BLOG: #2 "What to do While You Wait; Investigare!" - Diagnosis, Denial, and Doctors with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
From GALLERY of BOOKS on Autism; Focused excerpts examples of "What to do While You Wait" concerning – Diagnosis, Doctors, & Denial
Know Autism – Know Your Child: With < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker; 2021
Just so you know what others have faced, and that you are not alone… here are a few focused excerpts from my Extended Book Reviews with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker.
Parents often must wait days, weeks, and even months for assessments or doctor appointments. During this stressful time, it's good to feel that you are actively helping your child. This can become an important time of clarifying what bothers you the most about your child's behavior, development, or other concerns.
Video record (using phone app) what you are seeing and how your child is acting throughout the day/night. 'Seeing is believing' for someone new to your child. Prioritize, try new things that are non-invasive and see what works and what doesn't. This will also help you find out what your child responds to. Some learn best by hearing, seeing, or doing.
Eventually, you will have to choose from available programs, therapies, and services that will be offered. Some are quite expensive, so understand your child well enough to figure out what will probably work and what absolutely won't. You can only know this by trying some things on your own. In this 'page' I’ll give you some ideas on where to start to discover who your child is 'behind' the autism.
What to do while you wait ~ Consider how the following excerpts may define Diagnosis, Doctors, & Denial for you. How can you become better prepared to approach these topics, and what have you already tackled? What would you like to clarify, or better understand about your world of autism?
***Please ~ READ more in-depth information with Peer-Reviewed Journal articles with References, in Website MENU #2 Diagnosis, Denial, Doctors; plus, in the website DOWNLOAD.
Note: SEE DISCLAIMER BELOW Extended Book Review Previews
Here is a ‘peek’ into the website’s Extended Book Reviews. These will lead you to more information about your concerns. READ real stories from real people living in their world of autism. Find LINKs on the MENU listing GALLERY of BOOKS and/or find BOOKs by TITLE.
< My Thoughts > “Diagnosis, Denial, Doctors”
Knowing it might be Autism is often a gradual realization. At first, excuses are made. I think most parents do try to make the ‘differences’ and ‘developmental delays’ fit into something they understand. It’s okay to have some doubts about whether or not your child needs assistance. Maybe there is not a ‘clear point’ when you ‘know’ something is amiss. But, without a diagnosis, an intervention, a proven therapy, it is so difficult to know if you are moving in the right direction.
From GALLERY of BOOKS on Autism; Focused excerpts examples of "What to do While You Wait" concerning – Diagnosis, Doctors, & Denial
Know Autism – Know Your Child: With < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker; 2021
Just so you know what others have faced, and that you are not alone… here are a few focused excerpts from my Extended Book Reviews with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker.
Parents often must wait days, weeks, and even months for assessments or doctor appointments. During this stressful time, it's good to feel that you are actively helping your child. This can become an important time of clarifying what bothers you the most about your child's behavior, development, or other concerns.
Video record (using phone app) what you are seeing and how your child is acting throughout the day/night. 'Seeing is believing' for someone new to your child. Prioritize, try new things that are non-invasive and see what works and what doesn't. This will also help you find out what your child responds to. Some learn best by hearing, seeing, or doing.
Eventually, you will have to choose from available programs, therapies, and services that will be offered. Some are quite expensive, so understand your child well enough to figure out what will probably work and what absolutely won't. You can only know this by trying some things on your own. In this 'page' I’ll give you some ideas on where to start to discover who your child is 'behind' the autism.
What to do while you wait ~ Consider how the following excerpts may define Diagnosis, Doctors, & Denial for you. How can you become better prepared to approach these topics, and what have you already tackled? What would you like to clarify, or better understand about your world of autism?
***Please ~ READ more in-depth information with Peer-Reviewed Journal articles with References, in Website MENU #2 Diagnosis, Denial, Doctors; plus, in the website DOWNLOAD.
