This organization was formed by Scott Robbins, father of two children in the
Autism Spectrum. For those of you who have experienced Autism first-hand
because someone in your family has been stricken by it, you are well aware of
the pain that all associated with it feels. For those of you who do not,
this site is really created for you. The goal of this site is to
facilitate awareness of this epidemic, be a central point for donations to find
a cure and to create partnerships with corporate entities for fundraising and
charitable association with Autismspeaks.org in an effort to solve this terrible
disease which steals our children away from us.
"1 out of every 150 children born are diagnosed with some level of
autism." ...YOU CAN HELP PUT AN END TO AUTISM!
What is Autism? An Overview
Autism is a complex neurobiological
disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. It is part of a
group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Today, 1 in 150
individuals is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric
cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social
groups and is four times more likely to strike boys than girls. Autism impairs a
person's ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with
rigid routines and repetitive behaviors, such as obsessively arranging objects
or following very specific routines. Symptoms can range from very mild to quite
severe.
Autism was first identified in 1943 by Dr. Leo Kanner of Johns Hopkins Hospital.
At the same time, a German scientist, Dr. Hans Asperger, described a milder form
of the disorder that is now known as Asperger Syndrome (read
more). These two disorders are listed in the DSM IV (Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) as two of the five developmental
disorders that fall under the autism spectrum disorders. The others are Rett
Syndrome, PDD NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder), and Childhood
Disintegrative Disorder. All of these disorders are characterized by varying
degrees of impairment in communication skills and social abilities, and also by
repetitive behaviors. For more discussion on the range of diagnoses that
comprise autism spectrum disorder,
click here.
Autism spectrum disorders can usually be reliably diagnosed by age 3, although
new research is pushing back the age of diagnosis to as early as 6 months.
Parents are usually the first to notice unusual behaviors in their child or
their child's failure to reach appropriate developmental milestones. Some
parents describe a child that seemed different from birth, while others describe
a child who was developing normally and then lost skills. Pediatricians may
initially dismiss signs of autism, thinking a child will "catch up"and may
advise parents to "wait and see". New research shows that when parents suspect
something is wrong with their child, they are usually correct. If you have
concerns about your child's development, don't wait: speak to your pediatrician
about getting your child screened for autism.
If your child is diagnosed with autism, early intervention is critical to gain
maximum benefit from existing therapies. Although parents may have concerns
about labeling a toddler as "autistic", the earlier the diagnosis is made, the
earlier interventions can begin. Currently, there are no effective means to
prevent autism, no fully effective treatments, and no cure. Research indicates,
however, that early intervention in an appropriate educational setting for at
least two years during the preschool years can result in significant
improvements for many young children with autism spectrum disorders. As soon as
autism is diagnosed, early intervention instruction should begin. Effective
programs focus on developing communication, social, and cognitive skills.
INTERNATIONAL UFC STAR
(Ultimate Fighter) Jorge Rivera committed to Autism Awareness.
He was wearing this on his shirt and shorts during his last fight in New Castle,
England
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