5 Facts About Autism That Can Help Prepare You

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. People with ASD handle information in their brain differently than other people.

ASDs are “spectrum disorders.”  That means ASD affects each person in different ways and can range from very mild to severe. People with ASD share some similar symptoms, such as problems with social interaction. But there are differences in when the symptoms start, how severe they are, and the exact nature of the symptoms.

Having seen more than 1,000 patients with ASD at Amen Clinics, we understand that the condition is not caused by one specific thing in the brain, but that there are actually 8-10 different factors that influence abnormal brain function.

Due to the variability of the underlying brain function problems in ASD, SPECT brain imaging is extremely useful for revealing otherwise hidden information, which helps us select the best course of treatment for each person with the disorder.

Here are 5 facts you should know about Autism

1. The rate of autism has steadily grown over the last 20 years. Autism now affects 1 in 68 children with boys being four times more likely to have autism than girls.
2. About 40% of children with autism do not speak. About 25%-30% of children with autism are able to speak some words at 12-18 months of age but then lose them. Other might speak, but not until later in childhood.
3. Autism is the fastest growing development disorder, yet the most underfunded. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes, and cancer combined.
4. 35% of young adults, ages 19-23, with autism have not had a job or received postgraduate education after leaving high school.
5. Autism is not a hopeless condition. It is treatable but early prevention is key. An early prevention plan for children with Autism, some as young as 18 months, is effective for improving IQ, language ability, and social interaction.

The Amen Clinics Method—developed through 26 years of clinical practice—uses a detailed clinical history, SPECT brain imaging to understand brain function, neuropsychological testing and laboratory studies to target treatment specifically to your brain using the least toxic, most effective means. If you or your loved one is struggling with ASD, do not hesitate to get help, call Amen Clinics at 888-288-9834 or visit our website.