April is autism awareness month.  How many people know someone who is autistic?
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My 8 year old brother was diagnosed with autism when he was4 he is the worlds greatest kid and he knows it.
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If I were you I would get the testing done.  As you know people that have autism can lead very fullfilling lives and should not be treated differently.  As a teenager I babysat an autisic girl and I fell in love with this sweet little girl not because she was autisic but because of what the autism made her.  It has been 12 years since this little girl went home and there is not a day that goes by that I do not think of her.\n\nGet the testing done and teach your child that he can live life to the fullest and that not everyone judges people that are different
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I'm not sure, but I can recommend a very interesting book about the history of Autism, including, as I recall, some of the early diagnosed cases. \n\n"Not Even Wrong: Adventures in Autism" by Paul Collins.\n\nHope this helps you!
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Hmm, interesting answers. Norah, the only correlation that I have seen, recently, is that when there is a child in the family who is on the Autism Spectrum, other children, within that family, have an increased risk of Autism, dyslexia, or other developmental/learning delays.  The reason for this is not yet known, and being researched at this time.  If you want to email me, I can give you some info as to where I found that.  Don't have it in front of me at the moment.  By the way...Julie, do you think there was a less harsh way of putting your rather judgemental answer?
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As autism is not technically a "disease," there is no medicine or cure specifically for autism. \n\nAs for your question about home programs, each person with autism is very different and has different needs, so I cannot recommend a specific program. I would suggest, however, that if the person with autism you are asking about is still in school, to be sure to contact his or her teacher(s) and make sure that what he or she is learning at school is being worked on and reinforced at home, to promote generalization of learning. \n\nHere are some recommendations for more information: \n\n"Teaching Tips for Children and Adults with Autism" by Temple Grandin, Ph.D. - http://www.autism.org/temple/tips.html\n\nWebsite of Paula Kluth, Ph.D. - http://www.paulakluth.com/autism.html\n\n"Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew" by Ellen Notbohm - http://www.southflorida.com/sfparenting/sfe-sfp-autism,0,6196233.story\n\nAutism Society of America - http://www.autism-society.org/ \n\n\n"Work to view my autism as a different ability rather than a disability. Look past what you may see as limitations and see the gifts autism has given me. I may not be good at eye contact or conversation, but have you noticed I don't lie, cheat at games, tattle on my classmates, or pass judgment on other people? ... With your support and guidance, the possibilities are broader than you might think. I promise you I'm worth it." - Quotes from 'Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew'
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One lecture I heard stated it was not one, but as much as 5 to 7 dominant genes showing up in one child that creates the opportunity for autism.  The mother could have 3 of the genes and the father having 2 with out either having autism.  But those 5 genes colide & you have an autistic child.
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You need to do some MAJOR research... One thing you should do is speak to the child's parents, ask them direct questions, Alot depends on the severity of the Autism. Some Autistic children do not speak. Some scream at the drop of a hat, some are very calm and are easy going. You need to get specific with the parents as to discipline, and how the child handles that. Eating, napping, is there anything that triggers anger or screaming. etc... the list is ongoing. I don't want you to get me wrong, Some autistic children are wonderful, sweet, attention seeking, little sweethearts. Just be careful in asking the parents what you need to know. GOOD LUCK TO YOU!
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Do you need help? Is someone you love autistic? It is so scary becuase so little is known about it and it seems like there is nowhere to turn. My brother is autistic and if you would please email me at sassybubs3087@yahoo.com and I can give you more information on austism and where to get help. I do not know if there are any cases in your area. Good luck\nNote to others: Please do not contact me via email unless you have an autism related question and then I will attempt to help you to the best of my abilities.
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Autism disorder is one of many disorders in a group called the Pervasive Development Disorders also known as the Autistism Spectrum Disorders.  Autism is the most severe of the disorders on the spectrum.\n\nThere are tons of books and information on the subject; here is a link to a good overview: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/autism.cfm
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According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention the current  national rate of autism spectrum disorders at 1 in 166 births or 60 per 10,000.
