According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in every 68 newborns in the US may be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. “One reason for the increase in autism is that the medical profession is getting better at diagnosing it,” says SIU psychiatrist Dr. Mary Dobbins.
What is autism?
“Autism is a disorder of development, which was first described years ago for severely affected children,” Dr. Dobbins says. “Recently we are beginning to recognize that there are more subtle, mild characteristics in many children, and the term has evolved into autism spectrum to include those children as well.”
What are symptoms?
Children with autism often experience delayed speech and language and behaviors such as being overly interested in certain things, not looking people in the eye or rocking repeatedly. Children have the best chance for improvement if they are diagnosed and treated early.
How is it treated?
“There is no cure, but health care professionals can guide children to healthier development and better match them with their environment. Many parents are referred to the Zero to Three Program, early intervention in early childhood, special school programming and social skills courses,” Dr. Dobbins says.
Parents with young children who have symptoms of autism should contact their primary care physician or pediatrician for evaluation. Children who are diagnosed with autism may be referred to a pediatric specialist or neurologist for treatment.
Hear Dr. Dobbins talk about autism here.
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