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ABOUT AUTISM
Among the typical behaviors associated with ASD are a lack of interest in other people and social difficulties, stereotypical actions such as hand flapping or body rocking, insistence on routine, resistance to change, and, in some cases, aggression or self-injury. Additionally, around 40% of individuals with autism have an associated cognitive disability.
What is the Autism Spectrum?
The autism spectrum is very broad, encompassing a wide diversity in learning, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities in individuals with ASD. These abilities can range from highly developed to significant challenges. For example, individuals with profound autism often have severe cognitive disabilities and require constant care, while others can perform demanding jobs and live entirely independently. Furthermore, it is estimated that between 30% and 50% of individuals with autism experience seizures at some point in their lives.
How prevalent is autism?
Autism prevalence is increasing. In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 1 in 36 eight-year-old children were identified with autism, an increase compared to the rate of 1 in 44 reported in 2021. It is not entirely clear why diagnoses are increasing, although improved detection and changes in the definition of autism are believed to be determining factors.
AUTISM DIAGNOSIS
The professional responsible for conducting the diagnostic evaluation will request all medical records of your child. This includes:
- Any diagnostic and developmental evaluations performed.
- Results of previous assessments.
- Life history.
- Information about interventions your child has received.
- Questions and concerns you wish to share.
How to request and prepare for a diagnostic evaluation
If you have noticed early signs of autism in your child, do not wait. Talk to their pediatrician as soon as possible. The doctor is likely to recommend a diagnostic evaluation.
The diagnosis must be carried out by a professional with clinical experience in children with ASD. They should be trained and certified to perform the necessary assessments.
If you have doubts or concerns about who is conducting the evaluation, or feel that it does not reflect your child’s usual behavior, make sure to express your concerns to the doctor and ask all necessary questions. Your input is critical to ensuring an accurate evaluation.
Causes, signs, and symptoms
Early diagnosis and timely intervention are key to supporting your child’s future development. If you have concerns about their development, do not wait: talk to their pediatrician.
There are multiple evidence-based therapies, such as those based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which are suitable even for children as young as 12 months.
Interactive and multicultural resources with examples of early signs of autism, as well as strategies for intervention at home, are available on platforms such as: Help is in Your Hands.
Furthermore, the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends that all children be screened for autism during their routine visits at 18 and 24 months, using tools such as the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT).
If you are told “don’t worry,” remember that no one knows your child better than you. Resources like the following webpage can guide you in monitoring your child’s development: CDC – Act Early.
Finally, it is important to note that if your child exhibits some of these symptoms, it does not automatically mean they have autism. This indicates that consulting with a specialist for proper guidance is essential.
Causes of Autism
Autism has a high heritability and is influenced by multiple genetic and environmental factors. These include rare and common genetic variants.
Approximately 15% of ASD cases can be linked to a specific genetic mutation.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS STUDIED INCLUDE:
- Medical conditions in the parents.
- Age of the parents.
- Exposure to toxic chemicals.
- Medications taken before and during pregnancy.
- Diet and nutrition.
Vaccine theory.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, the theory emerged that vaccines administered between 18 and 24 months could cause autism. Today we know that autism begins before birth, possibly even before conception, and that vaccines do not cause autism.
Treatments
Scientists agree that the earlier a child receives early intervention services, the better their prognosis will be. All children with autism can benefit from these interventions.
The most effective treatments currently available have been developed from theories of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), as well as occupational, speech, and physical therapies.
There is no cure for autism, and most individuals with ASD will require support and services throughout their lives.
It is important to be cautious of so-called “miracle treatments” advertised on the internet, as many are not supported by scientific studies and may be harmful.
LINKS TO PAGES ABOUT AUTISM BASED ON SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE
At Fundación Camina Conmigo, we believe in the potential of every child and work to build an inclusive, supportive, and empowered community.
Resources: Autism and Disability
- Autismo Diario: Offers news, articles, and resources about autism and its various aspects. https://autismodiario.com/
- Autism Speaks: One of the largest and most recognized organizations dedicated to autism, providing information and resources. https://www.autismspeaks.org/
- National Autism Association: Offers information about autism and resources for individuals with autism and their families. https://nationalautismassociation.org/
Educational and Support Resources
- TEA Ediciones: Publishing house specializing in learning materials and support for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- Autismo en Clase: Platform with educational resources and strategies for working with students with autism in school settings.
- Book: 100 Questions About Autism (Martha Olivera Baptista)
- Book: The Big Book of Games and Activities for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Maren Neely)
- Book: The Way I See It – A Personal Look at Autism (Dr. Temple Grandin)
- Book: The Learning Tree (Stanley I. Greenspan)
Organizations and Support Groups
- Fundación Orange: A project by Fundación Orange focused on using technologies to support individuals with autism. https://fundacionorange.es/junto-al-autismo/soluciones-tecnologicas/
- Federación Autismo Madrid: Provides information, support, and resources for individuals with autism and their families in the Madrid region. https://autismomadrid.es/
- Fundación Camina Conmigo: https://caminaconmigoec.org/
- Neurodesarrollo Quito: https://www.ndqec.com/
- Mapas Apada: https://apadadelecuador.org/
Research and Studies
- Autism Research Institute: Conducts research and provides information on biomedical approaches to autism treatment. https://autism.org/
- Center for Autism and Disability Research: A research center in Mexico dedicated to understanding and addressing the needs of individuals with autism and disabilities.
- Mind Institute UC Davis: https://health.ucdavis.edu/mindinstitute/
- CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/spanish/index.html
Online Forums and Communities
- Reddit – Autistic: Subreddit dedicated to discussions about autism from various perspectives. https://www.reddit.com/r/autism/?rdt=48224
- Aspies Central: Online community for individuals with autism and their loved ones.
- Autismo en Voz Alta: Blog with information about autism from the perspective of a mother of a child with autism. https://www.autismforums.com/
- Autismo Ávila: Association in Ávila, Spain, offering support to individuals with autism and their families. https://www.autismoavila.org/