How to Cope As Parents Of An Autistic Child

Having a child who is autistic can be quite challenging, while at the same time can be very rewarding. Every day is different. Some days will go very well for you and your child, but other days will present great challenges that will test your patience. You need to find some way to be able to cope with the task of working with your child and remain strong. Here we present some tips for that coping process.

One step that has been very helpful for many parents of an autistic child is finding a local support group, consisting of members who are facing the same things that face every day. They understand what you are going through, they can relate, and the group will allow you the chance to exchange tips and ideas for coping in the days to come.

You may want to consider keeping a journal or diary. This should be updated daily where you freely note what happened that day and how you feel about it. Be detailed when you make your daily entries in this journal. The reason for that is that since you are working with your child every day, you may not see the very small improvements that are taking place, simply because they take place so gradually. But taking some moments every now and then to re-read past entries, you will be more readily able to see the progress that has been made from when you made that journal entry last year or the year before. Keeping a journal and writing down your feelings can also help many people release the stress and frustration they are feeling.

Take time to get away every now and then, which is something everyone needs. Make some time for yourself. Find a qualified care-giver for your child and then go out alone or with your spouse or a friend. It will feel great to get out and have some time to yourself to enjoy things. Go see a movie that you have been wanting to see. Above all, do not allow yourself to feel guilty about getting out. This outing for you is something you need to do for yourself as part of the coping process, and to allow you to renew your inner strength.

Do not be afraid to ask for help. There is nothing embarrassing about asking for help and it does not mean that you are a bad people or incapable. When you ask for help, you are admitting, at least at this moment in time, that you cannot do this yourself. If you are feeling high levels of stress or frustration, this is not good for either you or your child.

Sometimes this occurs when you are trying out a new treatment that seems to be having no effect or perhaps even a detrimental effect. Call your doctor and explain what is going on and that you need a different treatment, or you need help to understand why you are seeing the behaviors that you are noting.

Being the parent of an autistic child can be a challenge, but by understanding how things appear to your child and how they are interpreting things can help you cope much better with helping both you and your child to manage this in the future.

For more insights and additional information about Autism and Parenting The Autistic Child please visit our web site at http://www.autism-explained.com

Autism Genetic Research Indicates Which Parent's Children Are at Risk For Developing the Disorder

Autism genetic research has shown that it is one of the most heritable disorders. Despite an increasing amount of autism genetic studies being performed each year the researchers are still trying to discover the multiple genes believed to be the reason for autism.

There have been numerous studies, completed and ongoing, on twins and siblings.  Identical twins, who share one hundred percent of their nuclear DNA, where one has autism, have about a sixty percent chance of the second child having autism and a ninety percent chance of the identical twin having some type of autistic spectrum disorder.  With fraternal twins, where the genes shared number only fifty percent, the chance of the second twin being autistic lowers dramatically to four and half percent, just like it would with any sibling. For the average person the chance of having autism is .2%. These numbers speak strongly in favor of evidence that links autism with heritability. 

Autism genetic studies of twins have been going on since the middle 1970s. Of nine studies conducted worldwide between 1977 and 2004 all of them came to relatively the same conclusion regarding identical twins and the chances of a second twin having autism. One study felt that the delivery highly influenced the chance of an autistic child, but overall the conclusions were very similar.

Many family studies have been conducted as well. A Danish study in 2005 looked at risk aspects of the entire family. If the autistic child had Asperger's syndrome the risk for other children to have some type of autism was believed to be 1.04% while if the child had other forms of autism the feeling was a risk factor of 1.76%. These risk factors were double if the mother had ever been diagnosed with any form of psychiatric disorder.  These conclusions were formed after a thorough study of the entire family including collecting information on the parent's place of birth, their age, the location the child/children were born, and the family history for depression or psychiatric difficulties. Although paternal age seemed to be an issue, maternal age was not.

These studies have left almost as many questions unanswered as they have answered.  If identical twins show such an increase in heritability why don't fraternal twins? Why are parents of autistic children almost always people who do not have autism if heritability is so definitely a factor in this disorder? Some researchers question if autism has become the word of its time and perhaps too many children are being lumped into this group for ease of diagnosis. All these unanswered questions will only be answered once more studies into the heritability of autism are conducted and results are known.

If you think that there is "something not right" with your child you must find out as soon as possible if autism is the issue. Treatments are less effective with each passing day as we grow older, so find out now with the complete autism resource for determining symptoms and goes into depth about ALL treatment options for autism, natural AND medical. So do your family a favor and check out the information at Autism Symptoms.

You can also make extra money to help pay for treatment and training by telling people about this helpful resource. You earn $26.30 for each book sold, so start making money by clicking Autism Symptoms Affiliates

Autism: Children in Their Own World, Parents in the Dark

About two years ago, our oldest child was diagnosed with Autism. Without knowing it for sure but suspecting it, my husband tried for about a year to prepare me to the possibility of our son being Autistic. He read and did a lot of research on Autism Spectrum Disorder. As a teacher, I refused the diagnosis as I was afraid of labeling him. As I was a late bloomer myself, I thought that he just needed a bit more time to learn how to walk and talk but as the time went by, I started to have concerns of my own.

During the summer of 2003, I have noticed some negative comments about my son's behavior by people in the park or at the pool. One mother even approached me about the possibility of Autism. At first, I refused this possibility but since then, the idea of Autism started to eat me alive. After all, I knew so little about Autism but just the thought of it sounded just like a prison sentence.

Was it possible that my son's lack of speech was not related to timidity but to Autism? What kind of future would my baby have? What did I do to cause him to possibly be affected by this disorder? Did I do something wrong during my pregnancy? As time went by, questions drowned my mind to the point where I could not take it anymore.

For my son's sake, I needed the help of medical specialists to discover why my son never said the word: "Mommy" to me yet. Either way, I needed to know what was going on and how to help him and make him happy, no matter what the diagnosis would be. I owed that much to my child.

As he had his annual check up with our family physician, I shared my husband's concerns and mine with her. A few weeks later, we received a long and detailed questionnaire about our son's behavior, weaknesses, habits, etc. Then a month or so later, the appointment was given to us. From then on, both my husband Kevin and I went on an eternal roller coaster ride until that day, not knowing what to expect, how to deal with it and more importantly, how would it affect our son's life?

On December 17, 2003 I went to the appointment with my son as Kevin was caring for our young daughter at home. Both my mind and my emotions were a mess. What would this specialist on Autism tell me? How would she test him? When would I find out the results of her tests and observations? Little did I know that on this day, both my son's and family life would change forever. Following a series of tests and observations, done through play while being observed by other medical staff and advisors, the doctor shared the results: "Mrs. Leochko, your son has Autism."

My first reaction was to break down in tears. What had I done to cause my son to be affected by this disorder? The only things that I knew about Autism were that children live in their own world, loosing touch with reality and also, like most people, I had seen the movie. Was my son a little "Rain Man"?

Realizing that I needed to know more about this disorder, my next question was: "What is Autism?" This question was then followed by: "What can we do to help my son?" and "What are the services that can be put in place for him and how do we proceed?" Like any parents newly hit by this diagnosis, several questions followed as well as a shower of answers which were not all assimilated as well as desired since my mind was racing at high speed.

The next step was to inform my husband. He was not surprised and was a lot calmer than me. He comforted me and asked me to look at our son while he was playing, enjoying himself and laughing out loud. He made me realize that we could help our son and that our main goal was to ensure his happiness. On December 22, 2003 two ladies came to meet us to start things rolling to get the services in place as soon as possible for Dasan. As they explained to us, early intervention is crucial as it gives our son better chances in life.

As time went by, services were slowly but surely put in place. Little did we know that our one year old daughter would be also referred and a year later, also diagnosed with Autism. Kaylee is situated higher on the spectrum because of her milder level of Autism while our son Dasan ranges from moderate to severe. It made us realize the difference on the spectrum. In a way, Dasan's diagnosis, help us identify our daughter's Autism at an earlier age: two years old. This way, the services have been put in place even earlier which gives her better chances of progression and a higher quality of life.

Since our son's diagnosis, I must say that both my husband and I have learned a lot about the Autism Spectrum Disorder also known as ASD. As parents of Autistic children, we did not only learn but also have decided to share this precious information with other parents, relatives, teachers or other people involved with individuals affected by the Autistic disorder. How did we do that? By researching information, ideas and also by using our own experience, ups, downs and tips on blogs and websites.

We are no experts and we certainly have no medical degree but as parents which have been living with Autism twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, we thought that at the beginning of this "adventure" all we knew and felt was: "Children in their own world, parents in the dark..." and now we see the light as there is one for everyone.

Autism is a disorder and affects our dealings with individuals with a different perception of life but let me tell you that it does not change the fact that our children are special in more than one way and that we do not only love them as they are but also, we would not change them for the world. The best gifts that we can give them are: love, patience, understanding, support and all the resources and services that can make a difference in their life.

My name is Sylvie Leochko. I am the mother of two children affected by the Autism Spectrum Disorder. If you wish to learn some facts and other information, I invite you to visit our websites: http://autism-spectrum-disorder.com or http://autism.findoutnow.org

Colostrum For Autism

Autism, better known today as autism spectrum disorders (ASD), is a pervasive development disorder (PDD). Through the introduction of colostrum into the daily regime with its many "whole food" constituents can have a major beneficial impact on the varying degrees of impairment in communication skills, social interactions, and restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior.

