What do you know about autism?

[rex]

I work 1:1 with preschoolers with Autism. Its my job to know a lot.

I am always surprised when I meet people who don't know very much (if anything) about Autism since it is becoming increasingly common.

[gretchenindisguise]

I'm knowledgeable

[eb777888]

Honestly, not much. I wish I knew more. I've read about it a little when S was having his speech delay issues. I also don't know anybody, young our old, with autism.

[lyssbobiss, Command, B613]

Thanks guys. It's comforting in a way that there are people here who have been through it.

[textbookcase]

I know a fair amount about autism and the spectrum in general. As homeschoolers, we are around a lot of children on the spectrum since a lot are homeschooled. One of our good friends has a son with autism. He's in Cambria's class and they are friends.

[rugbywife]

I am a teacher. I have had a student on the spectrum pretty much every year I have taught (going into my 12th year), both diagnosed and undiagnosed (ETA: perhaps I should say identified and non-identified...most of the students have been diagnosed, but not all parents are able/ready to accept the diagnosis and therefore they choose not to have their child formally identified as on the spectrum for school purposes. But I have also encountered students who are clearly on the spectrum but not diagnosed). I know a lot more about teaching kids on the spectrum than raising kids on the spectrum. I genuinely don't know how most parents do it, I would be so exhausted.

[Deleted]

I don't know a lot, but I did babysit a child years ago that had autism + a long list of other learning disabilities that I can't recall. He also had leukemia. I have never taken a death harder (he was 10 when he died --- he was the same age as my "Baby brother" so he would be 19 now) and I couldn't go to the memorial service. I was too broken up. I babysat for another family friend so they could go to the memorial without young kids in tow. I feel like I didn't really get closure, though, because of not going. I still talk to the parents occasionally but they have moved to Chicago since. (we are in Pittsburgh.)

All I remember about Travis was that you had to be very specific with him. IE: instead of "go get in the shower" you had to say "Go get in the shower and stay in the shower until I can come up and help you get washed." (He had a bathroom accident once because of a reaction to his chemo. The entire house was a mess and I had to have him get in the tub to contain the mess until I could clean the house and then him.) And also he would get frustrated very easily when his computer game would freeze and start pounding on the computer. I started saying "Be nice to the computer, Trav." and he eventually would realize he was starting to get upset and pound on it before I said anything and would calm himself down so he didn't break it.

[anlo]

My son has autism. If I had to label his severity, I guess I'd call it moderate. We were told that he had the "potential to be high functioning" but honestly I'm not quite sure what was meant by that. I think a lot of people throw the phrase high functioning around when it doesn't necessarily have a strict definition (at least that I'm aware of).

I know a lot about the signs/red flags, typical problems in functioning, some therapeutic approaches, the evaluation process, and other things that go along with early childhood cases. I still have a lot to learn about where to go from here as DS is only 4. My main area of concern right now is forming a plan for his transition to school next year.

Lyssbobiss, I understand what you mean. Bab and litebright pretty much summed up how I felt leading up to and right after DS's dx. I'm glad that you'll be getting some answers soon and hope that you find some relief in knowing exactly what you are dealing with.

[LauraMoser]

I admittedly don't know much at all, but I have questions. Maybe someone can give me answers?

My neighbor's son (6 yo) has autism. I'm not sure of the severity, but to me he seems pretty high functioning. You can tell there's something off about him, but not until you're having a conversation with him. He seems like a sweet boy.

Anyway, from a convo I had with his dad, he apparently got it from a vax, the DTap. Dad says they are working with a lawyer and are currently awaiting the rate of kids affected to drop to 1 in 50 before they can pursue a lawsuit. He said the current rate is 1 in 80 kids.

So if vaxes don't cause it, how will they pursue a lawsuit? How can they prove it was the vax?

He also said that the day the boy received the vax, they brought him home from the doc and a few hours later the boy spiked about a 104 fever and had seizures. I know that vaxes can cause these reactions in rare cases. But hypothetically speaking, would just the fever and seizures really leave such a lasting effect?

Also, in my mind, it would make sense that maybe he had autism before the vax and it just didn't really manifest until afterward. Is that even a possibility?

I don't mean to judge and doubt neighbor, but I have trouble believing that his son got autism after a vax since there is now research and evidence that proves otherwise.

Please educate me ladies, as I really know next to nothing about autism. Thanks!

[missmaddie]

I have worked in the Autism and Behavioural field for 12 years, and I am starting grad school and BCBA qualifications in the fall. I consult re: students with autism in the public school system.