Note: SEE DISCLAIMER BELOW Extended Book Review Previews
Here is a ‘peek’ into the website’s Extended Book Reviews. These will lead you to more information about your concerns. READ real stories from real people living in their world of autism. Find LINKs on the MENU listing GALLERY of BOOKS and/or find BOOKs by TITLE.
< My Thoughts > “Diagnosis, Denial, Doctors”
Knowing it might be Autism is often a gradual realization. At first, excuses are made. I think most parents do try to make the ‘differences’ and ‘developmental delays’ fit into something they understand. It’s okay to have some doubts about whether or not your child needs assistance. Maybe there is not a ‘clear point’ when you ‘know’ something is amiss. But, without a diagnosis, an intervention, a proven therapy, it is so difficult to know if you are moving in the right direction.
A Spot on the Wall, by Martha Squaresky, eBook 2014 Edition; Excerpt from Extended Review, with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
Note: (5% indicates the eReader book location, instead of page reference numbers).
5% I faithfully recorded each new word in his baby book and according to our pediatrician, the same doctor that Jay had as a child, Greg was developing normally. I don’t know how Dr. Karp ever came to that conclusion since Greg screamed through every appointment.
< My Thoughts > “…screamed through every appointment.”
Just being in an unfamiliar and strange setting can send anyone into a ‘stress’ mode. Some young children don’t have the schema for ‘going to the doctor’. Any inexperienced child may feel anxious about this strange ‘white’ world of white coats and stethoscopes. If their easiest communication at that age is to ‘scream’ when frightened or perceiving they are being hurt, then a ‘wait and see’ attitude is understandable, unless developmental delays and the screaming persists.
Gonzalez, et al. (2015) say some pediatricians, it was reported, took the “wait & see” approach to developmental delays they recognized in the patient they did see. And, one of the reasons was that they didn’t know where to refer them next. Also, in the rare cases where they found doctors who did identify and refer children they suspected of delays, the parents did not want to follow-up, for whatever reasons.
6% Greg looked so normal when he was little. People started to stare the older he got. It wasn’t so cute anymore to see Greg have a conniption in a store.
Note: (5% indicates the eReader book location, instead of page reference numbers).
5% I faithfully recorded each new word in his baby book and according to our pediatrician, the same doctor that Jay had as a child, Greg was developing normally. I don’t know how Dr. Karp ever came to that conclusion since Greg screamed through every appointment.
< My Thoughts > “…screamed through every appointment.”
Just being in an unfamiliar and strange setting can send anyone into a ‘stress’ mode. Some young children don’t have the schema for ‘going to the doctor’. Any inexperienced child may feel anxious about this strange ‘white’ world of white coats and stethoscopes. If their easiest communication at that age is to ‘scream’ when frightened or perceiving they are being hurt, then a ‘wait and see’ attitude is understandable, unless developmental delays and the screaming persists.
Gonzalez, et al. (2015) say some pediatricians, it was reported, took the “wait & see” approach to developmental delays they recognized in the patient they did see. And, one of the reasons was that they didn’t know where to refer them next. Also, in the rare cases where they found doctors who did identify and refer children they suspected of delays, the parents did not want to follow-up, for whatever reasons.
6% Greg looked so normal when he was little. People started to stare the older he got. It wasn’t so cute anymore to see Greg have a conniption in a store.
A Child’s Journey Out of Autism: One Family’s Story of Living in Hope and Finding a Cure by Leeann Whiffen; eBook 2009 Edition; an Excerpt from Extended Review, with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
Note: (24% indicates the eReader book location, instead of page reference numbers).
24% Dr. Coates tells us, “You are fortunate to have caught this at such a young age.”
25% “I feel venerable. Now it’s real. There’s no more hiding behind ignorance or denial…”
A part of me withered away today as the formality of the diagnosis crushed my dreams for Clay and what he could become – the barometer from which all parents measure their own successes and failures. How did this happen? I search myself…
28% “I want to know what is at the root of Clay’s autism.” Once home, I head for the computer and immerse myself in research once again. I’ve heard about a Dr. Jepson… maybe he can help Clay.