The autism spectrum disorders are more common in the pediatric population than some better-known diseases, like diabetes, spinal bifida or Down syndrome. A recent study in the United States estimated that 3.4 of every 1,000 children 3-10 years of age have autism. Males are four times more likely to have autism than females.

The hallmark feature of autism is impaired social interaction. As early as infancy, a baby with autism may be unresponsive to people or focus intently on one item, to the exclusion of others, for long periods of time. Some affected children appear to develop normally and then withdraw and become indifferent to social engagement. Children with autism also usually fail to respond to their name and often avoid eye contact with other people.

Many children with autism engage in repetitive movements, such as rocking and twirling, or in self-abusive behavior, like biting or head-banging. They also tend to start speaking later than other children and may refer to themselves by name instead of "I" or "me". Some affected children speak in a sing-song voice about a narrow range of favorite topics, with little regard for the interests of the person to whom they are speaking. In addition, they ordinarily do not know how to play inter-actively with other children.

Children with autism spectrum disorders also have a reduced sensitivity to pain, but are abnormally sensitive to sound, touch or other sensory stimulations. Some sounds - a vacuum cleaner, a ringing telephone or a sudden storm - can cause some of the children to cover their ears and scream. Many of the affected children find the feel of clothes touching their skin to be unbearable. These unusual reactions may contribute to behavioral symptoms, such as resistance to being hugged or cuddled.

The most severe forms of autism spectrum disorders are Rett syndrome and childhood disintegrative disorder. Rett syndrome almost exclusively occurs in females, with the frequency being one per 10,000 to 15,000. After a period of development, usually between 6 and 18 months, the child's mental and social development regress - she no longer responds to her parents and pulls away from any social contact. If she has been talking, she stops; she cannot control her feet; and she wrings her hands.

In addition to the behavioral and social impairments, children with autism spectrum disorders often have one or more of the following associated complications.

? Mental retardation. Some areas of ability may be normal, while others may be especially weak. ? Seizures. One in four affected children develops seizures, often starting in early childhood or adolescence. ? Fragile X syndrome. A defective segment of the X chromosome is the most common form of inherited mental retardation and affects 2-5% of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. ? Tuberous Sclerosis. 1-5% of individuals with autism spectrum disorders have tuberous sclerosis, a rare genetic disorder that causes benign tumors to grow in the brain and other vital organs.

Recognition of autism as a medical syndrome more than 50 years ago led to a search for causative risk factors. Various research organizations came to the conclusion that mercury poisoning due to the use of thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, in childhood vaccines was the responsible agent. Thimerosal was never used as a preservative in some childhood vaccines (measles, mumps, polio) and was removed from others (DPT) several years ago. Despite the fact that no childhood vaccines have contained thimerosal for several years, the incidence of autism rose from 0.3 per 1,000 births in 1993, to 1.5 per 1,000 births in 2003; to current estimates of 3.4 per 1,000 births.

It is now believed that genetics and the environment both play a role. Recent studies strongly suggest that some people have a genetic predisposition to autism. In families with one autistic child, the risk of having a second child with the disorder is approximately 5%, which is greater than the risk for the general population. A number of genes linked to the disorder have been identified. A recent study at the University of Chicago identified a micro-deletion on a particular chromosome in affected families. The micro-deletion represented the loss of about 25 known genes, with 12 of them being part of a single genetic network that includes genes involved in cell-to-cell signaling and interaction. At least three of these genes are primarily expressed in the brain and are thought to influence behavior. Studies at other institutions have identified micro-deletions on other chromosomes with similar consequences in affected families.

Other studies of people with autism spectrum disorders have found irregularities in several regions of the brain. It has also been shown that affected individuals have abnormal levels of certain chemical neurotransmitters, like serotonin and glutathione, in the brain. The combined abnormalities suggest that autism spectrum disorders could result from early disruption of brain development in the fetus caused by defects in genes that control brain growth and that regulate how neurons communicate with each other. It is possible that sudden, rapid head growth may be an early warning signal that will lead to early diagnosis and intervention.

The life of an individual with an autism spectrum disorder can often be further complicated by allergic reactions to various foods. At one time, it was believed that such allergic reactions, particularly to gluten and certain proteins found in dairy products were the cause of the disorders. As a consequence, specialized diets were developed and falsely touted as "cures" for the disorders. A further complication can be frequent occurrences of gastrointestinal infections with organisms that are part of the natural flora, particularly yeast (Candida species). These issues appear to indicate that the immune system may also be compromised in some, if not all, individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

The Benefits of Bovine Colostrum

Colostrum is an amazing material that, like many other things in nature, reflects the evolutionary development of a unique composition that will serve the needs of the offspring for which it is intended. The most unique of the colostrums from mammalian species occurs in bovines, where transfer of biological substances across the placenta to the developing fetus does not occur and everything required for the development of a healthy, productive offspring is provided in the colostrum. As such, bovine colostrum provides a specialized resource that offers the broadest possible spectrum of biologically active substances that can promote the development of a sound body mass, assure effective and efficient metabolism and support the activation and maintenance of a fully functional immune system capable of combating potential insults from microorganisms and other deleterious sources. Bovine colostrum is also compatible with almost any species and can readily convey its full benefits to humans by routine dietary supplementation without any significant adverse effects.

The active substances found in high quality first milking bovine colostrum may afford significant benefits to individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

Glutathione Deficiency

In addition to its role as a neurotransmitter, glutathione is the most significant antioxidant produced by a cell. It participates directly in the neutralization of free radicals and reactive oxygen compounds and maintains other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, in their active forms. In addition, glutathione can interact with many organic and inorganic substances and assist the body in detoxifying them.

Glutathione ingested by mouth has negligible uptake and, thus, it must be manufactured inside of the cell. It is a tripeptide made up of three amino acids, cysteine, glycine and glutamic acid. Both glycine and glutamic acid are readily available in the diet of most individuals, but cysteine is not, making it the rate-limiting substance for glutathione formation within a cell. As the free amino acid, cysteine is potentially toxic and is broken down in the gastrointestinal tract and the blood. The most stable form of this amino acid is as cystine, which is two cysteine molecules linked together by a disulfide bond. Cystine is not broken down by stomach acid or proteolytic enzymes and is readily absorbed. It is rapidly reduced to two cysteine molecules when it enters a cell. In addition, cystine can cross the blood/brain barrier.

The proteins albumin, lactoferrin and lactalbumin found in substantial amounts in first milking bovine colostrum are excellent resources for cystine. The amount of albumin is highest in first milking colostrum and diminishes with time after birth. Transitional milk, obtained at 96 hours (4 days) after birth of the calf, contains only about 20% of the albumin found in first milking bovine colostrum taken within 6 hours after birth. Thus, first milking bovine colostrum, obtained within 6 hours after the birth of a calf, contains approximately 5x more albumin than milk and, therefore, contributes at least 5x more cystine from albumin than milk.

Immune System Deficiency

Very early in life, the foundation of the immune system is established within a small gland-like structure in the upper chest, the thymus. It is within this structure that cells mature that will determine the appropriate type of response that the immune system should mount after an insult, whether from an invading microorganism or via an allergen. Cells from the thymus will also regulate the quality and intensity of that response.

Colostrum is an amazing resource of substances necessary to strengthen and support the immune system, potentiate the development and repair of cells and tissues; and assure the effective and efficient metabolism of nutrients. However, it is very important to recognize that all colostrum products are not the same and, despite the claims made by their manufacturers, they do not all contain every beneficial component at an optimum concentration. In many cases, they have been manipulated and may be missing some of the essential components. When choosing a colostrum product, one needs to be certain that it is made from only first milking bovine colostrum collected within 6 hours after birth of the calf and that the colostrum is "complete" and that none of the components have been removed, including the fat.

Autism Intervention - Testing For Heavy Metal Toxicity For Children With an Autism-Spectrum Disorder

An Autism Intervention Specialist Doctor Explains Heavy Metal Testing For Porphyrins

Biomedical autism intervention uses a number of diagnostic tools to evaluate for underlying heavy metal toxicity. As a biomedical autism treatment heavy metal detoxification therapy is an important intervention to remove the toxic effect of things like mercury, lead, arsenic and others from the body of a developing child with autism. These metals are known to be neurologically toxic. A unique way to assess cellular toxicity to heavy metals is to use a urine test called a porphyrin profile. A porphyrin analysis is an important component of biomedical autism intervention.

What are Porphyrins?

Porphyrins are proteins in our body responsible for the formation of heme. Heme is the carrier protein for iron in hemoglobin. This hemogloblin complex (heme + iron) is what carries oxygen throughout our body. Without heme you have no way of conserving iron and no way of transporting oxygen throughout your body. Obviously, this is not a positive thing for health as oxygen is necessary for life. Porphyrins are also involved in supporting cells in the liver which are responsible for detoxification. Without proper porphyrin production our body's capacity to detoxify toxins in severely compromised.

Porphyrins and Alzheimers Disease:

Ongoing research into Alzheimer's Disease indicates that the formation of a substance called beta-amyloid (referred to as "senile plaque") is responsible for plaque formation in the brain, specific to Alzheimer's. Heme is responsible for removing beta-amyloid. Without adequate heme formation you are at risk for beta-amyloid accumulation and possibly Alzheimer's Disease.

