{"id":8926,"date":"2015-07-10T07:54:43","date_gmt":"2015-07-10T12:54:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.backtobasicslearning.com\/?p=8926"},"modified":"2015-08-14T08:15:44","modified_gmt":"2015-08-14T13:15:44","slug":"my-child-has-been-diagnosed-with-autism-now-what","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/backtobasicslearning.com\/my-child-has-been-diagnosed-with-autism-now-what\/","title":{"rendered":"My child has been diagnosed with autism… now what?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"CuteThe statistics are alarming.<\/i>\u00a0According to the CDC (2014) the prevalence of autism in U.S. children increased by 119.4 percent from 2000 (1 in 150) to 2010 (1 in 68). The incidence of autism is, without question, on the rise and can only be partially attributed to improved diagnosis.<\/p>\n

But, what is Autism, exactly?<\/em><\/p>\n

Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a set of complex \u2014 and frequently misunderstood \u2014 disorders of brain development. According to a recently published article by Emily Willingham in Scientific American<\/i>, \u201cThese disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.\u201d For parents, understanding the Autism Spectrum is often confusing, in part due to changing definitions and popular misconceptions. Below are some answers to the questions that parents ask most frequently.<\/p>\n

What is the difference between Autism and the Autism Spectrum?<\/b><\/p>\n

In May 2013, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) merged all Autism disorders into one diagnosis of ASD and eliminated all subcategories \u2013 from Asperger Syndrome, to Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, to Autistic Disorder.<\/p>\n

Are boys or girls most at-risk for developing ASD?<\/b><\/p>\n

ASD is 4-5 times more common among boys than girls. CDC statistics say that 1 out of every 42 boys will be diagnosed, as compared to only 1 in 189 girls in the United States. A medical diagnosis can be obtained in children as young as 2 years old.<\/p>\n

What are the symptoms of ASD?<\/b><\/p>\n

The advocacy group Autism Speaks defines ASD symptoms as, \u201cassociated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art.\u201d ASD is a spectrum, each child is unique, and not all exhibit \u201cclassic\u201d symptoms, which is why diagnosis is crucial.<\/p>\n

What causes ASD?<\/b><\/p>\n

Research into the root causes of ASD have made great strides forward in recent years. And, while there is still no one definitive cause, scientists now point to a combination of factors including rare gene mutation, abnormalities in brain structure or function, and environmental factors influencing early brain development.<\/p>\n

How does environment pose a risk?<\/b><\/p>\n

Outside factors, by themselves, do not cause autism. In combination with a genetic predisposition, they may modestly increase risk. Factors include:<\/p>\n