[litebright]

Aug 5, 2012 21:48:32 GMT -5 LauraMoser said:

I admittedly don't know much at all, but I have questions. Maybe someone can give me answers?

My neighbor's son (6 yo) has autism. I'm not sure of the severity, but to me he seems pretty high functioning. You can tell there's something off about him, but not until you're having a conversation with him. He seems like a sweet boy.

Anyway, from a convo I had with his dad, he apparently got it from a vax, the DTap. Dad says they are working with a lawyer and are currently awaiting the rate of kids affected to drop to 1 in 50 before they can pursue a lawsuit. He said the current rate is 1 in 80 kids.

So if vaxes don't cause it, how will they pursue a lawsuit? How can they prove it was the vax?

He also said that the day the boy received the vax, they brought him home from the doc and a few hours later the boy spiked about a 104 fever and had seizures. I know that vaxes can cause these reactions in rare cases. But hypothetically speaking, would just the fever and seizures really leave such a lasting effect?

Also, in my mind, it would make sense that maybe he had autism before the vax and it just didn't really manifest until afterward. Is that even a possibility?

I don't mean to judge and doubt neighbor, but I have trouble believing that his son got autism after a vax since there is now research and evidence that proves otherwise.

Please educate me ladies, as I really know next to nothing about autism. Thanks!

There are rare -- VERY rare -- cases where there are underlying conditions (like a mitochrondial disorder) and a vaccine can trigger autism-like symptoms. In those cases, the vaccine was a trigger for the condition because of other medical issues -- that's why Hannah Poling's family was awarded money from the government's vaccine injury fund. Not because vaccines cause mass autism -- which, the science has proven, there isn't a link for the general population.

Here's a decent story on Hannah Poling:
www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1721109,00.html

And, nothing about the rate of autism affected the Poling family's success because it was based on her individual medical history -- that part of the story sounds very suspicious to me, although it's possible your neighbor's kid may be one of those few kids who has an underlying condition. We may never get to 1 in 50 kids. I hope we don't.

Autism is a common co-morbid with certain disorders, like Fragile X, Tourette's, and epilepsy -- so if you have one of those, you're far more likely than the general population to also have autism. A lot of kids on the spectrum have seizures. Mine doesn't, thank goodness.

[hubes]

I guess I know a little bit. I have a boy in one of my clubs who I would bet the farm is on the spectrum, but his parents haven't gotten a diagnosis. It tough, I wish I could help him, but I'm not sure what to do in only an hour a month.

[WOT?*]

My former neighbor's daughter (one of kiddo's bestest play friends when she lived here) has Asperger's. My ex's son with his current wife has mild to moderate autism; I'm not quite sure where he fits on the spectrum since I've only met him a few times but the kids tell me a bit about some of his cognitive dysfunctions and socialization and educational difficulties.

[LauraMoser]

Aug 5, 2012 22:45:52 GMT -5 litebright said:

Aug 5, 2012 21:48:32 GMT -5 LauraMoser said:

I admittedly don't know much at all, but I have questions. Maybe someone can give me answers?

My neighbor's son (6 yo) has autism. I'm not sure of the severity, but to me he seems pretty high functioning. You can tell there's something off about him, but not until you're having a conversation with him. He seems like a sweet boy.

Anyway, from a convo I had with his dad, he apparently got it from a vax, the DTap. Dad says they are working with a lawyer and are currently awaiting the rate of kids affected to drop to 1 in 50 before they can pursue a lawsuit. He said the current rate is 1 in 80 kids.

So if vaxes don't cause it, how will they pursue a lawsuit? How can they prove it was the vax?

He also said that the day the boy received the vax, they brought him home from the doc and a few hours later the boy spiked about a 104 fever and had seizures. I know that vaxes can cause these reactions in rare cases. But hypothetically speaking, would just the fever and seizures really leave such a lasting effect?

Also, in my mind, it would make sense that maybe he had autism before the vax and it just didn't really manifest until afterward. Is that even a possibility?

I don't mean to judge and doubt neighbor, but I have trouble believing that his son got autism after a vax since there is now research and evidence that proves otherwise.

Please educate me ladies, as I really know next to nothing about autism. Thanks!

There are rare -- VERY rare -- cases where there are underlying conditions (like a mitochrondial disorder) and a vaccine can trigger autism-like symptoms. In those cases, the vaccine was a trigger for the condition because of other medical issues -- that's why Hannah Poling's family was awarded money from the government's vaccine injury fund. Not because vaccines cause mass autism -- which, the science has proven, there isn't a link for the general population.

