does anybody know the name of the first person to be diagnosed with autism?
601153
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!
1110311
"Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder which manifests itself in markedly abnormal social interaction, communication ability, patterns of interests, and patterns of behavior."  Wikipedia\n\nAs to age, it used to be mostly very young children who were diagnosed with autism, but now it has become something of a catch-all diagnosis, and kids of all ages get the label.  The way I learned it in college, it meant a child who did not seem to grasp that other people were people, and instead treated them rather like objects.  They are very self-contained, which may be withdrawn or simply uninvolved with others.  Still, it seems there are mental health workers who can bring them out, get them interacting to some extent, and (perhaps more to the point) get their parents to appreciate their personalities and adapt to them.
190426
Interesting question.  I hadn't even thought of this question yet.  True, there is/are NO definitive cause/s of Autism.  Recent studies studies are showing, however, possible genetic links.  More studies are being done because more and more siblings, of people with Autism, are being born on the spectrum, or with closely related developmental disorders.  These recent studies show changes in ALL chromosomes...not just one as found in other disorders like Downs.  Remember, though, NOTHING definitive at this point.\n\nMy intuition tells me that it is possible for an adult with Autism to have a child who is also on the spectrum.  I see too many families with multiple children on the spectrum.  I see twins who both have it.  There is something genetic...there just has to be.  What are the chances in numbers?  I wish I, or anyone else, could say.  Best of luck!
848366
It has been connected to autism.
865122
You can contact local branches of the Autism Society of America and they can really help you.  Don't go with your doctors attitude, at age 3, even if it's not autim, but another sort of problem, he needs intervention.  The sooner the better.  My son is mildly autisic and for years I let the doctor convince me to give it time for him to catch up.  I waited a little too long (he was 4) and I regret not going with my instincts.
723860
Whether due to better diagnosing by doctors, greater general awareness in the community or a true increase in cases- Autism is going up.  Where a few years ago it was a rare and almost unknown disorder affecting 1 in around 1000 - 1500 children, it now affects 1 in 166 children.   It has been proven that the increase is not due to a loosening of diag. criteria, is not due to artificailly inflated statistics and that there is a true, rapid increase of cases.   In fact, many feel that it was under reported or misdiagnosed in the past as mental retardation and still is today. \nAutism and PDD are real and affect children in a real way.   I know because my son has High Functioning Autism and I work with special needs children.  And every day I meet more and more parents with young children recently diagnosed with it and it is startling and worrysome.  I was a preschool teacher and never saw or heard of it until about 5-10 years ago.  Now it is so common.  \nSo, I would say in my experience as an educator and as a parent that yes, it is increasing and it is not a myth.  And it is proven by more and more studies showing that conclusion.
559843
You don't specify his age, but it sounds like he isn't terribly young, having beent o so many counsellors & psychologists ... Have you ever had him tested for brain damage?  There are a number of causes, and the effects are often not obvious.  I suggest that you thoroughly check out this Web site ... There are oodles of articles, & explanations, & lots of encouragement there:\n\nhttp://come-over.to/FASCRC/\nFAS Community Resource Center - Main Index\n\nThese are more specific for older children: http://come-over.to/FASCRC/#behavior\nHow Alcohol Exposure Affects Behavior - Sub Index\n\nFrom what I understand, Alcohol is a major  -- but not the only -- contributor/causer of brain damage.  It is very hard to find a doctor who understands the problem, and recognizes it.  But there are tried & true methods for handling them.  No two individuals are the same.  One may be gifted in an area where another is totally disabled.  Please -- check it out.  Such people need specialized 'programs' to help them deal with life.  You sound like you'd welcome the guidance.\nYou are to be commended for trying to get him help, instead of 'burying your head under the covers'!\n\nPS:   You may also want to check out:\n\nhttp://thedoctorwithin.com/index_fr.php?page=articles/charlie.php\nPediatricians, Brain Fats, Formula, and Raw Milk: the Jig Is Up\n\nhttp://thedoctorwithin.com/index_fr.php?page=articles/autism_mercury.php\nAutism & Mercury -- The San Diego Conference\nhttp://thedoctorwithin.com/index_fr.php?page=articles/autism_vaccines.php\nAutism & Vaccines - by Tim O'Shea\nhttp://thedoctorwithin.com/index_fr.php?page=articles/autismin2003.php\nAutism -- Vaccine Injury or Just Genetics? -- Tim O'Shea
453976
Why can't you ask a psychologist to diagnose you... are you under age and your parents don't want to (go see the school counselor)? Is there no insurance or an issue with your insurance company in this regard? Or does the mere thought turn your anxiety up through the roof (this one is a strong indicator for the first condition I mention below)?\n\nAnyway...\n\nLosing concentration in a social situation, and having difficulty conversing with others, could be any number of things.\n\nSocial Anxiety/agoraphobia is the most likely cause, but it takes a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist to do any diagnosis, so don't take what I'm saying as one. Anyway, agoraphobia is treated with medication and therapy. It can also contribute to difficulty concentrating at school and in other stressful situations, and can be a quite serious condition.\nYou might have attention deficit...but that by itself usually does not make someone a "social recluse"...quite the opposite!\nIt probably isn't Asperger's (although like I said before, I'm not diagnosing you, here). In the autistic spectrum, the person does not read social cues from others or learn social rules effectively. They also usually don't show their own emotions with the same set of body language as everyone else. While people with autistic-spectrum disorders, especially the higher-intelligence ones, feel a great deal of anxiety in social situations, it's more a foot-in-mouth problem rather than clamming up, especially for Aspergers. This is a generalization, but I'm trying to summarize this in less than half a page..lol.\n\nAnyway, the ONLY way to really identify your exact issue and needs is to get a diagnosis, and treatment through couselling (and medication if absolutely necessary).