Porphyrins and Heavy Metals:

There are a few rare genetic disorders that cause a dysfunction in porphyrin production. These manifest as a specific genetic enzyme defect which directly impacts certain points in the porphyrin biochemistry. However, it is well known that mercury (and other metals) can significantly impact porphyrin biochemisty as well, by interfering with the enzymes that help produce heme. Mercury and lead are the major offenders and if a porphyrin profile indicates a problem in porphyrin production mercury and/or lead toxicity should definitely be high on the list for causative factors.

Don't let ANYONE tell you there is nothing you can do to help your child. Autism really is treatable! Start your child down the road to recovery from autism. Biomedical Autism treatments and therapies have resulted in many, many children improving - even losing their autism-spectrum disorder diagnosis. For more information and a free ebook on biomedical autism treatment go to http://www.AutismActionPlan.org .

Dr. Kurt Woeller is an autism biomedical specialist, with a private practice in Southern California for over 10 years. He has helped children recover from autism, ADD, ADHD, and other disorders, and has the information you need to help your child. Get his ebook, "7 Facts You Need To Know About Autism (But Probably Weren't Told)." You can download it right now for free at http://www.AutismActionPlan.org .

Autism Signs in Children - What to Look For and When

Every parent should be familiar with the Autism signs in children so that they are able to take preventative or diagnostic action as soon as these signs appear. Early diagnosis will have a dramatic effect on how the condition deteriorates because there are many things that can be done to slow or reverse the process whilst the child is very young and still developing. What are the warning signs that your child might be at risk of developing an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and when should you start looking for them?

Autism Spectrum Disorder doesn't consist of a single diagnosis. As the name suggests ASD is a spectrum disorder including the diagnosis of Aspergers and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD). Many autistic people are highly functioning; Bill Gates is a perfect example.  For others who are at the other end of the spectrum it can be a debilitating disease that gets more difficult to manage the older they become. Some sufferers will end up needing daily support from family or care workers for the rest of their lives. Although there is much data to support possible causes of Autism, the scientific and medical community continues to debate the possible triggers. It would be reasonable to suggest that some people are born with a higher predisposed risk of developing Autism and for others there may be environmental factors involved. Nonetheless, early detection is likely to be the saving grace.

Early intervention can provide the child with help that could play a huge role in how their future plays out. If the Autism is linked to heavy metal toxicity, ridding the body of these toxins needs to be done as early as possible before permanent damage is done to the brain. If the child is going to suffer from speech problems or language delay, early intervention will provide a solid foundation from which to begin their therapy.

One of the most common autism signs in children is flapping. This is particularly difficult to detect as it is a common trait amongst babies before they gain control over their limbs. Babies flap their arms particularly if they are excited, happy, want something or are tired. If this flapping continues well beyond the age where they are able to walk there could be cause for concern.

 

Other common autism signs in children is lack of desire for social interaction and a lack of apparent emotion. Autistic children and adults are withdrawn, preferring their own company over the company of others. If you are concerned that you baby doesn't develop the normal social skills of his or her peers it might be worth further investigation. Bear in mind that children tend to play 'around' each other not 'with' each other until they are over the age of 2 years. A lack of eye contact coupled with a desire to be alone would be a cause for concern.

 

Obsessive behavior is another indicator which might go hand in hand with the lack of social interaction. If your child shows signs of being obsessive, especially in relation to tactile things, it might be an indication that you need to seek further help.

 

Autistic children and adults don't cope well with change, especially if routines are broken. Look out for signs of obvious distress that are out of proportion with the event, especially if they involve a severe tantrum due to a broken routine.

 

Some children with autism also seem to have sensitivity to light and noise, although these signs of autism are more difficult to detect and may not be present in all cases.

 

Delayed speech is another sign of Autism in children, although this is not always the case. Some children start out on a path of normal development only to deteriorate later on after they reach the age of two. This is one of the reasons why ASD is such a baffling and frustrating condition; many parents suffer the heartache of 'losing' their child to symptoms that were not present in the first few years of life.

 

As difficult as it may be to seek out the diagnosis; understanding the signs of autism in children may assist you to seek support earlier, leading to a better outcome for the child.

Teaching a simple keyword based communication tool such as Baby Sign Language can help to accelerate your child's speech comprehension and development. More importantly it can also provide an invaluable head start if you find out later that they suffer from ASD. For more information visit Toddler Interpreter

The Vaccine/Autism Debate

What is the "vaccines and autism" controversy all about? At this point in history, there is no easy answer to that question. In fact, there is no single "vaccines and autism" controversy at all. While it may appear that the only question being asked is "Do vaccines cause autism?" there are at least a dozen discrete issues under debate.

The questions that make up the controversies swirling around vaccines and autism are themselves complex, and virtually all of them can be argued from at least two sides (and have been). These questions relate not just to the cause or causes of autism, but also to the contents of different vaccines, the implementation schedule of different vaccines, the possible significance of various reactions to vaccines, the significance of a single settled case in the federal Vaccine Court, and the intentions and connections of a range of government officials, researchers, lawyers, journalists, actors, and individual families.

Here are just a few of the questions that have rolled themselves together into the "Vaccine and Autism Debate:" Did thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative used in many vaccines until 2001 (when all routinely recommended vaccines for young children became either thimerosal free or nearly so), actually cause a rise in cases of autism? Did the measles virus, introduced into children's bodies at approximately 15 months of age through the Mumps Measles Rubella (MMR) vaccine, cause inflammation which led to a rise in cases of autism? Did the rise in the number of standard vaccinations in general, because they include of a variety of potentially toxic elements, cause a variety of reactions which variously led to a rise in cases of autism (and other neurological disorders)? Is there any legitimate (meaning scientifically validated) evidence that unvaccinated children are less likely to be autistic than vaccinated children? Based on the Vaccine Court case which awarded a large settlement to the family of Hannah Poling, are children with autism actually children with a mitochondrial disorder which is set off by typical vaccine reactions? Did various government agencies, such as the CDC and NIH, knowingly and deliberately urge pediatricians to vaccinate infants with the intent to cause harm? Even if they did not actually intend to cause harm, did these agencies connive with big pharmaceutical agencies to hide evidence of harm caused by vaccines? Is there an incentive for lawyers to represent families claiming vaccine injury, since the Vaccine Court underwrites the cost of legal counsel for families filing claims? If so, are lawyers pressing families to file suits even if the suits are unlikely to win? Is there an incentive for journalists and media personalities to take on vaccines as a cause, since the issue has become a major focus of television, radio and Internet outlets? And by the same token, are those few doctors who are best known for their anti-vaccine advocacy actually campaigning for the public good -- or are they in it for the fame and money? Is the CDC deliberately choosing to avoid certain types of vaccine-related studies because they fear the outcomes, or have they legitimately researched the subject extensively enough to claim that the outcomes have already been made clear? Obviously, despite some media presentations, there is no one "autism/vaccine debate." For parents new to autism (or worried about autism), ask your pediatrician about vaccines and discuss any specific concerns you have about allergies, pre-existing illness, or a history of autism. You should also be sure that you fully understand the positive benefits of vaccinations that protect against severely harmful diseases that can clearly harm your child.

When choosing to do research on your own, it is important to know not just what has been said, but who is saying it. There are passionate and influential spokespeople on each side of the issues listed above. Not all of their research is of equal quality, however, so it’s important to go beyond the media headlines and books based on opinions or single experiences and look for credible, well-designed research studies.

As you begin your research, these resources can help you understand some of the facts:

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Review: Model Me Kids Videos

The "Model Me Kids" line of videos uses child actors to demonstrate appropriate social skills in a variety of contexts. Using a clear, behavioral teaching method, they make it easy to point out when and how to greet, engage with, and avoid negative interactions with peers. With the exception of the "I Can Do It" video, which is not especially useful, these seem solid and well-designed for kids who are verbal and interested in social interaction."Model Me Kids" uses a behavioral "here's how" approach to teach specific social skills. The videos are not based on any particular social skills curriculum, but draw from their creator's experience in behavioral therapy. Plenty of research indicates that video modeling can be helpful in building social skills -- particularly for visual learners -- and these videos are highly visual and well-presented.

What I like about these videos is that they are narrated and acted by young people. They also present realistic scenarios. One in particular, "Conversation Cues," actually zeroes in on the details of how to manage peer interactions in the tricky adolescent years. Short clips present detailed information about body language and appropriate reactions without preaching or lecturing. Other videos, "Time for a Playdate" and "Time for School," present similarly specific content for younger children. Only one, "I Can Do It!" seems less than carefully crafted.

Overall, however, these videos are inappropriate for children who are nonverbal. They may also be tough to use in non-inclusive settings, since their use requires practice with typical peers. The creators are in the process of developing a curriculum to support video use, and these may provide some clearer ideas about just how to use these videos as teaching tools in a variety of settings.

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Do Vaccines Cause Autism

Nearly all of the leading health organizations including the CDC and the NIH say that there is no relationship between vaccines and autism. Yet many parents are convinced there is more to the story, and doubts about the safety of vaccines linger in their minds. How did this controversy get started -- and why is it still such a concern?

