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Autism (January 24, 2003, Two)

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Program Summary

It is estimated that 1.5 million Americans may have some degree of autism, 10 times the number diagnosed 20 years ago. Why has there been such a dramatic increase in the incidence of autism? Is it an epidemic, or are doctors better at diagnosing the disorder? Most autism specialists agree that the higher numbers are the result of broadening the parameters of the disorder and earlier diagnosis. The guests on today’s show discuss the nature of autism, the genetic connections, and the possibility that certain vaccines given in early childhood could be the culprits.

The points below are based on information from the National Institutes of Health and the Autism Society of America. This segment is not intended for correlation with classroom curriculum, but rather for staff development.

Guests

Susan Folstein, director of the Autism Genetic Research Cooperative and professor of psychiatry at the Tufts University School of Medicine, New England Medical Center in Boston

Andy Shih, director of research and programs at National Alliance for Autism Research in Princeton, New Jersey

Neal Halsey, director of the Institute for Vaccine Safety at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore

Related Links and Resources

National Public Radio’s “Talk of the Nation,” January 21, 2003: Living with Autism
Autism Society of America: Autism Society of America
Cure Autism Now Foundation
Exploring Autism
National Institute of Health: Health Information on Autism
National Institute of Health: MEDLINEplus: Autism

For Discussion:

Activities

Facts About Autism

• It is a pervasive development disorder (PDD) believed to be genetic in origin; it is not communicable. It is the result of abnormal brain development and generally appears within a child’s first three years.
• Boys are four times more likely to suffer from autism than girls. Rett’s syndrome is an autistic-like PDD that affects only girls.
• Autism causes difficulties in communication (as severe as never learning to talk or write), social interaction (poor eye contact, tantrums, disconnection from the outside world), and behavior (repetitive actions, insistence on routine).
• It is a “spectrum” disorder, meaning that it manifests itself in a wide variety of behaviors.
• A family with one autistic child has a five to 10 percent chance of having a second autistic child.
• There is no cure for autism.
• Treatment currently involves intensive behavior modification and patterning.
• A connection between receiving certain childhood vaccines and the onset of autism has not been found.

Red Flags for Parents and Teachers

• The child does not respond to his or her name.
• The child cannot explain what he or she wants.
• Language skills or speech are delayed.
• The child doesn’t follow directions.
• At times, the child seems to be deaf or seems to hear at some times but not others.
• The child doesn’t point or wave bye-bye.
• The child used to say a few words or babble, but now he or she doesn’t.
• The child throws intense or violent tantrums, is hyperactive, uncooperative, or oppositional.
• The child has odd movement patterns or walks on his or her toes
• The child doesn’t know how to play with toys.
• The child has poor eye contact and doesn’t smile when smiled at.
• The child gets “stuck” and does things over and over, unable to move on to other things.
• The child seems to prefer to play alone and is not interested in other children
• The child gets things for him or herself only.
• The child is very independent for his or her age.
• The child does things “early” compared to other children.
• The child seems to be in his or her “own world.”
• The child shows unusual attachments to toys, objects, or schedules (i.e., always holding a string or having to put socks on before pants).
• The child spends a lot of time lining things up or putting things in a certain order.

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