35% We play with Clay in the waiting room until the nurse calls us back. Dr. Jepson stands to shake our hands and says hi to Clay as he pats him on the back. I’m taken back by how young he looks. He begins by walking us through the biomedical approach to autism using a PowerPoint presentation on his laptop.
36% Dr. Jepson’s Power Point Presentation – Autism is a complex metabolic disorder that involves multiple body systems ~ Neurological, Toxicological, Immunological. It begins with genetic susceptibility coupled with an environmental insult of one kind or another.
He recommends some lab tests, including a hair analysis, urine organics acids test, Complete Blood Count (CBC), RBC minerals (measures nutrient mineral levels vs. toxic mineral levels), liver panel, and a thyroid function test. He also recommends placing Clay on a strict gluten- (wheat) and casein (milk) free diet. In addition, there are supplements he recommends for Clay.
“Sean,” I say to my husband on the way home, “one of my biggest concerns is that there haven’t been any ‘gold standard’ studies proving the triggers he mentioned are the culprits.”
< My Thoughts > “…‘gold standard’ studies…”
‘Gold standard’ studies, diagnoses, procedures which have repeatedly had the same scientific results, over time, with randomized, controlled trials, over the population designated. The key question is, but will it work for your child? Often times, it is ‘trial and error’, therefore you will want the opportunity to have a ‘short-term’, low-cost trial period. Autism for some, is a business.
Note: (24% indicates the eReader book location, instead of page reference numbers).
24% Dr. Coates tells us, “You are fortunate to have caught this at such a young age.”
25% “I feel venerable. Now it’s real. There’s no more hiding behind ignorance or denial…”
A part of me withered away today as the formality of the diagnosis crushed my dreams for Clay and what he could become – the barometer from which all parents measure their own successes and failures. How did this happen? I search myself…
28% “I want to know what is at the root of Clay’s autism.” Once home, I head for the computer and immerse myself in research once again. I’ve heard about a Dr. Jepson… maybe he can help Clay.
35% We play with Clay in the waiting room until the nurse calls us back. Dr. Jepson stands to shake our hands and says hi to Clay as he pats him on the back. I’m taken back by how young he looks. He begins by walking us through the biomedical approach to autism using a PowerPoint presentation on his laptop.
36% Dr. Jepson’s Power Point Presentation – Autism is a complex metabolic disorder that involves multiple body systems ~ Neurological, Toxicological, Immunological. It begins with genetic susceptibility coupled with an environmental insult of one kind or another.
He recommends some lab tests, including a hair analysis, urine organics acids test, Complete Blood Count (CBC), RBC minerals (measures nutrient mineral levels vs. toxic mineral levels), liver panel, and a thyroid function test. He also recommends placing Clay on a strict gluten- (wheat) and casein (milk) free diet. In addition, there are supplements he recommends for Clay.
“Sean,” I say to my husband on the way home, “one of my biggest concerns is that there haven’t been any ‘gold standard’ studies proving the triggers he mentioned are the culprits.”
< My Thoughts > “…‘gold standard’ studies…”
‘Gold standard’ studies, diagnoses, procedures which have repeatedly had the same scientific results, over time, with randomized, controlled trials, over the population designated. The key question is, but will it work for your child? Often times, it is ‘trial and error’, therefore you will want the opportunity to have a ‘short-term’, low-cost trial period. Autism for some, is a business.
Miracles Are Made: The Real-Life Guide to Autism by Lynette Louise & Tom Hale, eBook 2011 Edition; an Excerpt from Extended Review, with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
Note: (4% indicates the eReader book location, instead of page reference numbers).
4% Diagnosis without directions: this is what it is to be told your child has autism. It is my intention to help you understand why that is and then to change that reality by teaching you what to do to improve the prognosis. I will introduce you to the boy who introduced me to autism… it was attempting to understand Dar that taught me to understand autism.
9% Dar was labeled PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder). At four years of age, his IQ was placed a nine-month-old level leaving him in the extremely retarded range. I began to read about autism at the same time that I applied to adopt him.
