Awareness is key to understanding those with Autism Published April 6, 2007 By Maj. Robert Whetzel 305th Air Mobility Wing Joint Base Program Integration Office MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, NJ. -- April is Autism Awareness Month. Autism was first described by Dr. Leo Kanner in 1943. Since then, considerable research has been done concerning this disorder. About 10 years ago, Autism was thought to affect about four in 10,000 children. Since then, the estimated number of children affected by Autism has increased to as high as 67 children per 10,000. At first glance, the number may not seem to alarming, but according to a recent issue of Newsweek, there are more children with Autism than with childhood cancers, Muscular Dystrophy , Juvenile Diabetes and Cystic Fibrosis combined. The obvious question is, "why the sudden increase?" No one is sure. Theories range from environmental factors, such as toxins, to a greater awareness of the disorder. One reason for the increase is that the definition has changed to include less severe versions of the disorder. Asperger's Syndrome is named for Dr. Hans Asperger, an Austrian physician, who first noticed the disorder in 1944. However, it wasn't until the 1990s that AS became well known in the West. Autism is classified as a Pervasive Developmental Disorder. This means that it affects the development of a child in multiple areas. Definitions of the terminology vary, depending on who you're talking to. Some texts have started using the term Autism Spectrum Disorders to include Autism, AS and other PDDs. Depending on the level of the ASD, symptoms will vary. Classic Autism, like all other PDDs, is characterized by a lack of social interaction. Individuals with Autism lack the skills to relate to other people and communicate effectively with them. In addition, their interests are often restricted to a single subject. For instance, a child may be fascinated by trains, and talk about nothing else. This child will learn everything there is to know about trains. Many of us have obsessions, but according to Dr. Ami Klin, a Yale researcher, the difference is that we, unlike an autistic individual, know when to stop telling others about our obsession. Another characteristic exhibited by individuals with ASD is repetitive motions, such as rocking back and forth. Additionally, autistic children are more impulsive and often experience tantrums. Children with AS or other PDDs have similar characteristics, but they appear more normal. They are able to engage in conversations, but lack the ability to read the nonverbal messages that everyone uses when communicating. As a result, they have difficulty fitting in. Another difference is that while all individuals with ASDs may have difficulties making friends because of their lack of social skills, it doesn't seem to bother those on the more severe end of the spectrum. Autism can't be cured. In order to help individuals with Autism or ASDs to develop socially, early intervention is critical. Autism is easier to diagnose, but AS can often go unnoticed, even by health and educational professionals. Since AS is relatively new to the United States, professionals trained before 1994 may not even be aware of the disorder. Even new teachers may not be aware of AS. According to Missy McCurry, a Texas school teacher, AS wasn't discussed in any of her college courses. Most of their learning centered on learning disabilities, such as dyslexia. While she is a not a special education teacher, children with AS that haven't been diagnosed with the disorder may reside in regular classes. Individuals working with children need to be aware of the symptoms associated with ASDs, so the children can receive needed help. If you supervise or know a parent of child with an ASD, it's especially important to learn characteristics of the disorder and how the individual child is impacted. For instance, autistic children need a structured schedule, and changing that schedule can be highly upsetting to the child. As a supervisor, knowing this, you can give the parent as much time as possible before changing shifts or making other workplace changes that could impact the home life. Another example is the school system. With autistic children, like many other special needs, the parents will need to work closely with the school to develop a plan that will allow the child to succeed in school. Providing the flexibility to allow a parent to attend meetings will help ensure the child's needs are met, and allow the parent to focus on the job when they return. With the increase of Autism (ASDs), it's important that everyone be aware of the disorder. A child that is having difficulty communicating or throwing a tantrum in the store may not just be a brat, but instead be a child with Autism. Awareness is the first step in understanding that child. Helpful Web sites: -www.autism-society.org -www.autism-pdd.net/ -www.autismspeaks.org -www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6844737 -www.naar.org -www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/ -www.shortbus.info