Here's a decent story on Hannah Poling:
www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1721109,00.html

And, nothing about the rate of autism affected the Poling family's success because it was based on her individual medical history -- that part of the story sounds very suspicious to me, although it's possible your neighbor's kid may be one of those few kids who has an underlying condition. We may never get to 1 in 50 kids. I hope we don't.

Autism is a common co-morbid with certain disorders, like Fragile X, Tourette's, and epilepsy -- so if you have one of those, you're far more likely than the general population to also have autism. A lot of kids on the spectrum have seizures. Mine doesn't, thank goodness.

Interesting. Another question then. My dad has epilepsy. He has had it since childhood, but it was from an injury, he was not born with it. Do you know whether epilepsy from an injury can be co-morbid with Autism? Just general curiosity here.

[Deleted]

I have a basic understanding, I think. I have worked with kids who were on the spectrum before but never in an "intense" capacity (ie, there was always another authority figure there). I've also exposed myself to various methods -- acting, yoga, etc -- taught to help kids with autism. There was a great documentary but I forget now. I am in no way experienced or educated enough to take it on myself, though, with acting or yoga. I just try to get enough basic understanding to adapt as much as possible in my classes.

Jake's cousin as Asperger's, too, but we don't really talk to the family much.

[rupertpenny]

I know a little bit about it. I think I know more about Asperger's though. One time I heard a story about Asperger's on NPR and became convinced I was on the spectrum so I went through a period when I spent a ton of time reading up about symptoms and stuff. I still think I might be on the spectrum but it doesn't really affect my life enough for me to seek a diagnoses or anything.

[Jermys]

I know next to nothing, although I do know a few kids who are on the spectrum. Our neighbors have five kids, four of whom range from severely autistic to Aspergers.

[iamgrace]

I know about it because I'm a teacher. If I didn't teach, I wouldn't know much at all.

[peachykate]

I have very basic knowledge of autism and aspergers, I actually don't personally know anyone now who is autistic now but I did when I coached gymnastics.

[litebright]

Aug 6, 2012 8:55:22 GMT -5 LauraMoser said:

Aug 5, 2012 22:45:52 GMT -5 litebright said:

There are rare -- VERY rare -- cases where there are underlying conditions (like a mitochrondial disorder) and a vaccine can trigger autism-like symptoms. In those cases, the vaccine was a trigger for the condition because of other medical issues -- that's why Hannah Poling's family was awarded money from the government's vaccine injury fund. Not because vaccines cause mass autism -- which, the science has proven, there isn't a link for the general population.

Here's a decent story on Hannah Poling:
www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1721109,00.html

And, nothing about the rate of autism affected the Poling family's success because it was based on her individual medical history -- that part of the story sounds very suspicious to me, although it's possible your neighbor's kid may be one of those few kids who has an underlying condition. We may never get to 1 in 50 kids. I hope we don't.

Autism is a common co-morbid with certain disorders, like Fragile X, Tourette's, and epilepsy -- so if you have one of those, you're far more likely than the general population to also have autism. A lot of kids on the spectrum have seizures. Mine doesn't, thank goodness.

Interesting. Another question then. My dad has epilepsy. He has had it since childhood, but it was from an injury, he was not born with it. Do you know whether epilepsy from an injury can be co-morbid with Autism? Just general curiosity here.

Aug 6, 2012 8:55:22 GMT -5 LauraMoser said:

Aug 5, 2012 22:45:52 GMT -5 litebright said:

There are rare -- VERY rare -- cases where there are underlying conditions (like a mitochrondial disorder) and a vaccine can trigger autism-like symptoms. In those cases, the vaccine was a trigger for the condition because of other medical issues -- that's why Hannah Poling's family was awarded money from the government's vaccine injury fund. Not because vaccines cause mass autism -- which, the science has proven, there isn't a link for the general population.

Here's a decent story on Hannah Poling:
www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1721109,00.html

And, nothing about the rate of autism affected the Poling family's success because it was based on her individual medical history -- that part of the story sounds very suspicious to me, although it's possible your neighbor's kid may be one of those few kids who has an underlying condition. We may never get to 1 in 50 kids. I hope we don't.

Autism is a common co-morbid with certain disorders, like Fragile X, Tourette's, and epilepsy -- so if you have one of those, you're far more likely than the general population to also have autism. A lot of kids on the spectrum have seizures. Mine doesn't, thank goodness.

Interesting. Another question then. My dad has epilepsy. He has had it since childhood, but it was from an injury, he was not born with it. Do you know whether epilepsy from an injury can be co-morbid with Autism? Just general curiosity here.