Before launching into the issues surrounding vaccines and autism, it's important to note that, with very rare exceptions, no one on either side of the vaccine issues is "anti-vaccine." Every doctor and researcher with any real credentials acknowledges that vaccinations have saved thousands and possibly millions of lives -- and even those doctors who are most vocal in their concerns about vaccines offer recommendations for what they consider to be "safe" vaccines.

So what are the controversies? Why are they still being fought over so fiercely? And - why should you care? These links should give you a good place to get started on your search for knowledge!

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MMR Vaccination Controversy

Unlike the flu vaccine and a number of other childhood immunizations, the mumps/measles/rubella vaccine does not and did not contain thimerosal (a mercury-based preservative). MMR is one of several live viral vaccines (chicken pox vaccine and the nasal flu vaccine are two others). It is routinely given at 12 to 15 months of age, which is the age when autism is first likely to become evident. The concern over MMR began when Dr. Andrew Wakefield, a British gastroenterologist, tested 12 youngsters with and without autism and found a possible link between measles virus in the gut and autism. The theory presented was that certain children have a genetic predisposition to immune issues -- and that a variety of environmental toxins begin to attack the child's immune system early on.

Researcher's at Wakefield's Texas-based foundation called Thoughtful House, claim that "The child develops a leaky gut, tissue damage gets worse, the immune system grows weaker, and autoimmune reactions start. Then a lot of children experience a catastrophic event. Either in the form of a significant illness or a live virus vaccine. The immune system is overwhelmed and the child rapidly goes downhill. Some parents report a gradual deterioration, but many children seem to develop autism after a particular event. They go into the hospital or they get an MMR shot and they’re never the same again. Autism is the end result of this developing series of reactions." These claims have not been supported by any other studies including those that attempted unsuccessfully to replicate his results. More than 20 peer-reviewed epidemiologic studies have shown no link between MMR and autism. In fact, Dr. Wakefield’s original study was completely discredited. Ten of the 12 authors withdrew their support from the article.

Again, the CDC, the Institutes of Medicine, and other major research institutions looked into the issue, and found that there was an enormous amount of evidence that there is no connection between the MMR vaccine and autism and that there is no credible evidence that a link did exist. Some studies have suggested that autistic children do have more gastrointestinal problems. In addition, some research suggests that some kind of interaction between genetic predispositions and environmental issues may contribute to autism. As with the issue of thimerosal, there have been suggestions that research conducted by government agencies has been flawed or that evidence has been withheld from the public. Some MMR opponents claim that researchers who work for NIH and CDC come from and return to large pharmaceutical firms -- and they and their firms have a great deal of money at risk.

The bottom line:

Much is not known about the cause or causes of autism. A combination of environmental factors and genetic predisposition may indeed play a significant role in the causation of autism. The overwhelming weight of scientific evidence, however, tells us that vaccines like MMR or preservatives like thimerosal are not causing autism.

Resources:

Sources:

CDC Factsheet on MMR and Autism.
Thoughtful House FAQs.

Email Interview with Thoughtful House research staff.

Science Daily: "The Age of Autism:Pox Parts 1-4".

"Deadly Immunity" in Rolling Stone Magazine, June 20 2005. F. DeStefano Thimerosal-containing vaccines: evidence versus public apprehension. Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2009 Jan;8(1):1-4.

H Honda et al. No effect of MMR withdrawal on the incidence of autism: a total population study. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2005 Jun;46(6):572-9.

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Autism Websites

Type “autism” into Google, and you’ll find 17,700,000 references. Ready to check them all out? Hopefully, your answer is NO! In fact, though, many parents spend unending hours surfing the Net, hoping to find the one site that will make a difference. Before you find yourself surfing the web at 4 a.m., check out these top ten sites. All of them are reliable and readable, with links to plenty of specialized services and related organizations. The Autism Society of America is the nation’s premiere autism resource. It’s a chapter and member-based organization, which means you can join up and get involved at the local level. Start here for a good, unbiased introduction to autism, including information on diagnosis, treatment, and much more.zSB(3,3)Many pediatricians know very little about autism. First Signs is dedicated to changing all that. Explore this site if you suspect your very young child may be Autistic. Share their information with your pediatrician. Then come back from more information about Early Intervention and optimal treatmentsThe law has a lot to say about the education of children with disabilities. In fact, there’s so much legal information out there that it’s almost impossible for a lay person to understand it all. But don’t panic -- Wrightslaw has it all covered, from federal to state issues ranging from Individualized Educational Programs to Extended School Year, inclusion, and much more.What is the government doing about autism, and how can you tap in? Disabilityinfo.gov is a portal for information about specialized programs, resources and research for parents and adults coping with disabilities.No matter what your relationship to autism, you'll find resources galore at this website. Future Horizons is a publisher, a conference organizer, a web resource, and even more. Start here if you're looking for tools for reaching and teaching autistic children, informing grandparents, selecting therapies, finding community...or just browsing.Autismlink is intended to be a clearinghouse of autism information. You’ll find information about local service providers in your area; information and links about all different types of therapy; chats; forums; and an event calendar including autism workshops, programs and conferences all over the country.Online Asperger Syndrome Information & Support (also known as OASIS) is the definitive resource for Asperger’s Syndrome. It’s been growing since 1995, and includes and incredible range of resources and information. Be sure to check out the relatively new OASIS book, also a terrific resource to have on hand.zSB(1,2)If you’re interested supporting research and advocacy for autism, Autism Speaks is a good place to start. Autism Speaks recently merged with the National Association for autism Research, and it’s funded in part by the Chairman of NBC.This is the only personal website on the list. It belongs to Tammy Glaser, a homeschooling parent of an autistic daughter. I included it as a window into the world of an inspirational family who have done an extraordinary job -- not only for their own child, but for the autism community.if(zSbL

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Vaccines Mitochondrial Disease

In March 2008, the federal Vaccine Court handed down a decision regarding a little girl named Hannah Poling. In the opinion of the court, an extraordinary number of vaccines (9) administered in one day "significantly aggravated" the child's underlying mitochondrial disease. The mitochondrial disease, the decision continues, caused brain damage -- and the brain damage caused "autism-like" symptoms.

Could mitochondrial disease really be aggravated by vaccines? Could vaccines actually cause autism in a child with mitochondrial disease?

According to a statement from Chuck Mohan, executive director and CEO of the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation:

There are no scientific studies documenting that childhood vaccinations cause or worsen mitochondrial diseases, but there is very little scientific research in this area. Mitochondrial diseases are as prevalent as childhood leukemia, however the National Institutes of Health devotes only $11 million a year to research into mitochondrial disorders, and only about one-third of that is earmarked for primary mitochondrial disease research.

At the same time, however, Geraldine Dawson, chief scientific officer at Autism Speaks (the world's largest autism-related non-profit) says:

Vaccines stimulate the immune system, which may put stress on the cell function of a child who has asymptomatic mitochondrial dysfunction or disorder such that the child now shows increased symptoms. In an extreme case, the symptoms could involve regression and symptoms of autism.

In short, while the Vaccine Court has awarded damages based on the theory that vaccinations cause or aggravate mitochondrial disease, there is no proof that they are right. On the other hand, there is no proof that they are wrong. The decision legitimately raises parents' concerns; at the same time, it also surprises and worries many experts who fear that the public may be misled into avoiding vaccines altogether, which would put their own and other children at increased risk of contracting a host of vaccine-preventable diseases.

For more information about autism and mitochondrial disease, see Autism and Mitochondrial Disease.

References:

Lerman-Sagie T, Leshinsky-Silver E, Watemberg N, Lev D. Should autistic children be evaluated for mitochondrial disorders? J Child Neurol. 2004 May;19(5):379-81.

Lombard J. Autism: a mitochondrial disorder? Med Hypotheses. 1998 Jun;50(6):497-500.

Oliveira G, Diogo L, Grazina M, Garcia P, Ataíde A, Marques C, Miguel T, Borges L, Vicente AM. Mitochondrial dysfunction in autism spectrum disorders: a population-based study.Dev Med Child Neurol. 2005 Mar;47(3):148.

Poling JS, Frye RE, Shoffner J, Zimmerman AW. Developmental regression and mitochondrial dysfunction in a child with autism. J Child Neurol. 2006 Feb;21(2):170-2.

Pons R, Andreu AL, Checcarelli N, Vilà MR, Engelstad K, Sue CM, Shungu D, Haggerty R, de Vivo DC, DiMauro S. Mitochondrial DNA abnormalities and autistic spectrum disorders. J Pediatr. 2004 Jan;144(1):81-5.

Statement by Dr. Geri Dawson Chief Science Officer, Autism Speaks

Tsao CY, Mendell JR. Autistic disorder in 2 children with mitochondrial disorders. J Child Neurol. 2007 Sep;22(9):1121-3.

United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation Statement On Vaccines, Autism And Mitochondrial Disease

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Private School & Autism

Special needs private school are springing up across the country. The majority of these schools specialize in reading disorders like dyslexia. A few will take on children with diagnoses of Attention Deficit Disorder. Recently, there has been more acceptance by private schools of children with Asperger syndrome (though this remains rare). Unfortunately, though, general special needs private schools tend to exclude children with autism.

If you can find and fund a non-specialized special needs private school for your child, you may have a terrific experience. Often, children with special needs are more tolerant of differences. And, oftentimes, the same supports that make education easier for a child with ADD are appropriate for a child with Asperger syndrome or high functioning autism.

