Autism is a developmental disorder that appears within the first 3 years of a child’s life. It affects the brain’s development of social and communication skills.
Causes and Risk Factors
Autism, a physical condition, is linked to abnormal chemistry in the brain. Although the exact causes of these abnormalities remain unknown, autism research is very active. Researchers speculate there are a combination of factors that lead to autism, such as genetic factors, language abnormalities, and chromosomal and other neurological problems.
Genetic factors seem to play a role in autism. For example, identical twins are much more likely to have autism than fraternal twins or siblings. Likewise, language abnormalities are very common in relatives of autistic children. Chromosomal abnormalities and other nervous system problems are also very common in families with autism.
Symptoms
Most parents of autistic children realize something is wrong by the time their child is 18 months old and seek help by the time their child is 2 years old. Children with autism typically have difficulties in:
- Pretend play
- Social interactions
- Verbal and non-verbal communication
Some children with autism may appear normal before age 1 or 2 and then suddenly “regress.” When they regress, they lose language or social skills they had previously gained. This is called the regressive type of autism.
People with autism may:
- Show unusual attachments to objects
- Perform repeated body movements
- Have unusual distress when routines are changed
These symptoms can range from moderate to severe.
Communication problems associated with autism may include:
- Inability to start or maintain a conversation
- Communication with gestures instead of words
- Slow development of language or no development at all
Social interaction problems may include:
- Problems making friends
- Being withdrawn
- Showing lack of empathy
Behaviors may include:
- Using the same body movements
- Having a short attention span
- Having very narrow interests
Tests and Treatment
All children should have routine developmental exams done by their pediatrician. Further testing may be needed if the doctor or parents are concerned. If your child shows several of the symptoms above, they should be tested for precautionary reasons.
An early, intensive treatment program can significantly improve the outlook for most young children with autism. Most programs build on the child’s interests using a highly structured schedule of constructive activities. Visual aids are often helpful also.
Treatment is most successful when it focuses on the child’s particular needs. An experienced specialist should design the program for the child as an individual. A variety of therapies are available, including:
- Applied behavior analysis (ABA)
- Medications
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Speech-language therapy
Celebrities who support Autism research and awareness include: Holly Robinson Peete and Toni Braxton.
To learn more about autism and its effects, please visit www.autismspeaks.org or BCG’s Featured Charity of the Month the HollyRod Foundation!
About HollyRod
Inspired by a father and a son, HollyRod Foundation was founded in 1997 by actress, author and philanthropist Holly Robinson Peete and her husband former NFL great Rodney Peete. The HollyRod Foundation is dedicated to providing compassionate care to those living with Autism and Parkinson’s disease. Efforts of the HollyRod Foundation are providing a better quality of life for individuals and their families.
HollyRod Foundation is currently developing plans to open their first “HollyRod4kids Compassionate Care Center for Autism” in Los Angels, a central location where families in the Autism community can go for support, guidance, treatment and hope. As Holly says ” we need to help these children live their lives and achieve their fullest potential.” Efforts of the HollyRod Foundation are providing a better quality of life for individuals and their families.
In 2012, as part of our strategy to ensure the HollyRod Foundation is operating in the most efficient and meaningful way possible, the HollyRod Foundation became a charitable-services Fund of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF).
Be sure to join BCG on Monday, April 16th at 8PM EST (5 PM PST) for our Autism Twitter Chat, learn the facts, the symptoms and available resources! Plus we’ll be joined by Autism activist and advocate Mrs. Holly Robinson-Peete! Be sure to follow us on Twitter @BlkCelebGiving and use our official hashtag #BCGAutism.
Source: HollyRod and Autism Speaks
Who are the African American celebrities that provide support to autistic children? Especially autistic savants from impoverished circumstances? A friend of mine has been trying to get some help for a child she is working with who is a gifted artist and has had his work shown in the NY Metropolitan Museum of Art and also NY’s Lincoln Center.
Toni Braxton and Holly Robinson Peete