April is Autism Awareness month and today is marked by the United Nations as Autism World Awareness Day. One in 150 children today is thought to be afflicted by an Autism Spectrum Disorder. This number is a dramatic increase from the Autism incidence rate in the 1980′s. The cause is still unknown and more research funding is needed. Some believe that Autism Spectrum Disorders are caused by exposure to environmental toxins such as heavy metals, live viruses and bacteria and pthalates in plastics or even television exposure, while others believe there is a genetic component to Autism and is inherited. There is also controversy over whether Thimeresol and Mercury in Childhood Vaccines are linked to Autism Spectrum Disorders. One thing that seems to be certain regarding Autism Spectrum Disorders is that early intervention is key to treatment. Some signs to look for in your baby’s development are as follows:
- No babbling by 12 months.
- No gesturing (pointing, waving goodbye, etc.) by 12 months.
- No single words by 16 months.
- No two-word spontaneous phrases (not including echolalia) by 24 months.
- Any loss of any language or social skills, at any age.
More information can be found at the following websites:
HBO is airing a documentary “Autism The Musical” today at 6:15pm. Also be sure to watch Jenny McCarthy on Larry King Live tonight at 9pm where she discusses her life as a mom to an Autistic son.
