Newswise — "Individuals affected by autism are like snowflakes," says Associate Professor of Health Services Michelle Rowe, Ph.D. "No two are alike."
With April designated Autism Awareness Month, Dr. Rowe seeks to increase understanding of the complexities of the disease.
"The most common misconception about individuals with autism is that they spend their days memorizing train schedules and staring at spinning objects," she says. "That just isn't the reality."
Here's what is the reality—one in 150 children in the United States has been diagnosed. The alarming number continues to climb.
But Dr. Rowe says the research is promising and has practical advice for parents of autistic children.
She credits early diagnosis and early intervention as among the most significant breakthroughs in autism research, noting that both can help affected children reach their full potential.
"The timing of early intervention occurs during one of the most critical periods of brain development," she explains. "In the first several years of life the brain develops rapidly, is very malleable, and, in many cases, is able to compensate for areas that are not working properly." Current research is focusing on the relationship between genetic and immune responses in children with autism. "Most experts agree that there is a genetic predisposition to autism," Dr. Rowe says. "Yet, several studies have now shown that in many cases the autism, especially the regressive form, is likely triggered by some environmental factor producing an inflammatory response in the body." Family members of individuals with autism often have a history of diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, that produce an autoimmune response and cause inflammation in parts of the body.
Other studies on brain imaging have shown areas in the brain of individuals with autism that respond differently than those without autism.
"Clearly, autism is a brain disorder," she notes, "and research should focus on brain functioning of individuals with autism and how best to develop interventions that target the affected areas of the brain."
For parents who think or know their child is autistic, Dr. Rowe suggests trusting their gut feelings. "Many parents suspect that their baby or toddler is not developing, in the way they should be, long before they discuss it with their pediatrician, and years before they receive a formal diagnosis. This is often reinforced by family members and friends who, in an attempt to comfort worried parents, tell them that their child is just a 'late bloomer.'"
Second, she says, know the various behavioral and biomedical treatments, and finally, never lose hope. "The first year or two after a child has been diagnosed may be extremely difficult for parents. However, most children make progress over time."
On Monday, April 16, at 1 p.m., Saint Joseph's will host Deborah Lipsky, M.Ed., who was diagnosed with autism in her early forties. She will present her lecture, "Living with Autism: An insider's view," in the Haub Executive Center of McShain Hall (off of Lapsley Lane).
BACKGROUND: Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1851, Saint Joseph's University advances the professional and personal ambitions of men and women by providing a demanding, yet supportive, educational experience. One of only 142 schools with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter and AACSB business school accreditation, Saint Joseph's is home to 4,150 full-time undergraduates and 2,700 graduate, part-time and doctoral students. Steeped in the 450-year Jesuit tradition of scholarship and service, Saint Joseph's was recently named to the 2006 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction for General Community Service. The University strives to be recognized as the preeminent Catholic comprehensive university in the Northeast.
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