12% I believed understanding Dar was the key to figuring out how to teach him. That’s when I decided to figure this disorder out, change the course of my own children’s lives, and share the magic with whoever else wished to know what I had learned.
14% Brain disorders always present as clusters of symptoms rather than just one singular problem. For example, a child with autism may have sleep issues, depression, or sensory-seeking behavior that is only satisfied by great big deep pressure hugs, and tics, while another with the same disorder may have outbursts, periods of despondency, contact avoidance, seizures, and self-abusive behavior.
Thus it is true to say that ‘autism’ is a group of symptoms rather than a particular thing. And that these symptoms, these clusters, are connected and reinforced by each other so as you heal one you affect the others: While you heal the autism symptom, you smooth out all the behaviors created by the sub-disorders contained within it.
< My Thoughts > “…connected and reinforced by each other…”
So often, in addition to the ‘core’ symptoms of autism, there are co-morbid issues. Some of the ‘core’ symptoms are disorders in social communication/interaction, restrictive and repetitive patterns of behavior, stereotypical body movements, mild to severe sensory issues; and from passive to aggressive temperament behaviors. Along with this, the person is often of ‘average’ or ‘above average’ intelligence, and may be without the ability to demonstrate it. Co-morbid disorders may accompany autism, thus confusing a diagnosis with hyper/hypo activity, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive, epilepsy, and even post-traumatic-stress symptoms.
“The goal of neurofeedback is for the patients to come to recognize the onset of electrical negativity and then to push in a positive direction. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) subjects train their brains to produce fewer theta waves and thereby more beta waves.” They also learn how to sustain pleasant feelings longer, Ulrich, K. (2006).
Note: (4% indicates the eReader book location, instead of page reference numbers).
4% Diagnosis without directions: this is what it is to be told your child has autism. It is my intention to help you understand why that is and then to change that reality by teaching you what to do to improve the prognosis. I will introduce you to the boy who introduced me to autism… it was attempting to understand Dar that taught me to understand autism.
9% Dar was labeled PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder). At four years of age, his IQ was placed a nine-month-old level leaving him in the extremely retarded range. I began to read about autism at the same time that I applied to adopt him.
12% I believed understanding Dar was the key to figuring out how to teach him. That’s when I decided to figure this disorder out, change the course of my own children’s lives, and share the magic with whoever else wished to know what I had learned.
14% Brain disorders always present as clusters of symptoms rather than just one singular problem. For example, a child with autism may have sleep issues, depression, or sensory-seeking behavior that is only satisfied by great big deep pressure hugs, and tics, while another with the same disorder may have outbursts, periods of despondency, contact avoidance, seizures, and self-abusive behavior.
Thus it is true to say that ‘autism’ is a group of symptoms rather than a particular thing. And that these symptoms, these clusters, are connected and reinforced by each other so as you heal one you affect the others: While you heal the autism symptom, you smooth out all the behaviors created by the sub-disorders contained within it.
< My Thoughts > “…connected and reinforced by each other…”
So often, in addition to the ‘core’ symptoms of autism, there are co-morbid issues. Some of the ‘core’ symptoms are disorders in social communication/interaction, restrictive and repetitive patterns of behavior, stereotypical body movements, mild to severe sensory issues; and from passive to aggressive temperament behaviors. Along with this, the person is often of ‘average’ or ‘above average’ intelligence, and may be without the ability to demonstrate it. Co-morbid disorders may accompany autism, thus confusing a diagnosis with hyper/hypo activity, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive, epilepsy, and even post-traumatic-stress symptoms.
“The goal of neurofeedback is for the patients to come to recognize the onset of electrical negativity and then to push in a positive direction. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) subjects train their brains to produce fewer theta waves and thereby more beta waves.” They also learn how to sustain pleasant feelings longer, Ulrich, K. (2006).
