What is Autism?
 
Autism is a neurological and developmental disorder which causes qualitative impairments in communication, socialization, and repetitive or stereotyped behaviors.  The current manual for diagnostic clarification used among mental health professionals divides autism spectrum disorders into three categories.  These are known as Asperger’s Disorder, Autistic Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (PDD NOS).  The American Psychiatric Association has recently redefined the definition of Autism which will be put into practice in the spring of 2013.  Recent reports indicate that this new revision will eliminate the Asperger’s Disorder and PDD NOS diagnoses and include them into an overall category known as Autism Spectrum Disorder.  It is estimated that children who previously received services underneath these diagnoses will not “lose” their diagnosis or services due to this revision. 
 
Is there a Cure?
 
Currently, there is no “cure” for autism and children do not “outgrow” this disorder.  Although improvements can be seen with early intervention, symptoms can fluctuate throughout the child’s developmental trajectory.  It is also noted that pharmacological treatment is still experimental with this population.  Although individuals have demonstrated improvements in behaviors when prescribed stimulants, mood stabilizers, or antidepressants; this treatment option should be individualized to the child and monitored by a licensed professional. 
 
As a Parent what can I do?
 
Most researchers agree that early intervention is the best intervention.  Therefore, postponing treatment is not recommended.  However, it is recognized that the actual process of obtaining treatment is confusing and, in some cases, expensive.  Therefore, the following are steps parents can take in order to secure resources and begin the process:
 
 Have your child evaluated.  Medical personnel are instructed to screen children for developmental delays during well-check visits.  This is typically a parent-informed process that may take 10-15 minutes.  If concerns are present, it may be recommended that you seek out a formal developmental assessment to determine if your child is developmentally delayed.  Depending on the age of your child, this process could involve gathering developmental history, performing an in-depth clinical interview, behavioral observations, parent/caregiver screening measures, cognitive testing, academic testing, and measures specifically geared toward an autism spectrum disorder.
 
Educate yourself.  Many parents often obtain a diagnosis and then become overwhelmed with confusion, grief and loss, and general stress regarding what this means, where to start, and what to do next!
 
 First thing, take a deep breath.  Then begin to do some research.  Know the treatment options for your child’s condition however be wary of any treatment that states that it can “cure autism” or does not have a control group, adequate number of subjects who participated, ignores limitations to the treatment approach, and/or is not published in a reputable peer-reviewed journal.  It should be noted that to date, there is very limited good research on diet plans, vitamin supplements, or medication that treat the core symptoms of ASDs.  Although every parent wants to hear the word “cure” some diet plans or nutritional supplements may actually have harmful results. 
​
​