The downside to such a setting is usually location. It's tough to find such a school in any local neighborhood. And, because the school is private, transportation is either nonexistent or high-priced. Parents generally have to find a way to make the school work for them.

More and more private schools are opening which specialize in serving children on the autism spectrum. These schools are expensive since they build in full-day therapeutic interventions including speech, occupational and physical therapy as well as academics. Tuitions can easily be as high as $75,000 per year. They may also be the ideal choice for your child with autism.

Autism-only schools serve both high and low-functioning children with autism, and can do a great job at both ends of the spectrum. Young people with Asperger syndrome may find themselves at home for the first time in their lives at an Asperger-only school. There, they may find true friends, supportive and understanding teachers, and opportunities to thrive in new ways. Children who are more profoundly autistic will find highly trained specialists with the time, energy and commitment to provide intensive, caring 1:1 interventions.

Autism-only schools are often set up based on a specific therapeutic philosophy. For example, there are private schools which spend the majority of the day implementing behavioral intervention. There are others dedicated to teaching through Floortime, and still others with focus largely on Relationship Development Intervention. If you know what you want, you can find it locally and you can fund it, you're in great shape. If not, you may have to go with the program that's available and fundable.

The down side of a school for children with autism is it is a world unto itself. While at school, children experience ONLY people who understand and care for them. Their peers are all autistic. Even parents of their peers "get" their autism. Even when the school deliberately creates opportunities for inclusion in the typical world, those opportunities are carefully contrived and controlled. That means that your child with autism will have relatively few opportunities to learn the coping skills they're likely to need when they graduate.

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Autism, Vaccines, & Mercury

In the world of autism, vaccines have been a hot topic of conversation. Thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative that was used in many vaccines between the late 1980s to 2003, plays a big role in the conversation.

The type of mercury used in thimerosal is generally cleared from the body within six weeks, which in theory would render it harmless. But according to those researchers who believe that the preservative causes autism, babies born during that 20-year window were injected with many times the "safe" level as determined by the FDA -- and some, they feel, were genetically incapable of clearing the doses of mercury from their bodies. Mercury is, in fact, a neurotoxin, and the theory is that the recent leap in autism diagnoses can be directly tied to thimerosal.

In 2004, the Institute of Medicine undertook a comprehensive review of all the published literature on thimerosal and autism and concluded that the available evidence demonstrate that there was no link. The CDC launched a series of studies that examined the relationship between the incidence of autism and the amount of mercury a child received in the first 6 months of life and also found no relationship.

Although all published credible studies have found no link between thimerosal and autism, some continue to be unconvinced.

A book by David Kirby called "Evidence of Harm" lays out what certainly has all the earmarks of a conspiracy within the federal health system. According to Kirby, in an article in Rolling Stone magazine, "our public-health authorities knowingly allowed the pharmaceutical industry to poison an entire generation of American children." These types of accusations continue to fuel anxiety and vaccine resistance among some parents.

At present, the thimerosal controversy continues, even though the removal of thimerosal from vaccines has not resulted in lower rates of autism diagnoses.

Parents who continue to be concerned should be aware that thimerosal has now been removed from most vaccines -- and thimerosal-free vaccines are available across the board.

Sources:

CDC Factsheet on MMR and Autism.
Thoughtful House FAQs.

Email Interview with Thoughtful House research staff.

Science Daily: "The Age of Autism:Pox Parts 1-4".

"Deadly Immunity" in Rolling Stone Magazine, June 20 2005.

DeStefano F. Thimerosal-containing vaccines: evidence versus public apprehension. Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2009 Jan;8(1):1-4.

Fombonne E. Thimerosal disappears but autism remains. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2008 Jan;65(1):15-6

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What Causes Autism?

The bottom line is, no one knows for sure what causes autism. Most experts will say that autism is probably caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Even those experts, though, do not have a definite answer. For many people, this uncertainty is terribly frustrating. On the plus side, interest in and funding for autism research is on the rise, so new and better information should be forthcoming in the next months and years.The question of what causes autism is highly controversial. Many people are passionate about the issue, and hold strong beliefs. Books, articles and TV programs have raised awareness -- and heated up the argument. This article provides an overview of different theories, all of which have strong supporters.Two theories link autism and vaccines. The first theory suggests that the MMR (Mumps-Measles-Rubella) vaccine may cause intestinal problems leading to the development of autism. The second theory suggests that a mercury-based preservative called thimerosal, used in some vaccines, could be connected to autism. To find out more, read Do Vaccines Cause Autism? and Is Autism on the Rise?.It is likely that autism has a genetic basis of some sort. Many studies have shown that parents from families with autistic members are more likely to have autistic children. It is also the case that many families with one autistic child are at increased risk of having more than one autistic child. To find out more about autism and genetics, read Is Autism Genetic?Is Autism Caused by Bad Parenting?:No. Dr. Kanner, the man who first identified autism as a unique condition, had the idea that cold “refrigerator” mothers caused autism. He was wrong. Dr. Kanner's misinterpretation of autism created a generation of parents carrying the guilt for their child's disability. Fortunately, our generation is spared that burden.Is Autism Caused By Atypical Brain Development?:Some researchers have found differences between the autistic brain and the typical brain. Autistic individuals seem to have larger brains. They also seem to process information differently; in other words, their brains are "wired" differently. Research on this issue is ongoing at The University of Pittsburgh. Is Autism an Immune Deficiency Problem?:There is some evidence that autism is linked to problems in the immune system. Autistic individuals often have other physical issues related to immune deficiency. Some researchers say they have developed effective treatments based on boosting the immune system. The NIH, however, states that the evidence is not yet strong enough to show a causal relationship.Is Autism Caused By Food Allergies?:Is Autism Caused By Poor Nutrition?:It seems unlikely that malnutrition can cause autism. But megavitamin therapies have been used for many years to treat autistic symptoms. Dr. Bernard Rimland, of the Autism Institute, has been a leader in this area.More About Possible Causes of Autismif(zSbL

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Skip Vaccines to Avoid Autism?

Should parents avoid vaccines to avoid autism? With all the media hype around this issue, many parents are considering the alternatives. There are some options ... but skipping vaccines is not one of them!Answer: The short answer to this question is NO!

Vaccinations are key to your child's health, and to the public welfare. Lorry Glen Rubin, MD, a pediatrician and specialist in infectious disease, makes the point, "When you vaccinate, you know you're doing it for a good reason: attempting to prevent diseases. When you don't, you're acting on a theoretical hypothesis."

Even those organizations which focus on vaccines as a possible cause of autism do not suggest an end to vaccinations. Thoughtful House, the organization created by Andrew Wakefield, MB, BS, FRCS, was founded on the concept that the MMR vaccine could be a cause of autism. Yet a spokesperson from Thoughtful House answered the question "Is Dr. Wakefield or Thoughtful House antivaccine?" in this way: No. The researchers and clinicians at Thoughtful House are searching for answers to the biological origins of childhood developmental disorders. One area of research involves determining if there are children with a genetic predisposition, which makes them more vulnerable to adverse reactions to vaccinations. If so, we need to identify those children and offer them a safer vaccination program.

Generation Rescue, a group which believes strongly that vaccines are the cause of autism, recommends that parents consider an alternative vaccine schedule, but does NOT recommend foregoing vaccines. The alternative schedule includes delaying and/or breaking up multi-dose vaccines, based on the theory that too many vaccines administered too quickly can overload a child's immune system.

It's important to note that there is no good research supporting the idea that changing the vaccine schedule will change a child's risk of autism. In fact, by delaying vaccines parents increase their child's risk of contracting infectious diseases.

Few mainstream pediatricians are likely to actively support an alternative vaccine schedule. Many, though, are willing to help parents sort through conflicting information, and to ensure that their children's vaccines are free of the mercury-based preservative thimerosal (thought by some to be a possible cause of autism). And virtually all responsible pediatricians would recommend an alternative vacine schedule over avoiding vaccinations altogether.

Before making any decisions about your child's vaccination schedule, please consult your own pediatrician. If you have specific concerns, bring them up. By all means, though, do ensure that your child is protected from potentially deadly disease.

Sources:

"Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP." February, 2002.

Miller, Donald W. "A User-Friendly Vaccination Schedule." 2004.

Interview with Dr. Lorry Glen Rubin of Schneider Children's Hospital, June, 2007.

Interview with spokesperson from Thoughtful House, 2006.

"On Vaccines" article in Generation Rescue website.

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Genetic Autism & Mutations

According to a significant study at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in Long Island, New York, at least 15% of children with autism have genetic mutations that are not inherited from their parents. Another study, conducted only with children who have classic autism, found an even higher rate of new ("spontaneous") mutations.

So far, says researcher Dr. J. Sebat, there is no indication of why these mutations occur- or whether they are on the rise. It is clear, however, that these mutations are more prevalent among children with autism. Typically, developing children have only about a 1% likelihood of having a spontaneous mutation. Interestingly, Sebat says, while autistic children have mutations, they don't all share the same mutation. Instead, there are many different mutations that occur along with autism.

