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In
February 2007, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued
their ADDME autism prevalence report. The report, which looked at a
sample of 8 year olds in 2000 and 2002, concluded that the prevalence of
autism had risen to 1 in every 150 American children, and almost 1 in 94
boys. The issuance of this report caused a media uproar, but the news
was not a surprise to ASA or to the 1.5 million Americans living with
the effects of autism spectrum disorder. Nonetheless, the spotlight
shown on autism as a result of the prevalence increase opens
opportunities for the nation to consider how to serve these families
facing a lifetime of supports for their children.
Currently, ASA estimates that the lifetime cost of caring for a child
with autism ranges from $3.5 million to $5 million, and that the United
States is facing almost $90 billion annually in costs for autism (this
figure includes research, insurance costs and non-covered expenses,
Medicaid waivers for autism, educational spending, housing,
transportation, employment, in addition to related therapeutic services
and caregiver costs).
Know the Signs: Early Identification Can Change Lives
Autism is treatable. Children do not "outgrow" autism, but studies show
that early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved
outcomes.
Here are some signs to look for in the children in your life:
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Lack of or delay in
spoken language
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Repetitive use of
language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling
objects)
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Little or no eye
contact
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Lack of interest in
peer relationships
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Lack of spontaneous
or make-believe play
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Persistent fixation
on parts of objects
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There is no known single cause for autism, but it is generally accepted
that it is caused by abnormalities in brain structure or function. Brain
scans show differences in the shape and structure of the brain in
children with autism versus neuro-typical children. Researchers are
investigating a number of theories, including the link between heredity,
genetics and medical problems. In many families, there appears to be a
pattern of autism or related disabilities, further supporting a genetic
basis to the disorder. While no one gene has been identified as causing
autism, researchers are searching for irregular segments of genetic code
that children with autism may have inherited. It also appears that some
children are born with a susceptibility to autism, but researchers have
not yet identified a single "trigger" that causes autism to develop.
Other researchers are investigating the possibility that under certain
conditions, a cluster of unstable genes may interfere with brain
development, resulting in autism. Still other researchers are
investigating problems during pregnancy or delivery as well as
environmental factors, such as viral infections, metabolic imbalances,
and exposure to environmental chemicals.
Genetic Vulnerability
Autism tends to occur more frequently than expected among individuals
who have certain medical conditions, including Fragile X syndrome,
tuberous sclerosis, congenital rubella syndrome, and untreated
phenylketonuria (PKU). Some harmful substances ingested during pregnancy
also have been associated with an increased risk of autism. Read more
about related conditions.
Environmental Factors
Research indicates that other factors besides the genetic component are
contributing to the rise in increasing occurrences of ASD, such as
environmental toxins (e.g., heavy metals such as mercury), which are
more prevalent in our current environment than in the past. Those with
ASD (or those who are at risk) may be especially vulnerable, as their
ability to metabolize and detoxify these exposures can be compromised.
Read more about environmental health and autism. |