Seeing Ezra: A Mother’s Story of Autism, Unconditional Love, & the Meaning of Normal, by Kerry Cohen, eBook 2011 Edition; an Excerpt from Extended Review, with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
Note: (1% indicates the eReader book location, instead of page reference numbers).
1% Ezra twirls & dances through the world, laughing, humming. I am afraid I don’t have the language to describe him the right way.
How he is just a child, like any other child, and also how he is different. How he is so much more, always, than you think he might be.
3% He is fine. His autism, even, is fine. Ezra’s autism changed us, yes. This moment held inside it everything that has been harmful to us about his autism.
< My Thoughts > “He is fine. His autism, even, is fine.”
Because there are so many different ‘presentations’ of autism, different developmental delays at different ages, ‘denial’ comes naturally to most parents.
4% The first time I hear the word ‘autism’ associated with Ezra, he is only a year old, and it comes from his young baby sitter. “I think Ezra’s on the autistic spectrum,” she states.
I want to claim that time back. I want to go back to that moment when she said Autism.
I would never be the same. My son was stolen from me. How dare anyone take that process of discovery from me.
5% He had normal eye contact. He plays normally with most toys, albeit sometimes in rigid ways. But what about his poor eating? No pointing & crying when songs end.
Note: (1% indicates the eReader book location, instead of page reference numbers).
1% Ezra twirls & dances through the world, laughing, humming. I am afraid I don’t have the language to describe him the right way.
How he is just a child, like any other child, and also how he is different. How he is so much more, always, than you think he might be.
3% He is fine. His autism, even, is fine. Ezra’s autism changed us, yes. This moment held inside it everything that has been harmful to us about his autism.
< My Thoughts > “He is fine. His autism, even, is fine.”
Because there are so many different ‘presentations’ of autism, different developmental delays at different ages, ‘denial’ comes naturally to most parents.
4% The first time I hear the word ‘autism’ associated with Ezra, he is only a year old, and it comes from his young baby sitter. “I think Ezra’s on the autistic spectrum,” she states.
I want to claim that time back. I want to go back to that moment when she said Autism.
I would never be the same. My son was stolen from me. How dare anyone take that process of discovery from me.
5% He had normal eye contact. He plays normally with most toys, albeit sometimes in rigid ways. But what about his poor eating? No pointing & crying when songs end.
He’s Not Autistic, But…How We Pulled Our Son from the Mouth of the Abyss by Tenna Merchent, eBooks 2007 Edition; an Excerpt from Extended Review, with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
Note: (52% indicates the eReader book location, instead of page reference numbers).
52% I didn’t want Clay to be diagnosed with autism, even if it was just Asperger’s. I didn’t want him going through his whole life with that label, the burden of being required to tell teachers, counselors, and anyone else who might care for him.
< My Thoughts > “I didn’t want him going through his whole life with that label…”
Most schools will provide parents with the opportunity to expunge ‘labels’ from a student’s records.
For some, it's a godsend. For others, it's a stigmatizing professional opinion—and sometimes even a misdiagnosis. “A label changed our life.” Those in favor of labeling point out that the best treatment starts early: The quicker you pinpoint what’s ailing your child, the faster you can get him extra support or even medication. There is also relief in being able to ‘blame’ a medical diagnosis. Retrieved online from: http://www.parenting.com/article/special-needs-children on 6/26/17 Special Needs Children: Should I Label My Kid? By Terri Cettina.
Note: (52% indicates the eReader book location, instead of page reference numbers).
52% I didn’t want Clay to be diagnosed with autism, even if it was just Asperger’s. I didn’t want him going through his whole life with that label, the burden of being required to tell teachers, counselors, and anyone else who might care for him.
< My Thoughts > “I didn’t want him going through his whole life with that label…”
Most schools will provide parents with the opportunity to expunge ‘labels’ from a student’s records.
