braxton, a singer, has a son with autism There are many more famous people who deal with autism on a daily basis, this is to illustrate that you are not alone on your journey.
Federal Definition
Autism is a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction, generally evident before age three, that adversely affects educational performance. Signs and symptoms: Irregularities and impairments in communication Engagement in repetitive activities Stereotyped movements Resistance to environmental change or change in daily routines Unusual responses to sensory experiences
State Definition
The definition is exactly the same as the Federal Definition. The only difference is that the definition is broken down more broadly as to what constitutes as autism An individual can be diagnosed as having autism if they meet six characteristics from the following: Qualitative impairment in social interaction; Qualitative impairment in communication Repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior Very narrow focus of interest
Classic Autism
Individuals usually have: significant language delays social and communication challenges behaviors interests different for those without autism
Aspergers Syndrome
Individuals usually function at the higher end of the spectrum. They may have social challenges and different behaviors and interests. They typically do not have problems with language or have intellectual disabilities.
Theories
Researchers have not identified any single specific factor that causes autism. There are many theories about autism. None have proven as the one and only correct theory. I will review some of the most likely causes or theories that are in the literature.
Theories
Toxics in the environment: mercury poisoning Maternal diet Chemicals such as carpet cleaners and laundry soaps Vaccines: there has not been any scientific evidence that vaccines cause autism Air pollutants
Theories
Another possible theory that has been studied is neurological damage to the individual. That would include such things as maternal infections, alcohol abuse, viral infections, and problems during delivery of the baby.
References
Websites: http://www.asperger-advice.com/asperger-symptoms-inadults.html http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0%2C%2C2 0090891%2C00.html http://flutiefoundation.org/About-The-FoundationHistory.asp http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/healthscience/federal-study-estimates-1-in-88-children-hassymptoms-of-autism/2012/03/29/gIQArD5Xj5_story.htm http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health/janjune11/autism3causes_04-20.html
References-Continued
http:/www.autism.about.com/od/whatisautis m/p/autismcauses.htm Referenced Articles http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2011/08/15/ autism-odds-siblings/13738/ http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/09/health/ 09autism.html
Comments or Questions?
Next Webinar:
Tuesday, April 10, 2012, 2:00-3:00 PM, EDT People Taking Responsibility for Advocacy in Their Own Lives by Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered
PowerPoint/Recording:
Email Phuong (pnguyen@autismnow.org ) to request materials!