Autism, a pervasive developmental disorder has been a popular topic especially among physicians, researchers and parents in the Western hemisphere of the planet. The topic is slowly gaining popularity in developing countries as news and information on autism spectrum disorders spreads. The prevalence has increased from 1 in 150 children almost a decade ago to 1 in 50 children last year according to statistics released by the CDC in 2013. This is mainly because increased awareness has led to more children being diagnosed with the condition; not because it has become an epidemic. Autism is not new, but professionals no longer consider it rare. Autism touches the lives of more people than ever before yet, because of this frequency, we have much reason for hope.
With emerging science, autistic children are getting better. Through treatment plans, the care of extraordinary and experienced physicians, and the support of family members and caregivers, autistic children are looking healthier, behaving more appropriately, making friends and having conversations. These children can significantly improve and go on to maximise their potential abilities. Feeling unconditionally loved and accepted will help a person with autism more than anything else.
So far, we know that autism is a brain-based, neurological condition that has more to do with biology than with psychology. It is usually diagnosed by the time a child is 3 years old or even earlier where awareness of the condition is more widespread. It is found in every country, ethnic group and socio-economic class. It is diagnosed more often in girls than in boys. Most importantly, children who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder need early intervention as soon as possible.
Each diagnosed case of autism appears to have its own pattern, like a fingerprint. Despite some evidence that there is a genetic predisposition that provides fertile ground for a trigger, researchers are yet to pinpoint the exact trigger. Some experts believe autism has one overriding cause while others insist it has multiple causes. Biomedical treatments can improve autism symptoms, but debate rages on about whether these treatments deal with the root causes of the disorder or just other related conditions that exacerbate the symptoms of autism. Despite some members of the medical community not being fully accepting of these treatments, those who have are seeing tremendous positive results with their patients.
The aim of this blog and, by extension, the Autism Support Center (Kenya), is to share both old and new, proven methods for treatment and management of the symptoms of autism. Despite what the medical community still does not know, there is hope. By sharing the information already gained and researching into new areas specific to our African setting, we may find more adaptable methods of helping people with autism adjust to our demanding world. The information shared on this blog will be for parents, with autistic children, people living with autism as well as caregivers and researchers interested in autism spectrum disorders. I hope to see you in subsequent blogs and look forward to reading about your ideas and suggestions in your comments.
Happy 2014.
With emerging science, autistic children are getting better. Through treatment plans, the care of extraordinary and experienced physicians, and the support of family members and caregivers, autistic children are looking healthier, behaving more appropriately, making friends and having conversations. These children can significantly improve and go on to maximise their potential abilities. Feeling unconditionally loved and accepted will help a person with autism more than anything else.
So far, we know that autism is a brain-based, neurological condition that has more to do with biology than with psychology. It is usually diagnosed by the time a child is 3 years old or even earlier where awareness of the condition is more widespread. It is found in every country, ethnic group and socio-economic class. It is diagnosed more often in girls than in boys. Most importantly, children who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder need early intervention as soon as possible.
Each diagnosed case of autism appears to have its own pattern, like a fingerprint. Despite some evidence that there is a genetic predisposition that provides fertile ground for a trigger, researchers are yet to pinpoint the exact trigger. Some experts believe autism has one overriding cause while others insist it has multiple causes. Biomedical treatments can improve autism symptoms, but debate rages on about whether these treatments deal with the root causes of the disorder or just other related conditions that exacerbate the symptoms of autism. Despite some members of the medical community not being fully accepting of these treatments, those who have are seeing tremendous positive results with their patients.
The aim of this blog and, by extension, the Autism Support Center (Kenya), is to share both old and new, proven methods for treatment and management of the symptoms of autism. Despite what the medical community still does not know, there is hope. By sharing the information already gained and researching into new areas specific to our African setting, we may find more adaptable methods of helping people with autism adjust to our demanding world. The information shared on this blog will be for parents, with autistic children, people living with autism as well as caregivers and researchers interested in autism spectrum disorders. I hope to see you in subsequent blogs and look forward to reading about your ideas and suggestions in your comments.
Happy 2014.
