Autism who is affected

When a child receives an autism diagnosis, family members can make accommodations for the autistic child and provide them with support services and educational strategies.

Nicole Buerkens , PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area, says that parents of autistic children often feel overwhelmed and underprepared — even before a child is diagnosed. When a child receives an autism diagnosis, some caregivers may not be able to get appropriate support for their child due to their location, availability of services, or financial situation.

They might not know how best to support their child, or whom they can trust regarding treatment and support. In addition, other research from indicated that mothers of autistic teens were more likely to have higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.

While one study noted that mothers of autistic children were more likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD , the research was limited to white professionals and not indicative of the general population.

Aside from the emotional and financial stressors associated with having a child with a neurodevelopmental disorder , it can be difficult for parents or caregivers to always be on the same page when it comes to making decisions about accommodations and support.

This may include a difference of opinion regarding which type of medical treatment , therapies, schooling, and long-term care is best for their child. While some researchers have speculated that parents of autistic children have higher rates of divorce, empirical evidence among the broader population is lacking.

Siblings of an autistic child can also be affected. Buerkens says that some siblings may get less attention from their parents. Others may express a concern for the well-being of both their parents and the autistic sibling. While some siblings may feel frustration or resentment toward their autistic sibling, others may feel protective of them. The financial impact of medical treatment, psychotherapy, and specialized education for autistic children can take a toll on the mental well-being of parents and caregivers, costing thousands of U.

Keep in mind that social cost refers to the cost to the state or country. These costs depend on various factors, including:. Still, these personal costs can be quite high. Autistic people navigate a widespread lack of understanding of their identity as well as stigmatizing ableist rhetoric.

They must also learn how to cope with the developmental hurdles they experience because of autism. Sonny Jane Wise , a peer support counselor in Adelaide, Australia, works with autistic children and adults.

Have your child wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace if they wander or have communication problems,. Also think about having them carry an emergency form with contact information and communication symbols.

Reach out for support from local community services. ASD can be stressful. Being in touch with other parents who have a child with ASD may be helpful. Take care of yourself and watch for signs of stress in you or your family members. The physical and emotional demands of caregiving can be overwhelming. Let family and friends help and provide respite care. A break can be helpful for both you and your child.

Get additional professional support if needed. A child with ASD often has problems communicating. They may have trouble developing social skills. Children with ASD need a special, long-term treatment plan. It may include programs that change behavior and teach social skills. Each child with ASD is unique and has unique experiences. Families can get help from community-based resources. At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests.

Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child. Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know what the side effects are. Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure. If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice. Search Encyclopedia.

Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children What is autism spectrum disorder in children? What causes ASD in a child? If your child is under the age of 3 years, you can obtain an evaluation through your local early intervention system. Learn more about early intervention and find local contact information.

If your child is over the age of 3, you can get an evaluation through your local school even if your child does not go there. Learn more about requesting an evaluation.

The current science suggests that several genetic factors may increase the risk of autism in a complex manner. Having certain specific genetic conditions such as Fragile X Syndrome and Tuberous Sclerosis has been identified as conferring a particularly increased risk for being diagnosed with autism. Certain medications, such as valproic acid and thalidomide, when taken during pregnancy, have been linked with a higher risk of autism as well. Parents being older at the time of pregnancy is additionally linked with greater risk of autism.

Vaccines on the other hand have not been shown to increase the likelihood of an autism diagnosis, and race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status does not seem to have a link either. Male children tend to be diagnosed with autism more often than those assigned female sex at birth, albeit this ratio is changing over time.

To date compelling evidence has not been found to clearly recommend any such specific interventions. In addition, treatment for particular symptoms, such as speech therapy for language delays, often does not need to wait for a formal ASD diagnosis. We do not know all of the causes of ASD. However, we have learned that there are likely many causes for multiple types of ASD.

There may be many different factors that make a child more likely to have an ASD, including environmental, biologic and genetic factors. ASD continues to be an important public health concern. Understanding the factors that make a person more likely to develop ASD will help us learn more about the causes. We are currently working on one of the largest U.

SEED is looking at many possible risk factors for ASD, including genetic, environmental, pregnancy, and behavioral factors. ASD occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, but is about 4 times more common among boys than among girls.

We have learned a lot about how many U. It will be important to use the same methods to track how the number of children with ASD is changing over time in order to learn more about the disorder.