Autism

When autism was first identified approximately 60 years ago it was described as psychiatric phenomena brought on by a child's negative relationship with its parents, specifically the mother. A so called "refrigerator mother" was so cold and disconnected from her child that the child could not bond nor respond to normal human interaction or contact. In the 1970's, psychiatrists and child development specialists described autism as severe childhood psychosis resulting from the improper bonding between the parents and the child.

Presently, these theories have been discredited. Researchers, doctors and educators now believe that multiple factors contribute to the rising phenomena described as Autism Spectrum Disorder. Many experts believe that autism may be a result of a genetic predisposition to the disorder as well as the introduction of a prenatal or neonatal environmental trigger such as a toxin, chemical or viral exposure.

Some children receiving the diagnosis of autism are, by report, symptom free until age 18 months to 2 years where others appear to be different from birth. Some of the symptoms as described in medical literature include lack of or delayed language, the inability to pick up social cues, repetitive behaviors and/or extreme focus on one activity, sensory integration dysfunctions and the controlling of impulses.

California has experienced a reported 400% increase in the diagnosis of autism in a nine-year period and this rapid increase has spurred the need for advocacy and research. Today, research is being conducted world wide in order to try and isolate the cause(s) of autism. According to Dr. Robert Hendren, Executive Director of The Medical Investigation for Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute at UC Davis Medical Center Sacramento, there may be 8 or as many as 20 different genes that could predispose a child to autism. Identifying those genes as well as environmental triggers may some day lead to the ability to identify those children at greatest risk for developing autism.

Currently there is no cure for autism. However, until a cure is found, speech and occupational therapy and an intensive behavioral training program coupled with an appropriate educational placement can assist a child in normalizing his/her behavior and assist the child in becoming more successful at social and academic pursuits. Easter Seals Superior California is proud to play a part in these successes by partnering with the Alta California Regional Center and 30 local school districts to provide early intervention (ESDS) and school based (NPA) services to children diagnosed with autism. These services may include speech, occupational or physical therapy as well as child development services. Training and consultation is also offered to the families, care givers and educators of children with this disability.

Click here to read a personal story about Autism and how it has played a role in the life of one of our most esteemed therapists.