406433
hey :) i work with children with severe autism. Autism is a developmental disorder and is the most common developmental disorder in a group called the autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Other ASDs include Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified . \n\nTho each child is individual most people with autism have impairments in social interaction, social communication, and imagination. This is referred to as the triad of impairments. \n\nI dont belive there is any direct research which shows autism is genetic, i think they are unsure about the cause.\n\nThere are lost of usefull websites on autism, and the autism awareness society. \n\nhttp://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer\nhttp://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/autism.cfm\nhttp://www.learningdifficulties.org.au/autism.htm\n\nhope you find them helpful, all the best faerie rainbow dust x x x x x
716158
my nephew has autism I thank you for your efforts on his behalf.\nit took 5 years for him to verbally acknowledge me it was on Christmas morning when I walked in to my sisters house he saw me and ran up hugged me and called me uncle mark for the first time. best gift I ever got..\nin answer to your question contact your local foundation for the retarded or salvation army they should be able to best direct you
99950
A factually based diagnosis can only occur after at least 2 to 3 years. Autism is market by slow growth. This is all relative and can not be observed until a baby walks, talks, crawls etc...
103175
They have been linked for quit some time now. I research the condition just about every other day. This site ghas good info. http://www.autismtoday.com/index.asp
1019778
Yes, he is. I thought it was kind of him to disclose this information as I'm sure it gave hope to other people with this challenge. A lot of kids have gone without understanding what was going on and made to feel stupid.  With proper diagnosis most people can be helped with this challenge in life.
62692
"Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests itself in markedly abnormal social interaction, communication ability, patterns of interests, and patterns of behavior."  So someone who has "autism" would be called "autistic."
209883
Autism is diagnosed in children with the use of various testing instruments - each instrument is generally appropriate for children of different ages and communication ability. Some common tests include the CHAT (Checklist for Autism in Toddlers), the ABC (Autism Behavior Checklist) and CARS (the Childhood Autism Rating Scale). \n\nI suspect that your physician has assessed your child with one or more of these instruments, and has referenced the "rating" that your child scored on the test.\n\nInterpretation of the number that you've reported would depend on the particular testing instrument that was used, so the best answer to your question can only come from a more detailed conversation with your doctor.\n\nYour doctor should be able to provide information to you in a manner that makes you feel that you completely understand the diagnosis, and you should feel comfortable that your doctor is going to serve as your best and most effective resource in understanding and responding to your child's diagnosis. If your doctor does not make you feel comfortable in asking questions, I would recommend that you seek out the advice of another doctor whose patient skills might be more conducive to your comfort and understanding. You will be your son's most important caregiver, and you can only help him thrive if you are thoroughly knowledgeable about his condition.\n\nVery best of luck and patience to you.
1010049
This site states pdd-nos as being in the spectrum,and it's from the Autism Society of America, so they should know! I'd print this out and give it to her! I thought everyone identified it as being such. I'd find a different psychiatrist, or go to a psychologist, they're trained to diagnose autism.\nhttp://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=whatisautism\n\nThis one has a different theory, saying that it presents LIKE autism, but didn't go so far as to call it that. \nhttp://www.nichcy.org/pubs/factshe/fs1txt.htm
194104
Try this Website http://autism.2-b-well.org/ or type it in on yahoo search