Autism
#2
I just heard on the news today, that they think they have finally linked it to a specific gene...
I would be interested to know if it has always been in the genes, or if something has happened to alter the genes over the course of time...
When my niece was diagnosed in 1990, she had to be taken to a major medical center for a proper diagnosis... We were told that it was a fairly common occurrence. Back then and before, it seemed to be "lumped in" without several other forms of mental retardation. Many doctors didn't know exactly what to look for, nor did the specialists who worked daily with handicapped children in the medical field or the school systems.
The school district in 1990 was also at a loss as to how to set up a proper learning environment for her.
10 years later, she could get more of the proper help/care much closer to home... Now most of her specialist know of the condition or at least enough to make informed decisions for her various medical/mental issues/treatments.
So I guess I would have to say it has been around for a long time, it just didn't have it's own specific title.
We also believe her blood uncle has it to a lessor degree, he however refuses to go in for a diagnosis. He is 52 yrs old.
I think another problem is that there can be other mental/medical problems that also help cloud making a proper diagnosis. Some also have schizophrenia or other mental conditions, as well seizures and other disorders.
There is not just one test to determine if a person has autism, it is a series of test and observations.
I would be interested to know if it has always been in the genes, or if something has happened to alter the genes over the course of time...
When my niece was diagnosed in 1990, she had to be taken to a major medical center for a proper diagnosis... We were told that it was a fairly common occurrence. Back then and before, it seemed to be "lumped in" without several other forms of mental retardation. Many doctors didn't know exactly what to look for, nor did the specialists who worked daily with handicapped children in the medical field or the school systems.
The school district in 1990 was also at a loss as to how to set up a proper learning environment for her.
10 years later, she could get more of the proper help/care much closer to home... Now most of her specialist know of the condition or at least enough to make informed decisions for her various medical/mental issues/treatments.
So I guess I would have to say it has been around for a long time, it just didn't have it's own specific title.
We also believe her blood uncle has it to a lessor degree, he however refuses to go in for a diagnosis. He is 52 yrs old.
I think another problem is that there can be other mental/medical problems that also help cloud making a proper diagnosis. Some also have schizophrenia or other mental conditions, as well seizures and other disorders.
There is not just one test to determine if a person has autism, it is a series of test and observations.
#3
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
Scientific American has an article about autism every once in awhile.
I know that now it is considered a "spectrum disorder", meaning that it encompasses a wide range of severity. Current thinking is that there are multiple complex causes including both genetic and environmental factors. Some cases seem to involve digestive anomalies.
There is a lot of evidence to suggest that the increase in cases is not due only to better recognition, which raises the question of what environmental factors may be changing.
Sorry I'm not able to answer your questions. I just find this topic interesting every time it comes up.
I know that now it is considered a "spectrum disorder", meaning that it encompasses a wide range of severity. Current thinking is that there are multiple complex causes including both genetic and environmental factors. Some cases seem to involve digestive anomalies.
There is a lot of evidence to suggest that the increase in cases is not due only to better recognition, which raises the question of what environmental factors may be changing.
Sorry I'm not able to answer your questions. I just find this topic interesting every time it comes up.
#4
Well, my son was diagnosed with autism in 1975. It was brand new. He wasn't retarded but he wasn't normal either. So this was what the Doctors diagnosed him with. He is now 37 and holding somewhat of a job. No SSI either when he was younger. All expenses came out of our pocket. Now I see all types of challenged children getting help. Now he falls through the cracks. If we die he will be homeless.
#5
I believe they are recognizing it more because they are learning more about and new to treating it. Mellina so sorry to here about your boy. It is true in 1975 they didn't know or do much about it. I hope you find someone to put in your will to take care of him. God Bless you and your family. My thoughts and prayer are with you all.
#6
Originally Posted by Mellina
Well, my son was diagnosed with autism in 1975. It was brand new. He wasn't retarded but he wasn't normal either. So this was what the Doctors diagnosed him with. He is now 37 and holding somewhat of a job. No SSI either when he was younger. All expenses came out of our pocket. Now I see all types of challenged children getting help. Now he falls through the cracks. If we die he will be homeless.
Added on edit: I hope I do not offend, but this is so very scary to me. Thankfully these are not issues that I have to deal with in my daily life. I guess it is because my cousin is always in the back of my mind and the center of my heart.
#7
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
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Originally Posted by Pam
Originally Posted by Mellina
Well, my son was diagnosed with autism in 1975. It was brand new. He wasn't retarded but he wasn't normal either. So this was what the Doctors diagnosed him with. He is now 37 and holding somewhat of a job. No SSI either when he was younger. All expenses came out of our pocket. Now I see all types of challenged children getting help. Now he falls through the cracks. If we die he will be homeless.
Added on edit: I hope I do not offend, but this is so very scary to me. Thankfully these are not issues that I have to deal with in my daily life. I guess it is because my cousin is always in the back of my mind and the center of my heart.
#8
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: central Indiana
Posts: 1,166
I have had several students who have been identified as being on the autism spectrum. No two have had the same needs. One other teacher on my team has a grandson who is autistic. Her family has had great success with restricting his diet. No refined sugars, gluten-free, etc. It does seem like we are seeing more and more autistic children these days. I believe it is just because we are doing a better job of identifying it. In my kdg class of 17 students this past school year, 2 were autistic and I had another child (very high functioning) whose parents are looking into this diagnosis, as well. It is a medical diagnosis, not one made by the school psychometrist.
#9
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: AZ and CT
Posts: 4,898
Originally Posted by Mellina
Well, my son was diagnosed with autism in 1975. It was brand new. He wasn't retarded but he wasn't normal either. So this was what the Doctors diagnosed him with. He is now 37 and holding somewhat of a job. No SSI either when he was younger. All expenses came out of our pocket. Now I see all types of challenged children getting help. Now he falls through the cracks. If we die he will be homeless.
I have 2 autistic grandsons, and our lawyer has done quite a bit of research on our CT laws re setting up care for a severely autistic person WITHOUT negatively affecting potential state care. We also have to be aware of the laws in the state where my grandsons live. One of my grandsons will probably need lifelong care. The other will probably graduate from college. That's why autism is called a 'spectrum.' Our most likely scenario is to set things up with a Trust so the college grad will be able to help care for his brother.
Melina, please check with Virginia's State Social Services to see if there is something you can set up ahead of time to provide for your son. I know you can do it in some states, but you have to be very careful about the way you do it.
#10
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: SW Iowa
Posts: 32,855
Originally Posted by Mellina
Well, my son was diagnosed with autism in 1975. It was brand new. He wasn't retarded but he wasn't normal either. So this was what the Doctors diagnosed him with. He is now 37 and holding somewhat of a job. No SSI either when he was younger. All expenses came out of our pocket. Now I see all types of challenged children getting help. Now he falls through the cracks. If we die he will be homeless.
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