The most important take-home message from this study so far is that while genetics may play a big role in autism, heredity may play a smaller role. That is, while some children do inherit autism, a large number do not. Says Dr. Sebat: The first real clinical outcome [from our research] will be diagnostic. There is a real certainty now that you could start doing routine genetic screening of autistic children for the purpose of estimating the risk of parents for having a second child with autism. Recurrence risk is on many parents' minds. If you can identify that the primary cause is a spontaneous deletion, that is likely to put you in the "sporadic" class. This is a class of families that do NOT have as high a risk of having another autistic child as those who inherited autism.

If your first child is autistic, you have a 10% chance of having another child with autism -- but that is only an average. The risk of having another spontaneous mutation will never approach 10%. Those families who do have more than one kid with autism don't have lightning striking twice: Generally, there's something in the family. Once you have two kids affected and then you have a third and fourth -- your risk is now 50% among males!

Sebat's research is only one step along the way to truly understanding how genetics and autism relate to each other. Next steps will be research to investigate some of these questions: Why do spontaneous mutations occur? Is the cause environmental? Does the age of the parent have any relationship to spontaneous mutations? Can the different mutations associated with autism be grouped together? If so, will it be possible to do genetic testing to figure out what type of autism a child has -- and thus which treatments will be most effective? Can spontaneous mutations explain why some children with autism have physical problems while others are healthy?

[subb]Sources:

Sebat J, Lakshmi B, et al. "Strong association of de novo copy number mutations with autism." Science. 2007 Apr 20;316(5823):445-9.

Zhao X, et al. "A unified genetic theory for sporadic and inherited autism." Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2007 Jul 31;104(31):12831-6.

Interview with Dr. J. Sebat, August, 2007.

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Best Treatment for Autism?

Answer: The frustrating truth is, there is no gold standard for autism treatment. Unlike many other conditions, the causes of autism are poorly understood. What's more, each person with autism displays a different set different physical, emotional, behavioral and social issues. To make the situation even tougher, up until less than 20 years ago, autism was a rare disorder and received relatively little attention from the medical community.

As of now, there are a grand total of two treatments which have been "scientifically proven" to be effective for people with autism. The first, Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), is a non-medical therapeutic approach. It has been studied carefully for decades and is relatively easy to study, as it has very measurable goals. The second is an antipsychotic medication called Risperdal (risperidone): the first and only medication to be specifically approved for use in autism. Of course, ABA and/or Risperdal are neither cure-alls nor are they right for every person with autism.

If science can't tell you which is the best treatment for autism, how do you know where to start? Most autistic children receive at least speech, physical and occupational therapies - and most children receive those therapies free of charge through school districts or regional service organizations. Once you've set up those services, it's time to dig deeper into what's avaiable, what you can afford, and what you and your child's doctors and therapists believe may be most beneficial in your particular circumstances.

Resources: National Institute of Mental Health Fact Sheet on Autism
Early Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders Pinto-Martin and Levy, Current Treatment Options in Neurology 2004, 6:391-400
First Signs
"Going to the Heart: An Introductory Guide for Parents." Gutstein, Steven and Sheeley, Rachel. © 2004 Gutstein, Sheely & Associates, P.C.
CDC Page on Vaccine Safety
Exploring Autism
The Autism Institute Website and information supplied by The Autism Institute
Greenspan, Stanley. "The Child with Special Needs." C 1998: Perseus Books.
Romanowski, Patricia et al. "The OASIS Guide to Asperger Syndrome." C 2000: Crown Publishers, New York, NY.

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Educational Options

Because the options for educating an autistic child are limited -- and in many areas almost non-existent -- a growing number of parents are turning to homeschooling. Homeschooling is a tough row to hoe for many families, since it requires the nearly full-time involvement of one or both parents -- and may also require a significant financial sacrifice when one parent leaves home. For many families, though, the choice makes sense -- particularly if the relationship with the local school district has become very strained.

At this point, quite a few listserves and organizations are supporting parents who homeschool autistic children. And, while it may be tough to find other local homeschooling families with autistic children, it's relatively easy to find homeschool groups, programs and curricula.

One of the biggest issues faced by homeschooling families is the reaction of peers and families. Questions such as "how will you teach social skills?" and "won't you go crazy?" can make it hard to keep up confidence and energy. There are also issues related to finding and funding therapies, sports, and other extracurricular activities.

But the greatest "upside" to homeschooling is its absolute flexibility relative to the individual child. If your child loves trains, for example, you can use Thomas the Tank Engine to teach reading and math skills -- an approach that has a good chance of success!

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After the Autism Diagnosis

If you decide your child is not getting all he or she needs, you may be tempted to jump into many different interventions at the same time. Of course, there are interventions that have an immediate impact for the better or worse, including some pharmaceuticals. Most treatments, however, require days, weeks or even months to really make a difference. By making changes slowly and observing your child's reactions, you can see what works and what doesn't. if(zSbL

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Autism & The Vaccine Court

Sheila Bjorklund (of Lommen, Abdo, Cole, King & Stageberg, P.A.) is one of 10 attorneys from around the country on the Executive Steering Committee for the Petitioners (plaintiffs) in the Court of Federal Claims: Office of Special Masters. Bjorklund, who is representing 23 families, and more than 60 attorneys from around the country are working on behalf of all plaintiff families against the defendants, or “respondents” at the Department of Health and Human Services, represented by Department of Justice attorneys.

Here are the questions I asked, along with Bjorklund's responses:

If the courts determine that one or more of the test cases is legitimate, and awards families compensation, what does that mean for other families with similar claims? What kind of recompense is the court likely to award, and in what form? (cash money? services?)

If the court determines that the test cases prove by a preponderance of the evidence that it is more likely than not that the thimerosal in childhood vaccines and in this particular test case, the MMR vaccine have combined to cause autism and other issues, then the families would need to prove their degree of damages related to the vaccine injury. Awards under the National Vaccine Injury compensation Act are in the form of money. Awards are to cover unpaid past and future medical expenses related to the vaccine injury, past and future pain and suffering, and loss of earning capacity. Other families would still need to present the specific facts of their child's case, the court would need to determine that they are eligible for compensation and they too would need to prove their degree of damages.

If the courts determine that none of the test cases is legitimate, what does that mean for families who believe their children are vaccine-injured?

If the petitioners lose, there are a couple of avenues. They can appeal to the Judges of the Court of Federal Claims or they can go out to the civil court (state/federal) and bring their claims directly against the vaccine manufacturers.

Who are the 4,800 families who are also part of this case? How do the test cases impact these 4,800?

The families are from all around the country. They have on their own or through legal representation have petitioned the Court of Federal Claims, under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Act for compensation. This test case will only affect a portion of these families. It represents one of three theories of causation. For those families who are claiming the combined effect of thimerosal and the MMR have caused injury to their child, their case will be evaluated against the test cases for eligibility for compensation. For the cases in which the theory is that thimerosal alone has caused their child's injury, they will wait a little longer. Those test cases are scheduled to go to hearing in late 2007 or early 2008.

If a family feels that they are in the same situation as the 4,800 named in the trials, can they join the suit? If so, how would they do so? Or would they be better off going to civil court?

Any claim under the NVICP must be brought within 3 years of the onset of first symptoms or the manifestation of onset of the vaccine injury. If a family believes they may have a claim, they can contact the Court of Federal Claims or a lawyer who handles these cases. The Court of Federal Claims can give them a list of such lawyers.

Do you think this case will have a significant impact on how Americans view and administer vaccines overall?

This case is not anti-vaccine. It is a case in which a small number (%-wise) of children who were injured because they followed the recommendations for childhood vaccinations are seeking compensation under a program specifically established by Congress to accomplish that end.

What happens after these trials are over? Is this the end of the vaccine trials, or is there more to come?

There are more to come. The additional test cases will be heard within the next 9 to 12 months. Depending upon the outcome, there will be additional hearings as the individual claims of the 4,800 petitioners are heard.

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The MMR and Autism

Clearly, plenty of theories connect the MMR and autism -- and plenty of researchers are busy presenting their findings. At present, though, there is no conclusive evidence that live-virus vaccines actually cause autism. The CDC, the Institute of Medicine and other major research institutions studied the research conducted to date, and concluded that there is no evidence to support the connection.

First, they say, the original 1998 Wakefield stufy was fatally flawed. "For example," they say, "the study was very small, involving only 12 children. This is too few cases to make any generalizations about the causes of autism. In addition, the researchers suggested that MMR vaccination caused bowel problems in the children, which then led to autism. However, in some of the children studied, symptoms of autism appeared before symptoms of bowel disease."

The CDC also cites a series of larger statistical studies carried out in the UK and Scandinavia which show that the number of children with autism did not spike when the combined MMR vaccine was introduced. In addition, the UK study found that "the onset of "regressive" symptoms of autism did not occur within 2, 4, or 6 months of receiving the MMR vaccine." Yet more studies are underway. One, which involves a collaboration among the NICHD, other NIH Institutes, the CDC, the Environmental Protection Agency, and other federal agencies, will involve a large, long-term study of the effects of the environment on children's health. According to the NICHD website: "This study will follow 100,000 children from before birth to age 20, to track growth and development, and well as study genetic blueprints and environmental factors. Researchers hope to develop theories about whether environmental influences, such as pollutants or vaccines, can cause abnormal development, such as autism, asthma, or other childhood disorders that have shown dramatic increase."