For some, it's a godsend. For others, it's a stigmatizing professional opinion—and sometimes even a misdiagnosis. “A label changed our life.” Those in favor of labeling point out that the best treatment starts early: The quicker you pinpoint what’s ailing your child, the faster you can get him extra support or even medication. There is also relief in being able to ‘blame’ a medical diagnosis. Retrieved online from: http://www.parenting.com/article/special-needs-children on 6/26/17 Special Needs Children: Should I Label My Kid? By Terri Cettina.
101 Tips for the Parents of Boys with Autism & 1,001 Tips for the Parents of Autistic Boys, by Ken Siri, eBooks 2015 & 2010 Edition; an Excerpt from Extended Review, with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
Note: (5% indicates the eReader book location, instead of page reference numbers).
5%/1,001 If your pediatrician isn’t seeing what you see, don’t wait for him/her to come around. If your child is under the age of three, contact your state’s early childhood intervention program and ask for an evaluation. You can also visit a developmental pediatrician or clinical psychologist trained in diagnosing ASD.
5%/1,001 Don’t ignore your inner parent voice. If you think professionals are off-base, don’t dismiss your instinct because you’re “just” a parent, and he/she is a highly esteemed professional. Get another opinion.
4%/1,001 Parents of autistic children need to adopt the mentalities of both a researcher and a warrior. As both general and soldier in this fight, you must take ownership of all aspects of treatment, education, therapy, and organization as if preparing for battle.
19%/1,001 Also remember once your child has an official diagnosis they are entitled to Medicaid, which has some pros and cons and is covered throughout the book. Your child can qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), but this and the Medicaid benefits will only go so far. If either parent is a veteran, there may be VA benefits or services available. Check online for biomedical treatment options covered by TRICARE (Military entity). Also check on Supplements, Respite Care and other programs like STOMP and Autism Salutes (also military).
< My Thoughts > “Your child can qualify for…”
Your pediatrician can recommend a specialist, but you must follow insurance ‘referral’ protocols. Know what their procedures, before you make a request. The provider you seek may not be on your ‘Provider List’, for your insurance plan coverage.
We found out the hard way when we were told… "if you had been referred to someone on our ‘list’ we could have paid for it. Now, after-the-fact, you will have to pay that $1,000 plus out-of-pocket." Ugh! Even/especially Medicaid has a payment protocol. They may also need several months’ notice about providing services or payments.
Note: (5% indicates the eReader book location, instead of page reference numbers).
5%/1,001 If your pediatrician isn’t seeing what you see, don’t wait for him/her to come around. If your child is under the age of three, contact your state’s early childhood intervention program and ask for an evaluation. You can also visit a developmental pediatrician or clinical psychologist trained in diagnosing ASD.
5%/1,001 Don’t ignore your inner parent voice. If you think professionals are off-base, don’t dismiss your instinct because you’re “just” a parent, and he/she is a highly esteemed professional. Get another opinion.
4%/1,001 Parents of autistic children need to adopt the mentalities of both a researcher and a warrior. As both general and soldier in this fight, you must take ownership of all aspects of treatment, education, therapy, and organization as if preparing for battle.
19%/1,001 Also remember once your child has an official diagnosis they are entitled to Medicaid, which has some pros and cons and is covered throughout the book. Your child can qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), but this and the Medicaid benefits will only go so far. If either parent is a veteran, there may be VA benefits or services available. Check online for biomedical treatment options covered by TRICARE (Military entity). Also check on Supplements, Respite Care and other programs like STOMP and Autism Salutes (also military).
< My Thoughts > “Your child can qualify for…”
Your pediatrician can recommend a specialist, but you must follow insurance ‘referral’ protocols. Know what their procedures, before you make a request. The provider you seek may not be on your ‘Provider List’, for your insurance plan coverage.
We found out the hard way when we were told… "if you had been referred to someone on our ‘list’ we could have paid for it. Now, after-the-fact, you will have to pay that $1,000 plus out-of-pocket." Ugh! Even/especially Medicaid has a payment protocol. They may also need several months’ notice about providing services or payments.
3500: An Autistic Boy’s Ten-Year Romance with Snow White, by Ron Miles, eBook 2013 Edition; an Excerpt from Extended Review, with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker.
