Understanding Autism (NAPSA)—Every 20 minutes another child is diagnosed with autism. That’s three an hour and 67 a day. This complex neurobiological condition, which can inhibit a person’s ability to communicate, respond to surroundings or form relationships with others, is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States and presents lifelong consequences for individuals, family andsociety. The statistics are alarming: Thirteen years ago only one in eS ys Ee Every 20 minutes another child is diagnosed with autism. 10,000 children was diagnosed with autism; todayit’s one in 166, phrases by 24 months e Any loss of speech or babbling or social skills at any age. The earlier a child is diagnosed with autism, the greater the chance for success in treatment. With appropriate early-interven- autism. While there is currently no cure, between 20 percent and 50 percent of children with autism will be able to attend mainstream kindergarten. Effective intervention programs focus on developing communication, social and cognitive skills, and include training for parents and teachersaswell. Many families are uninformed, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined. Despite these epidemic proportions, research shows that many parents of young children are generally unaware of nor an effective means of prevention, early detection and intervention can result in critical improvements for many young children. The most important thing parents and caregivers can do is to learn the early signs of autism and understand the typical develop- mental milestones their child should be reaching at different ages. Research now suggests that children as young as 12 monthsold can exhibit signs of autism, some of which mayinclude: No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by 6 months or thereafter No back-and-forth sharing tion services, from ages 3-5, confused and even fearful when a child exhibits signs of autism. They may berelieved to learn that there are ways to cope with it, reports Autism Speaks. For this reason the organization has made a commitment to raising public awareness about autism andits effects on individuals, families andsociety. Short of a cure, awareness and expressions by 9 months or thereafter No babbling by 12 months No back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reach- early detection are our best weapons and are critical to improving the lives of individuals and families struggling with autism. Autism Speaks urges all parents, grandparents, teachers No words by 16 months No two-word meaningful autismspeaks.org to learn the signs of autism. of sounds, smiles or other facial ing or waving by 12 months and caregivers to visit www.