Neither the CDC nor proponents of the vaccine theories think that parents should avoid vaccines. Clearly, vaccines have saved untold lives, and will continue to do so. but some groups that worry about the safety of live-virus vaccines think they should be given one at a time over a period of months, rather than all at once through combined injections. The CDC has conducted research which seems to show that there is no causal link between multi-virus injections and autism, and their information website states that "there is no published scientific evidence showing that there is any benefit to separating the combination MMR vaccine into three individual shots." Concerned parents should talk with their pediatricians about this issue.

Sources: CDC Factsheet on MMR and Autism
Thoughtful House FAQs
"Immune system response may cause autism" in the University of Michigan Record, November 1998.{p] "The Age of Autism: Pox" in Science Daily website, May 2006.

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Early Signs of Autism:Placenta

Very early signs of autism could be present at birth. Dr. Harvey J. Kliman of the Yale School of Medicine is one of a team of researchers who have made a potentially groundbreaking discovery. In a preliminary study, he and his colleagues found that the placentas of babies who, years later, are diagnosed with autism, are physically different from those of typical babies. While the study included placentas from only from 13 children with Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD), they found that the placentas from ASD children were three times more likely to have the abnormalities, called "inclusions."

Kliman, a placental specialist, explains that "…the placenta is part of the fetus…. They are the same, made of the same material…. When you look at placenta, it's like a window in on the baby."

When looking at placentas, says Kliman, "We look for symmetry. It's difficult to create symmetry. We can tell off the bat if something is put together perfectly if it's symmetrical. The placenta is like a tree; when genes are abnormal, you get abnormal growth patterns of the placenta. When a placenta has not grown normally, what's abnormal is the way that the placenta folds, the layers of cells. What we think is happening is, the brain is a complex folded tissue. Whatever is abnormal in the placenta is likely what's abnormal in the brain. Something is wrong with the way the brain is folded -- and we may see the same thing in both the placenta and the brain."

The Yale study is just a start, and additional studies will be required to confirm its findings. Nevertheless, there are two potentially significant outcomes. Both will be of great interest to parents as well to to medical and therapeutic practitioners.

First, the finding could answer for once and for all the question of when autism begins. Kliman, for his part, has no doubts: "It's genetic; happens when sperm hits the egg, in the first trimester. Then doesn't mean that there are no continued problems -- autistic brains become extra large at 4 years of age, [and there are other issues.]. But we do know that there's a clinical history to these diseases, it's clinically genetic."

Second, the finding could pave the way to very early diagnosis of autism, with the outcome that children could receive valuable early intervention. Here's how Kliman terms the "message to parents": "If your child is born and his placenta has this abnormality, the check engine light is on. I would suggest as early as you can see an autism expert, see if you can see anything. If there are any hints, do early intervention; anything to help the brains form as well as they can. The earlier we do that the better."

Sources:

"Placental Trophoblast Inclusions in Autism Spectrum Disorder" George M. Anderson, Andrea Jacobs-Stannard, Katarzyna Chawarska, Fred R. Volkmar, and Harvey J. Kliman Biological Psychiatry July, 2006.

"Key To Early Diagnosis Of Autism May Be In The Placenta" Yale University Press Release June 26, 2008.

Telephone interview with Dr. Harvey Kliman, June 24 2006.

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Help: Picky Eaters with Autism

Many children with autism are resistant to new foods. To keep from turning the dinner table into a battle field, it's best to choose steps that allow your child to be successful.

A first step to introducing a new food might be simply placing the food on your child's plate. If even that leads to problems, you can start by placing the food on the child's plate for only a few seconds.

As soon as your child is successful with that first baby step, reward him! Rewards vary from child to child, but should include warm praise, a hug if that's something she likes, and a "motivator" such as a small amount of a preferred food or time doing a preferred activity.

[an error occurred while processing this directive] More Tips and Ideas for Parents of Children with Autism

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Find Out The History, Symptoms and Treatment Of Autism

Autism is known by several different names. Some call it autism, others call it Autistic Spectrum Disorder, and others refer to it by what is typically known as a "lighter" form of autism, Aspergers Syndrome or Aspergers Disorder. The disorder is usually identified by a marked delay in a child's areas of communication and social interactions. While autism is not only found in children, it can typically be successfully identified during the first three years of a child's life.

Autistic spectrum disorder is a difficult affliction to diagnose. There is not a physical ailment that can be readily seen, such as a broken arm or open wound, yet the affliction can be much worse than either of those if untreated or even worse, if it goes undiagnosed for a long period of time. Since it is difficult to diagnose, various tests are performed on the patient to determine if certain sets of criteria are met which would define autism. For this reason, the diagnosis of autism is a relatively subjective process that typically requires specialists in this area to accurately determine.

For several decades, autism has been known as one of the most severe neurological disorders pertaining to the normal development of a child's communications skills, ability to focus and concentrate, and general social interaction skills. For a long time, it was thought to be relatively rare, but more recent studies estimate that approximately 1 in every 150 children are afflicted by it to some degree. Sometimes the "degree" is almost undetectable and does not present a major challenge to that child as they develop and grow, but for others, it will clearly present them with challenges.

There is not a currently known cure for autism, but once it has been diagnosed and the severity of it determined, there are things that can be done to minimize the effects of it. Sometimes this may include prescription medications. Although the results are not yet definitive, some scattered reports of success have been noted with secretin treatments for both children and adults. Common treatments include special education with trained professionals who understand autistic spectrum disorder, which would also include behavioral interventions and dietary changes.

A prevailing thought, although not yet definitive, is that autism is a neurological or psychological disorder that is inherited. It has been concluded, however, that autism is not a reflection of parenting skills, where the lack of a nurturing mother would be a cause of autism. Some studies have indicated that a dietary change can have a notable positive effect on the autistic patient, like changing to a glutin-free diet. Other studies have shown that going through a process to remove mercury from the system had a very positive effect. But again, these studies are currently inconclusive.

Yet other studies have focused in other areas. For example, one thought is that the production of testosterone plays a role in autism, which would partially explain why such a dramatically greater percentage of males versus females are afflicted with ASD.

Since autism is difficult to accurately diagnose, sometimes the affliction which might be labeled as autism is actually Aspergers Syndrome, which simply put, is just a milder form of autistic spectrum disorder. For more information about Aspergers Disorder, you may wish to visit Aspergers Syndrome Explained to get more insights. Also similar would be many of the symptoms of yet another related disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, and you can get more information about ADD at All About Attention Deficit Disorder.

Bottom line: watch your children and know the signs of autism, since early detection and accurate early diagnosis provides your best chances to minimize the detrimental effects.

Jon is a computer engineer who maintains web sites on a variety of topics based on his knowledge and experience. You can read more about Autism and Autistic Spectrium Disorder (ASD) at his web site at Autism Explained.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a spectrum disorder, which means there are no particular symptoms for this condition. People suffering from ASD can exhibit a number of symptoms, and each person with the condition will behave differently from the other. Just as the causes of ASD are debatable, there's no definite explanation of the symptoms either. That is the reason it becomes important to 'classify' people with ASD on the basis of a spectrum, which is nothing but a measure of the symptoms that they suffer.

This spectrum runs from a low end to a high end. Sufferers of ASD who exhibit numerous symptoms, which take them quite far away in behavior from a normal person, are placed on the lower end of the autism spectrum. The people who are placed on the higher end are the people who show fewer symptoms of ASD. They are almost like other children as far as their behavior is concerned.

Thus, this spectrum is a way to understand how mild or serious the patient's condition is. ASD is generally identified in childhood, at around 3 years of age. When identified, some analytical tests are carried out by the medical personnel attending to the child. The first tests are an indication of whether the child is suffering from ASD or not. These results are not conclusive. If there's an indication, further tests are carried out, with a view to finding out exactly what symptoms of autism the child displays. This is when the child is placed on the spectrum, based on the kinds of symptoms he or she displays.

There are a host of symptoms that children with autism might display. There are some early warning signs as well. These will differ from one child to another, and need to be confirmed medically before the child can be called as an autistic child. Most of the children with autism will be slow in understanding and reciprocating language (won't be able to master one word by 16 months of age and two words by 24 months of age). The child will not like to be cuddled or held and will not cry or ask to be lifted. The child will not play 'normally' with toys, or might be obsessed in arranging them in a particular manner. The child will not recognize people and will not understand what they are telling him or her. There may be times when it will appear that the child has a hearing disability.

It is based on the presence of these symptoms that children are placed on the autism spectrum, which decides their further course of treatment. However, children who display one or more symptoms on this spectrum might become quite keen in other areas, which might actually make them prodigies. For instance, a child who cannot understand language might develop a keen understanding of music and become a child genius.

What needs to be understood is that autism isn't the end of the road. The spectrum is just a measure of how different the child's behavior is from that of other children around him. However, the child may be above normal in other areas, which need to be identified.

Kelly Hunter owns and operates http://www.accelerated-nursing-programs.com and also writes about Accelerated Nursing Programs.

The Simple Explanation of Autism Spectrum Disorder

The simple explanation of Autism Spectrum Disorder is, people who have autism, can have a variety of symptoms. What are these symptoms? Some will have mild symptoms and others will have serious symptoms

Most autistic children behave in an unusual way. Some express their behavior with anger outbursts, tantrums, slow in learning, which causes slow intellectual abilities, repetitive behavior, spatial staring, not formulating sentences to ask for what they want, some do not like loud noises, bright colors and get overwhelmed if they get out of their routine, which make it hard for them to adjust to new tasks and changes. There are various degrees of this disorder and affects different ages.

