Winning Over Autism

The international symbol for autism is a puzzle piece because the disorder is so puzzling. Thus, the image for this hub page are pieces of a puzzle. It is a disorder that is so misunderstood; it continues to be a mystery. In order to solve the autism puzzle, public awareness, education, and support of the disorder are so very crucial. And so, this is the goal of this five (5) part series of hubpages.

It has been said that if you don't know someone with autism, that you most likely will. This is due to the rising rate of incidence. Autism or ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is at an all time high. About 10 years ago, it affected as many as 1 per 166 (per Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, 2001). In a more recent report (2007) from the CDC, it affects 1 per 150 children born and is 4 times more prevalent in boys than girls. In Illinois alone, the number of children who receive special education for autism has exploded from 1,960 to 9,455 according to the Autism Society of Illinois.

Autism is considered the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States, with a child being diagnosed every 21 minutes. And, on the global front, England and Ireland reported that autism is affecting one in 58 individuals. So, if you don't know someone with autism now, you will soon - your neighbor, your child's classmate, someone on the playground or even someone in your family! Therefore, it is necessary to help promote awareness and understanding while advocating a message of hope that is educating and empowering families.

What Is Autism?

It is a complicated neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. It is often diagnosed in children as young as 18 months old, and affects every race, ethnic group and socio-economic status. It is an "equal opportunity disorder" per Sheena Coleman of NAELM. This disorder typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime.

Autism is part of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Autistic disorder is the most commonly known type of ASD. Others include "pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified" (PDD-NOS) and Asperger Syndrome. Children who with some symptoms of autism, but not enough to be diagnosed with classical autism, are oftentimes diagnosed with PDD-NOS. On the other hand, children with autistic behaviors but well-developed language skills are often diagnosed with Asperger syndrome.

In addition, children who are developing normally and then suddenly deteriorate between the ages of 3 to 10 years and show marked autistic behaviors may be diagnosed with childhood disorder called disintegrative disorder. Another group, within the autism spectrum disorders, is girls with autistic symptoms that may be suffering from Rett syndrome. This is a sex-linked genetic disorder characterized by hand wringing, social withdrawal, and regressed language skills. One of the major television networks recently did a special on Rett syndrome.

Recent Development At The Federal Level:

H.R. 6282, The Helping HANDS for Autism Act of 2008

H.R. 6282 would increase housing, awareness, and navigation demonstration services (HANDS) for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The Helping HANDS for Autism Act is a three-part legislative package that includes a program to guide families seeking services and care, increased public awareness and housing for adults with ASD.

Latest Major Action: 6/17/2008: Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Recent Development At The Local Level:

It has been reported that Illinois is ranked 48 in services offered for people with developmental disability (2005 State of the States in Developmental Disabilities Report).

The Prioritization of Urgency of Needs for Service (PUNS) survey can increase funding by showing Illinois government officials the immediate needs of Illinoisans with developmental disabilities. Who qualifies for PUNS? EVERYONE! The waiting list is available to persons of all ages with a disability that are anticipating a need for funding in the next five years. Who's on the waiting list and how can I sign up? There are more than 10,000 Illinoisans with developmentally disabilities on the list. According to demographic information, thousands more are eligible. To join the list, contact 800-588-7002.

Note: Here is some encouraging news about a breakthrough in autism research. Researchers have found new genes that play a role in the possible causes of and development of this disorder.