Note: (5% indicates the eReader book location, instead of page reference numbers).
5% Ben’s pediatrician assured us that while Ben was certainly on the low end of the bell curve, it wasn’t that unusual and every child is unique and progresses at their own rate.
At Ben’s twelve-month check-up he showed no significant improvement over his nine-month exam. By now the pediatrician was genuinely concerned and referred us to specialists for additional testing.
At fourteen months, Ben finally received his initial diagnosis of (PPD-NOS) Pervasive Developmental Delays-Not Otherwise Specified. That diagnosis would later be upgraded to Autism.
At the word “Autism”, my entire body went numb. I didn’t even know what autism was. Rainman? The Boy Who Could Fly?”
We soon discovered that autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which, for some reason, the brain does not build the same kind of neural connections that happen in a “normal brain.”
< My Thoughts > “I didn’t even know what autism was…”
Not knowing what autism is, can be true of many parents and the public in general. Autism awareness comes through publicity, famous people, public health campaigns, or personal experience. Autism is a spectrum of disorders, from mild to severe, from early to late onset appearance; different things to different people. Like snowflakes, no two are the same. Thus, causing diagnostic confusion and disconnects; many stops and starts. But early identification and intervention can change autism trajectories.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) tell us –
A diagnosis of ASD now includes several conditions that used to be diagnosed separately: autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome. These conditions are now all called autism spectrum disorder.
Many people with ASD also have different ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to things. Signs of ASD begin during early childhood and typically last throughout a person’s life. Retrieved online from – https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html
Note: (5% indicates the eReader book location, instead of page reference numbers).
5% Ben’s pediatrician assured us that while Ben was certainly on the low end of the bell curve, it wasn’t that unusual and every child is unique and progresses at their own rate.
At Ben’s twelve-month check-up he showed no significant improvement over his nine-month exam. By now the pediatrician was genuinely concerned and referred us to specialists for additional testing.
At fourteen months, Ben finally received his initial diagnosis of (PPD-NOS) Pervasive Developmental Delays-Not Otherwise Specified. That diagnosis would later be upgraded to Autism.
At the word “Autism”, my entire body went numb. I didn’t even know what autism was. Rainman? The Boy Who Could Fly?”
We soon discovered that autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which, for some reason, the brain does not build the same kind of neural connections that happen in a “normal brain.”
< My Thoughts > “I didn’t even know what autism was…”
Not knowing what autism is, can be true of many parents and the public in general. Autism awareness comes through publicity, famous people, public health campaigns, or personal experience. Autism is a spectrum of disorders, from mild to severe, from early to late onset appearance; different things to different people. Like snowflakes, no two are the same. Thus, causing diagnostic confusion and disconnects; many stops and starts. But early identification and intervention can change autism trajectories.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) tell us –
A diagnosis of ASD now includes several conditions that used to be diagnosed separately: autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome. These conditions are now all called autism spectrum disorder.
Many people with ASD also have different ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to things. Signs of ASD begin during early childhood and typically last throughout a person’s life. Retrieved online from – https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html
The ABCs of Autism Acceptance by Sparrow Rose Jones, eBook 2016 Edition; an Excerpt from Extended Review, with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
Note: (1% indicates the eReader book location, instead of page reference numbers).
1% I apologize to my siblings in other countries for being so focused on the details of my own country, but I can only write what I know.
< My Thoughts > “…my siblings in other countries…”
Autism is a global concern. According to www.globalautismproject.org there are 70 million people in the world with Autism; 85% of them live in developing countries.
These high rates of Autism, www.worldatlas.com/ tells us may be caused by unexplained environmental conditions. This high number may also be attributed to the increased awareness and more effective diagnostic methods. The highest number of cases per 10,000 children, per year was in Japan at 161; their research telling them it has a relationship to the MMR vaccine. The lowest cases, 9.2 per 10,000 are found in Portugal where they say it is detected along with other more recognizable medical conditions. The USA showed 66 cases per 10,000, stating that early detection and surveillance are keys to Autism awareness. U.S. researchers found that both genetics and environmental factors are closely correlated to causes in this country.
