Over the past couple of decades, the knowledge surrounding autism has grown. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the term that identifies individuals with different types of brain development conditions, is a condition that is so complex that doctors learn more about it every year. So far, the knowledge, such as early intervention being the best way to counter and prepare for the the effects of ASD, remains the same. What also has become even more apparent over time is that not one individual with autism is the same — ASD can range from social communication deficits to medical disorders.
Since those with ASD will have unique needs and varying abilities, it is important to be aware of each individual’s circumstances so that accepting and supportive communities are the norm. “As a mom who raised my own son with autism, advocacy was front and center,” shared Dr. Sharon Link-Wyler to Autism Parenting Magazine. She further stated that her journey as a mother of a child with autism has been to always stand alongside her son. “This maternal tendency does not go away despite the age of my child. I still pitch in as needed to ensure that he gets what he needs.”
And it’s not just parents who can be advocates for those with ASD, everyone can. So, here are some can’t-miss recent findings about autism — what to know and what to further explore.
New findings: What causes autism?
What is the rate of autism in the U.S.?
Over the past few decades, the rate of ASD has risen. In 2016, the rate of autism in the U.S. was 1 in 54 children, and now, according to the CDC, that number is 1 in 44.
The increase is due to a variety of unnamed reasons. What research does know is that the increase is largely due to the knowledge of autism widening. With more information being uncovered about autism, the ability to diagnose it has become more accessible. Now parents, teachers, and caregivers know to look for indicators such as lack of eye contact as the baby develops.
We might not yet know what causes autism, and we may not have a full understanding of why the numbers keep climbing, but parents have a wide variety of resources to access if they suspect their child has autism. Intervention services mixed with attentive parenting and lots of love give children a strong start.
