What is Autism?

Autism is a neuro-developmental disorder with an onset of symptoms that occur prior to a child’s third birthday. Historically recognized as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (DSM-IV, American Psychiatric Association, 1994), the current term Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) was introduced to more accurately reflect the continuum of symptoms represented by individuals diagnosed with these disorders. Mild to intense impairments in language and social functioning are essential for a diagnosis of ASD. Other characteristics include repetitive or restricted movements or interests, an inability to adapt to change, and self-stimulatory behaviors.

Is the prevalence of ASD really increasing?

Improved diagnostics and increased public awareness have undoubtedly contributed to the rising number of children diagnosed with ASD over the past decade. However, these changes alone cannot adequately explain the drastic rise in the prevalence of ASD. In two years the number of children diagnosed with ASD rose from 1 in 150 to 1 in 110. It is estimated that autism is four times more likely to occur in boys than in girls (CDC, 2009).

What is the cause of ASD?

Although we don’t know the specific causes of autism, alarming increases in the number of individuals with the disorder have been met with extensive research as to the etiology. Researchers across the world are working on identifying the possible causes by focusing on genetics, environmental causes, and neurobiology (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2009). Studies have identified a clear genetic component accounting for up to twenty percent of ASD cases. This research also finds that siblings are at an increased risk of being diagnosed with ASD. There is promising research being conducted in the areas of environmental and neurobiological factors as they relate to ASD. To date, clear correlations to these factors have yet to be discovered (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2009).

How will The Slomin Family Center benefit families in South Florida?

The Slomin Family Center will uniquely target programs and services that support the entire family throughout the diagnostic and treatment process. The Center will provide a wide range of centralized services and programs that will meet the needs of those diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, as well as the needs of their siblings, parents, and family. The center will ensure empirically driven programs that emphasize social inclusion for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

References
American Psychiatric Association (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed.). Washington, DC.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html
Lord, C., Risi, S., Lambrecht, L., Cook, E. H., DiLavore, P.C., Pickles, A., Rutter, M. (2000). The autism diagnositic observation
schedule-generic: A standard measure of social and communication deficitis associated with the spectrum of autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 30(3), 205-223.
National Autism Association. nationalautismassociation.org