REFERENCES from other sources –
Gonzalez, E., Summers, C., et al. (2015). Developmental Surveillance & Referral in a Traditionally Medically Underserved Border Community; Maternal Child Health, V19, p2323-2328.
Ulrich, K. (2006). Train Your Brain; Scientific American, Feb/Mar 2006; Vol 17:1, p. 58-63.
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The content of this website material, digital or in any other form does not represent medical advice; nor does it constitute medical suggestions in any way. The material, including any downloadable parts, is for informational and/or educational purposes only. Your download and/or use of this material indicates your acceptance of this disclaimer.
As an autism mom, as an educator with a current State Teaching License (ending 2023), and a 2011 Master’s Degree in Special Education, this author shares her personal study, opinions, and experiences of over 30 years concerning Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and related topics. The author’s mention of products, services, treatments, and interventions are not to be considered an endorsement, thereof. Nor does the author represent that any described products, services, treatments, and/or interventions expect to ‘cure’, or have any ‘long-term’ positive effect on a disorder or disease.
Furthermore, understand and agree that this material is not intended as a substitute for consultations with licensed healthcare professionals. Nothing in this material is expected to diagnose, treat, imply cure, or prevent any condition, disorder, or disease. Any errors or omissions in the available subject matter, Units, Chapters, References, Charts, Tables, Appendices, LINKS, and/or other downloadable or non-downloadable materials are unintentional. Revisions in the material may be subject to change without notice.
Note: (1% indicates the eReader book location, instead of page reference numbers).
1% I apologize to my siblings in other countries for being so focused on the details of my own country, but I can only write what I know.
< My Thoughts > “…my siblings in other countries…”
Autism is a global concern. According to www.globalautismproject.org there are 70 million people in the world with Autism; 85% of them live in developing countries.
These high rates of Autism, www.worldatlas.com/ tells us may be caused by unexplained environmental conditions. This high number may also be attributed to the increased awareness and more effective diagnostic methods. The highest number of cases per 10,000 children, per year was in Japan at 161; their research telling them it has a relationship to the MMR vaccine. The lowest cases, 9.2 per 10,000 are found in Portugal where they say it is detected along with other more recognizable medical conditions. The USA showed 66 cases per 10,000, stating that early detection and surveillance are keys to Autism awareness. U.S. researchers found that both genetics and environmental factors are closely correlated to causes in this country.
REFERENCES from other sources –
Gonzalez, E., Summers, C., et al. (2015). Developmental Surveillance & Referral in a Traditionally Medically Underserved Border Community; Maternal Child Health, V19, p2323-2328.
Ulrich, K. (2006). Train Your Brain; Scientific American, Feb/Mar 2006; Vol 17:1, p. 58-63.
DISCLAIMER
The content of this website material, digital or in any other form does not represent medical advice; nor does it constitute medical suggestions in any way. The material, including any downloadable parts, is for informational and/or educational purposes only. Your download and/or use of this material indicates your acceptance of this disclaimer.
As an autism mom, as an educator with a current State Teaching License (ending 2023), and a 2011 Master’s Degree in Special Education, this author shares her personal study, opinions, and experiences of over 30 years concerning Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and related topics. The author’s mention of products, services, treatments, and interventions are not to be considered an endorsement, thereof. Nor does the author represent that any described products, services, treatments, and/or interventions expect to ‘cure’, or have any ‘long-term’ positive effect on a disorder or disease.
Furthermore, understand and agree that this material is not intended as a substitute for consultations with licensed healthcare professionals. Nothing in this material is expected to diagnose, treat, imply cure, or prevent any condition, disorder, or disease. Any errors or omissions in the available subject matter, Units, Chapters, References, Charts, Tables, Appendices, LINKS, and/or other downloadable or non-downloadable materials are unintentional. Revisions in the material may be subject to change without notice.