The other simple explanation of Autism Spectrum Disorder is, that it is still being researched, but for now, experts believe and seem to agree the cause is more genetic that other causes. There has been updated research completed and scientists have inklings that a gene which is not functioning properly might also cause autism. Of course, there are other determined factors involved that could cause autism. For example, lack of oxygen at birth, chemical imbalances, viruses or chemicals in the blood, lacking a healthy nutrition during pregnancy.

There is another simple explanation of Autism Spectrum Disorder that needs to be addressed. Infants, do not cuddle, do not like affection, avoid eye contact. Some do not smile or lift their arms to be picked up. They do not want to learn childhood games and activities that involve participation with other children. In addition, as these children get older, they may develop an area that produces strong strengths. For example, they may be strong in music, art, memory, mathematics, or in reading. This usually occurs in one area, but other areas, they do not function or adjust to new challenges given to them.

If you have a concern and think your child may have autism, with problems in one of the areas of communication, socialization or restricted behavior before the age of three, it is best to have your child checked by an expert doctor in this field and have your child take a developmental screening test. If your doctor sees results from the test, that there are possible indicators to be autism, then it is wise to further the evaluation.

Do research on Autism Spectrum Disorder, if you have any thoughts or clues that your child could have autism, by going to the internet, asking your qualified doctor questions and networking with other parents who children have the disorder. By taking this action, you will gain knowledge and have a simple explanation of this disorder.

Bonita Darula, is know world-wide for her passion and insights into the prevention of autism. Become her quest and enter at http://www.autismintoawareness.com to download your valuable e-book and free bonus products, that will help you to gain knowledge about the enormous subject on autism. Take action now. Your child and you are worth it.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder - This is the Answer to a Question That Every Parent Should Know

What is autism spectrum disorder? Eugene Bleuler first coined the term autism in 1912. This Swiss psychiatrist used the word when explaining a schizophrenic's difficulty in connecting with others.  He choose this word because if means self.

Later, in 1943, Dr. Leo Kanner, after studying eleven children suffering similar symptoms, used the expression early infantile autism.  He also picked this word because of its Greek origins, which also came from the word meaning self. He did this because he felt that a main symptom the children suffered from included an interest in themselves but not the world around them.  Dr. Kanner wrote a paper based on his observation that was published in a medical publication called The Nervous Child. While this publication has long since disappeared every symptom that Kanner described in his paper are still felt to be typical behaviors of autism to this day.  There are different kinds of autism, the most common one is known as Kanner's Autism.

The term autism describes a neurodevelopmental disorder with a variety of symptoms and characteristics whose focus is on abnormal social relationships and interplay, difficulties with communications of both the verbal and non-verbal kind, a lack of focus in normal play and repetitive pattern behaviors.

Around the same time that Kanner was working with his patients, Dr. Hans Asperger was having similar results with patients who were higher functioning but exhibiting similar symptoms. This disorder was later called Asperger's syndrome. The Second World War delayed his findings becoming well known, as did a wait of nearly fifty years to translate his conclusions into English. I was not until the late 1990s that his work was incorporated into the ongoing research into autism.

When you put these two together you get what is now referred to as ASD; autism spectrum disorders. They are two of the five pervasive developmental disorders, PDD, listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

In someone with autism they way the perceive the world can be very different than someone without autism. Their sensory reactions seem to be affected strongly. Something with a light scent to you or I may smell foul or excessively strong to someone with autism. Light that just brightens our way can be found to be blinding to an autistic.  Just like a gentle touch may feel painful.

It's difficult to treat when each person suffers somewhat different symptoms.  Since there is no cure there are controversies about treatment. Some say it's not a disorder its what these people are born with. Others claim that treatment does more harm than good and that autistics are better left alone than intruded on.  The last camp heard from feel that whatever can be done to help people with autism cope in the world is worth the time and money invested.

If you think that there is "something not right" with your child you must find out as soon as possible if autism is the issue. Treatments are less effective with each passing day as we grow older, so find out now with the complete autism resource for determining symptoms and goes into depth about ALL treatment options for autism, natural AND medical. So do your family a favor and check out the information at Autism Symptoms.

You can also make extra money to help pay for treatment and training by telling people about this helpful resource. You earn $26.30 for each book sold, so start making money by clicking Autism Symptoms Affiliates

Autism Spectrum Disorders - What Does the Term "Autism Spectrum Disorder" (ASD) Mean?

Medical professionals often use the term Autism Spectrum Disorders (or ASD for short) to explain the large variety of symptoms, signs and characteristics associated with a diagnosis of Autism.

As we all know, more and more children are getting diagnosed with Autism everyday. According to the Center for Disease Control, Autism now occurs in one out of every 150 individuals. Some researchers account for the increase in Autism due to us better understanding the entire Autism spectrum.

The Autism spectrum, however, is sometimes difficult for parents to understand. Some parents say things like: "My child has Autism, but he does not do that!" or they will ask "My child will interact with other kids, does he still have Autism?" The answer is simply that Autism is a spectrum, but what exactly does this mean?

A spectrum means that there are children with Autism symptoms on one side, the other side, and everywhere in between. For example, let's take a look at communication and the Autism spectrum. You might have one child on one end of the spectrum that is non-verbal and will only use gestures to tell his or her needs. Then, you might have a child on the other end of the spectrum that can tell you every small detail and then some about his favorite dinosaurs. Both of these children have Autism, but they are on opposite ends of the Autism spectrum for their communication skills.

All of the fundamental deficits of Autism are a spectrum: communication, social skills, and behavior. Each child with Autism has skills that vary on each of the spectrums. Also, all of the types of autistic disorders make up this "Autism spectrum". The different types of autistic disorders include: Autism, Asperger Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).

For more information on Autism Spectrum Disorders including signs, symptoms and treatment options, you should download our Free Special Report on Autism. This popular, jam-packed resource guide is available for download right now at http://www.AutismSymptomsChecklist.org

Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Overview

The term "autism" is often used most commonly used to describe any one of the 5 different types of pervasive developmental disorders. These pervasive developmental disorders are collectively known as "autism spectrum disorders." There are many theories about how these disorders relate to one another. While some researchers believe that they are all separate disorders with similar symptoms, other researchers say that there is a "spectrum" of severity that ranges from extremely mild to incapacitating. In the most severe cases of autism, the one inflicted will not be able to function and live independently.

Autism is a chronic brain disorder that manifests in developmental difficulties in the areas of social interaction, verbal skills and communication. If your child is autistic, he is likely to have repetitive and narrow interests. In addition, he finds it hard to cope with changes in schedules and environment. He can react violently when any changes occur or if there is a disruption to his normal schedule.

Unfortunately, it is not known what causes autism but some scientists and researchers believe that it is a genetic abnormality. Yet others say that it is caused by an injury to the brain or exposure to an environmental toxin. This can be supported by the fact that in some population areas, autism is at higher rates of incidence than it is elsewhere.

You may start observing some odd developmental problems of your child between the ages of 12 and 36 months old. It may be that your child is not hitting some milestones with underdeveloped or delay in speech and communication skills. You may also begin to notice that his social interactions are poor. However, if your child only has mild autism, you may not be able to detect that anything is wrong until he enters school. In some cases, your child may go undiagnosed until he reaches middle school, which is when social and communication skills become more important.

If you have an autistic child, you may fear that his disorder may worsen over the years. However, research shows that autism is non-progressive, meaning that it does not get worse in time.

The 5 types of pervasive developmental disorders include:

1. Autism. Autism's symptoms can be recognized before a child turns 3-years-old. However, it may be diagnosed much later than this. If your child is diagnosed with autism he will have difficulty making or maintaining eye contact, have disturbances in his social functioning and be overwhelmingly absorbed with himself.

2. Asperger Syndrome. Asperger Syndrome is similar to autism in that it tends to show up before your child turns 3 years old. However, your child will be able to function at a higher level than an autistic child. Your child can still have difficulties with social functioning, communication and speech. He will also be easily absorbed with narrowly defined interests. But with some therapy and help, most asperger children are able to live independently when they get older.

3. Rex syndrome. Some doctors would argue that Rex syndrome is not a type of autism. However, there are still doctors who do think that this is a form of autism. This syndrome almost exclusively afflicts girls. Usually your child will develop normally for 6 to 18 months and then show a remarkable loss of skills in such areas as speech and the ability to control her hands and her feet. This syndrome can be tested for with an 80% accuracy rate.

4. Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD). CDD takes place a little later. It happens after your child turns 2 to 4 years before showing a marked degeneration in his social, physical, mental and verbal skills. This long period of normal development below the age of 2 is what makes the difference between autism and CDD.

5. Pervasive developmental disorder. Your child is diagnosed with a pervasive developmental disorder if he is found to have impairments in social interaction, stereotyped behavior and communication. However, this disorder would only apply if he is not within any of the above other 4 mentioned categories.

Sandra Kim Leong writes about the autism disorder spectrum [http://www.autismdietplan.com]. She shares about her experiences with her autistic child. Read her blog here at [http://www.autismdietplan.com].