What Is Autism?

So what is AUTISM? "Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. It is part of a group of disorders known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Today, 1 in 166 individuals is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups and is four times more likely to strike boys than girls. Autism impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors, such as obsessively arranging objects or following very specific routines. Symptoms can range from very mild to quite severe.......Currently, there are no effective means to prevent autism, no fully effective treatments, and no cure. Research indicates, however, that early intervention in an appropriate educational setting for at least two years during the preschool years can result in significant improvements for many young children with Autism Spectrum Disorders."

Facts & Stats
1 in 166 births(1)
1 to 1.5 million Americans(2)
Fastest-growing developmental disability
10 - 17 % annual growth
Growth comparison during the 1990s(3):
U.S. population increase: 13%
Disabilities increase: 16%
Autism increase: 172%
$90 billion annual cost(4)
90% of costs are in adult services(4)
Cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention(4)
In 10 years, the annual cost will be $200-400 billion(5)

Kyle's pediatrician says that Autism merely means that his brain functions differently than ours does and that we have to find out which way that is. But don't we all think differently? If we didn't the world would be a very boring place. How can his be so different as to limit his normal means of communicating? This too we have to find out after the series of tests and evaluations we have in the upcoming weeks.....which include: occupational therapy evaluation, speech therapy sessions, genetic testing, MRI and EKG. He's 4 years old! Why should a 4 year old be going through this? Especially when it means putting him to sleep during the MRI and EKG (they will be done at the same time 2-16-07).

Of course, Kyle now has not only his favorite pediatrician, but also a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatric Specialist, Speech Therapist, ENT doctor, and soon to add: occupational therapist, genetics doctor and a 2nd Dev.-Beh. Ped. Specialist in Autism. Our heads are spinning with doctor's appointments and therapy sessions that Gator bought me a PDA to keep up with them all (and all of my training sessions and meetings with work). Guess it's a good thing that I had those 7 months of unemployment to relax, unwind, sleep late, play with Kyle, watch cartoons and soap operas, do nothing, and brush up on my research skills................looks like all were much needed to get me ready for our never ending road of dr. appts. See God knew I needed all that rest to prepare me for this long haul.

The other day I was amazed at a co-worker's response to our learning stage of Kyle's possible autism . She knew from the day her son was born that he had Downs Syndrome and could not imagine finding out 4 years later that something is wrong with her son. (He is now 4 and in Kyle's special needs pre-school class.) She can't believe it.......going with the typical stereotype you would think that Kyle's autism is nothing compared to the road ahead of them with DS.

Talk about getting it wrong. She has helped me realize what a blessing Kyle is and how our wish was granted by God to not let him grow up too fast. It is definitely true that God is in control of our lives and puts us where he knows we need to be for his-sake and our own. I never would have believed that moving back to Union would be a blessing to our family, but once again...God knows better than I do what is best for us.