occupational therapist & child development specialist

Tag: autism (Page 1 of 2)

AAP Book on Autism: We have a winner!

Congrats to Viorletta for winning the AAP Autism Book!

Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Every Parent Should Know is a new resource published by the American Academy of Pediatrics that provides information on the most current types of behavioral and developmental therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Here are several facts taken directly from the book:

-Recent research suggests that one child in every 88 will be diagnosed with autism.

-Studies suggest that mothers with gestational diabetes are more likely to have babies with ASD.

-Based on 29 studies since 1999, scientists report no evidence that the MMR vaccine causes autism.

-Between 25 to 30% of children who develop autism appear to be developing normally, then regress, losing many or all of their language and social skills.

-Early signs of ASD are not pointing to draw attention and limited social interaction.

-Early intervention and treatment leads to better outcomes for individuals with ASD.

For a chance to win future books and prizes, all you have to do is “like” my Facebook page and sign up for my newsletter. You will be entered in the next drawing!  Good Luck!!!

Can brain scans detect early signs of autism?

A recent research study reveals significant differences in brain development in high-risk infants who are eventually diagnosed with autism- the differences are present as early as 6-months of age. The study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry reports that even before the symptoms of autism are present, differences in brain development can be detected through brain scans.

These findings can be important for early diagnosis, and early diagnosis can lead to early intervention, which is key in the treatment of autism. The earlier treatment is initiated, the more progress is typically made in many skill areas.

The study followed 92 infants from 6 months up to two years of age. The infants were considered high-risk because they had an older sibling diagnosed with autism. By age two, 30% of the infants involved in the study were diagnosed with autism.

Autism is a term that describes a group of complex developmental brain disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). Parents and professionals refer to these diagnoses as Autism Spectrum Disorders. Recent research suggests that one child in every 88 will be diagnosed with autism, with the diagnosis being 3 to 4 times more common in boys than girls.

Resource: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/247179.php

Smoking during pregnancy may be linked to increased risk for autism

April is Autism Awareness Month, a time to pay close attention to the research related to this growing diagnosis. According to preliminary findings from researchers at the U.S. autism Surveillance program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women who smoke while pregnant may have an increased risk of having a child with high-functioning autism. It is important to note that these findings were preliminary.

This study was published in the April 25th edition of the Environmental Health Perspecives Journal, and it suggested that there might be an association between smoking during pregnancy and some types of autism, including Asperger’s Disorder.The researchers stressed that further study is needed to confirm the results. Recently data from the Center for Disease Control indicates that 1 in 88 children has an autism spectrum disorder.

Unfortunately, a large percentage of women continue to smoke during pregnancy, despite serious health risks to the mother and baby, including respiratory problems, miscarriage, premature delivery, and sudden infant death syndrome. If you are pregnant and smoke, please find support to help you kick the habit. It is best for your baby’s health as well as your own.

 

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