Autism

In the News!

Manitas por Autismo: New Spanish Autism Spectrum Disorder Website for Families

A new Web site, created by families for families, provides information in
Spanish about Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). A chat room and forum area
are under development. These will be moderated by parents of children with
autism. Two doctors and an advocate will help to answer questions. Funders include the Centers for Disease Control and the National Dissemination Center for Children
with Disabilities. Go to www.manitasporautismo.com:80/

Interactive Autism Network (IAN) - Online Autism Registry

Familes of children with autism spectrum disorders can participate in a national online research project or be linked to other local and national research projects for which they qualify.  Housed at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, MD.

http://www.ianproject.org/

The National Medical Home Autism Initiative.  Basic information - go to

           http://www.waisman.wisc.edu/cedd/NMHAI/NMHAI.pdf

Washington State Autism Task Force Final Report and Recommendations Available

The Caring for Washington Individuals with Autism Task Force report to the Governor and the Legislature is the result of the Task Force's deliberations in late 2005 through 2006 and are based on expert testimony, stakeholder input, current scientific research and evidence based standards. The task force studied the growing incidence of autism and ways to improve delivery and coordination of autism services in Washington State.  The final report includes recommendations on how to best prevent, identify, treat, and accommodate the needs of individuals with autism and their families.

• Link to Washington State Autism Task Force Webpage: www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/mch/Autism/Recommendations.htm

Overview

Autism spectrum disorder (including autism, pervasive developmental disorder, Asperger syndrome) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, whose cause is unknown, but thought to be inherited. Although the pattern of difficulties varies from person to person, generally individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) demonstrate impairment in language, communication, and ability to relate to others. Some children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder engage in repetitive behaviors and have difficulty with transitions or change in daily activities. They have unique ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to sensations. An Autism Spectrum Disorder is usually diagnosed in early childhood and ranges from the more severe autism to the milder, more subtle Asperger syndrome. About a third of children with this disorder show a loss of communication and social skills between one and three years of age. The symptoms continue throughout the lifespan; however, the majority of children receiving early intervention demonstrate significant gains in their cognitive, social and language skills.

ASD is not a rare disorder. It occurs in about one in 167 children and is more common than Down syndrome and childhood cancer. It is 2-4 times more common in boys than girls.

Primary Reviewers Autism Section:

• Felice Orlich, Ph.D. Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Associate Director, UW Autism Center
• Katherine TeKolste, MD, FAAP, Developmental Pediatrician

More Autism Pages

Clinical Care Guidelines
Provider-Focused Information
Provider Forms and Tools
Family-Focused Information and Tools
For Help Finding Local Services

Page History:

Reviewed and edited by Dr. Felice Orlich, Dec. 21, 2005