Posts Tagged ‘Autism’

April 24-May 1, 2010, is National Infant Immunization Week. I think this is a perfect follow-up to our last post. With the rise in rates of Autism, concerned parents, medical professionals and the general public are asking, what causes Autism and how can we stop it? Desperately searching for the cause of Autism, researchers are testing every possibility. There are many theories out there for what causes Autism, and they include vaccines, genetics, food allergies, immune deficiency, brain development differences, etc. The problem is, none of these theories have been proven.

According to the CDC, there has been no proven link between vaccines and autism. So, please get your baby vaccinated. By not vaccinating your baby, you are putting her or him at risk for very serious diseases. We here at NCPPC would also like to remind you that breastfeeding is a natural way for you to immunize your baby against common infections, like colds.

Watch the CDC’s video, “Get the Picture- Childhood Immunizations” to learn more about vaccines and your baby.

For more information on vaccine schedules in New York State, visit the NYS Department of Health website or view their Recommend Immunization Schedule (Spanish).

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are the fastest growing type of developmental disability. Estimates suggest that approximately one in every 100 school-age children will be diagnosed with an ASD. ASDs are more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined! If you are currently not affected by ASDs, you most likely will be in the future. Your child will grow up in a world where ASDs are common. Children are so amazing; they learn to be accepting and supportive of classmates and friends with ASDs. Maybe it is time you learn a little more about ASDs, so you can understand and support children with this disability.

A person with an ASD might:

• Not respond to their name by 12 months
• Not point at objects to show interest (point at an airplane flying over) by 14 months
• Not play “pretend” games (pretend to “feed” a doll) by 18 months
• Avoid eye contact and want to be alone
• Have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings
• Have delayed speech and language skills
• Repeat words or phrases over and over (echolalia)
• Give unrelated answers to questions
• Get upset by minor changes
• Have obsessive interests
• Flap their hands, rock their body, or spin in circles
• Have unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel

Symptoms of Autism typically occur by the time a child is three years old.  If you’re concerned with your baby’s development, call Early Intervention. Early intervention services are provided to help your child grow and develop, and to help you support and promote your child’s development. These services include evaluation services (Including hearing and vision screening); home visits; speech, physical and other therapies; child development groups; family counseling; and, sometimes, even help with transportation. These services are provided at no out-of-pocket cost to you. 

Jefferson County Community Services 

315-785-3283

Lewis County Public Health Agency Children Services

315-376-5849

St. Lawrence County Public Health Department

315-386-2325

Is there someone special in your life that has Autism? Would you like to tell us about him or her?

For more information on Autism support and services in New York State visit NYACTS.

For more information on ACDs visit CDC Autism Spectrum Disorders