Info 101 - Autism Spectrum Disorder

Many refer to it as an epidemic now that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in every 110 children born in the United States is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, also known as ASD. For boys the numbers are even more alarming, standing at one in 70.

Some suggest this is the result of better diagnosing and record-keeping--plus, in the past, only severely affected children were identified. Moreover, the definition of autism has been expanded to include a range of milder, related conditions, and recently the American Psychiatric Association officially moved Asperger's into the autism category.

AUTISM FACTS:

• If one identical twin has ASD, there's a 60%-90% chance that the other will be affected.

• In non-identical twins, if one child has ASD, there's a 2%-8% chance the other will, too.

• The median age of an ASD diagnosis is between 4.5 and 5.5 years.

• 51% to 91% of the time, developmental concerns are noted before the 3rd birthday.

• Diagnosis is up 10% to 20% annually.

• About 40% of affected children do not talk at all.

• 25% to 30% affected children have some words at 12 to 18 months and then lose them.

• Some children may speak, but not until later in childhood.

• Studies suggest that the cost, over the lifetime of an ASD-diagnosed child, is $3.2 million.

So, of course, we worry. What's "normal" anyway? Aren't all kids kind of quirky? Plus, everyone knows you shouldn't compare one child with another, so...

Suggests Chris Plauche Johnson, M.D., M,Ed., "It's the consistent lack of interest in wanting to connect with others that defines autism."

Meanwhile, the editors of Babytalk, Babytalk offer these developmental milestones as a checklist-and a warning. If your child is not demonstrating these age-appropriate behaviors, seek expert help and guidance:

• "By 3 months: Your baby should begin to develop a social smile, smile at the sound of your voice, watch faces intently, coo, and make other noises.

• By 6 months: Your baby should recognize you and seem happy to see you, seem interested in different sights and sounds, and begin to babble.

• By 9 months: He should engage in and enjoy back-and-forth interactions, smiles, and other facial expressions-and respond to his name.

• By 12 months: Your baby should point to and reach for things, wave, and say one word in addition to 'mama' and 'dada.'

• By 18 months: He should say 10 to 25 single words, point to objects that interest him, and bring things to show you.

• By 24 months: Your baby should say at least 50 words and use two-word phrases ("Doll mine," "Daddy, go.")"

Unfortunately, sometimes such milestones are not met. In Pennsylvania alone, it's estimated that some 25,000 children have an autism diagnosis. According to the October, 2009 Pennsylvania Autism Census Project, Allegheny has more than any other county in the Commonwealth with 2,235 affected children. Philadelphia is next with 2,142, and Montgomery County is third with 1,109, 62.1% of them between the ages of five and twelve.

So what to do? Knowledge is power-and essential, too--so search the Internet, which is loaded with helpful sites, information, and resources. Head to your library, too, and also seek out parent groups. Meanwhile, local colleges/universities often offer outreach programs, providing valuable insights and techniques for handling the challenges of an ASD child.

Remember: you're not alone in this, and you don't have to go it alone.