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I have an autistic cousin, and ive learned that they love to touch and feel things. So you could do an activity where they have lots of varying feels like cotton, different types of plastics cereals. They could make snowman from different colored puffballs. They can string cheerios and eat them. They can make bird feeders. Christmas Trees. There is so much. The ideas really are endless
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Hey!!!\n\nNice to meet you! My name is Michelle. I am seventeen. I also have mild Autism--higher-functioning Autism, ADHD, and Bipolar Disorder (mood disorder)--highs and lows--one moment depressed and one moment happy.\n\nAnyway, I'd love to be your friend--you can email me anytime at Luvs2Write16@aol.com.\n\nI also have a support group for individuals on the Autism spectrum called "Aspies Are Us." It's located on Yahoo... Again, nice to meet you!\n\nTake care,\n\nMichelle
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When someone says "autism" they can mean one of two things.\n1. The specific term "classic" autism or "autistic disorder."  \n2. The more generally "Autism Spectrum Disorder,"  "Spectrum" being the key word.  \nAsperger's, sometimes referred to as "high functioning autism," is on the spectrum.\n\nSymptoms of Classic Autism include:\n1. severe social disabilities (little or no eye contact, difficulty understanding others think differently than themselves, etc.)\n2. little or no verbal skills, (neither my niece or nephew could talk but my niece understands a lot but my nephew didn't.)\n&  3. repetative movements like rocking & hand flapping.\n\nSymptoms of Asperger's include:\n1. social disabilities (little eye contact, difficulty reading body language & tone of voice, etc.)\n2. odd speech (There may not be delays in speech, but they may have difficulty understanding figures of speech & will often speak monotone.)\n&  3. repetative movements like rocking & hand flapping, but not as severely.  \n\nClassic Autism makes up 12 - 36 % of all the people "on the autism spectrum"\nAspergers makes up 62 - 86% of all the people "on the autism spectrum"\nThe rest (Rett's, CDC, PDD-NOS) make up less than 3%.
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It depends on if he is a high functioning Autism person. Some live very productive lives. There functioning can also be higher some days then others. As for the unwashed dishes and clothes, well that's not being Autism, that's being a teenager. If it really worries you then have the authorities check it out.
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Gina, you don't say where you live, so I'm not sure I can help, other than to suggest you go through the closest Children's Hospital and ask.  Most children's hospitals have such specialized staff and are so wonderful at working with all types of children's problems, I feel sure they have to have some Autism specialists on staff. If you were in my area I could probably make some recommendations, since we have an Autistic child, but not knowing the area we're talking about, that's about the best I can do. Good luck!  Just do some calling around.
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The camp should pretty much be a "normal" summer camp... just the chance to be around and talk with other kids with the same home issues, and be away from their autistic siblings, will make the camp wonderful for the kids.\n\nYou may consider having Q & A sessions where kids can talk with an expert and with each other about Autism, and living with someone who has it.\n\nThe primary gift you will give these kids is the chance to be out from under the shadow of their Autistic sibling, with other kids and adults who understand.
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My step son is 11 and he's autistic... mild and high functioning but he still has a lot of the autistic traits. My step daughter is 6 and we recently had her tested for autism since she was showing traits of autism as well. Come to find out, she's not autistic, she's emulating her brother. \n\nAny 3-year-old is going to pick up traits from those that he is around. If his issue is one merely of delayed speech, then he needs to be working with a speech therapist. I'm rather surprised that he is placed with autistic children as any health care or educational professional worth their salt knows that young children are extremely impressionable. \n\nHowever, if you have concerns of autistic behavior at all...and if your son has not been diagnosed by a psychologist who specializes in autism, then I would highly suggest you bite the bullet and have him evaluated... if nothing else for you peace of mind.