I have no idea. If you had autism before the injury, sure. I think your question really is, can you get autism from a brain injury? If you had a typical brain but end up with a brain injury that impairs your speech and ability to read social cues/process the world, I don't think it's considered quite the same as the vast majority of autism cases, where there is no clear cause. Even if the symptoms are very similar and might be considered autistic-like. It's probably called brain damage.

There are known causes for small percentages of the autistic population -- like, if you have Fragile X, that causes autism. People with brain injuries that cause the symptoms of autism may be another small percentage, I guess? For the biggest majority of autism cases, though, there's no known cause, and zero link that I know of between any kind of physical or emotional trauma.

Autism is sometimes described as having a brain that's inherently wired differently than other people's. Like, my DD1 clearly has more problems than a "typical" kid would in filtering out noises/distractions -- she doesn't have the same baseline ability as other people to judge what isn't important and filter it out. So to her, an airplane is flying overhead is just as important as someone talking to her. I don't know much about seizures and how much they change brain activity. I know seizures can cause regressions in skills and communication, and some of that could probably fall into autistic-like territory. But I don't know if it would be described clinically as autism. In some cases it might be. But again, many kids with autism never have seizures.

Most experts think that autism is caused by some combination of genetic and environmental factors, and that the factors are probably different for different people on the spectrum. I don't think there will ever be one, single cause pinpointed.

HTH!

[LauraMoser]

Thanks for the reply. I have always been fascinated by the brain. I don't understand though, why they would not consider it autism if it was a result of a brain injury. But again, I know next to nothing about Autism, so there is probably a good reason.

On a side note, my dad is 57 this year. He was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 11. Its becoming apparent that the epilepsy, and more so the seizures he's had over the course of his lifetime, are leaving a lasting impression. We can't quite tell how much of it is from the epilepsy, and how much may be early signs of dementia though. His mom was diagnosed with dementia a few years ago, so I'm totally expecting him to wind up with it too, given his medical history.

I really need to do more research on if there's a link between epilepsy and dementia though. I haven't given it much thought until recently, and I'm curious to see if there is a connection, and if so, how having epilepsy may affect your chances of developing dementia.

[LauraMoser]

Litebrite- Look what I found! Check the very last article on the list to the right side of the page. I haven't read it all yet though.

www.epilepsyfoundation.org/aboutepilepsy/relatedconditions/index.cfm

[litebright]

Aug 6, 2012 13:28:53 GMT -5 LauraMoser said:

Litebrite- Look what I found! Check the very last article on the list to the right side of the page. I haven't read it all yet though.

www.epilepsyfoundation.org/aboutepilepsy/relatedconditions/index.cfm

Fascinating. I'll have to read the whole thing in detail later, but just browsing the first page, I was surprised that 10-30% of kids with autism have epilepsy -- that it could be as low as 10%. I kind of had the impression it was more common, definitely closer to the 30% side of things.

10% is a number I seem to see a lot with regards to autism. They can sometimes pinpoint correlations or causation with up to 10% of kids in a study, or something. Or maybe it just sticks in my head that there's almost always a question mark for the other 90% of kids with autism, and usually my DD1 falls into that 90%.

[eightangryreindeer]

Not a lot. I know that there are high-functioning and lower functioning ends of the spectrum. Most of what I "know" about it I've learned from you and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime. There is no known cause or cure, as far as I know. I don't know if it's something that can be medicated directly or if you're just medicating symptoms (such as anxiety).

Also, autistic people are all rich because they can count cards and they go up and down the driveway every Sunday.

[vivaladiva]

Not a lot. Coincidentally, a friend-of-a-friend has a child with autism and has been blogging for quite some time, and it just got picked up and put on a permanent link on Parents.com (not an endorsement, I haven't read it). She mentioned in the post I did see that more and more people are getting educated about it by parents such as herself and she was so pleased to realize that half her readers aren't parents of austic children, just people who want to know more.

[blackkitty]

Aug 6, 2012 15:24:19 GMT -5 eightangryreindeer said:

Also, autistic people are all rich because they can count cards and they go up and down the driveway every Sunday.

This is true: Mark Zuckerberg is on the austism spectrum

[Deleted]

I used to work at a summer camp that had 5 or 6 kids there with varying degrees of Autism. They had individual counselors that worked one-on-one with them, so I didn't have a ton of interaction with them but they were always so sweet to the other campers and the staff.

I suspect my H's cousin has autism on some degree, but he functions fairly well and his parents refused to get him tested, so there's that.