How This Works

I have read that in the early 1980s, the incidence of autism was 1 in 10,000 births. By 2005, 1 in 250 births and as we learn in the video it is now 1 in 150 births. This may already have been addressed in the numerous comments posted but why has there been such a drastic change? What has changed that could be causing this alarming increase? I found this article very interesting http://web.mac.com/rblaylock/Russell_Blaylock_M.D./Information/Entries/2008/3/12_Vaccines%2C_Neurodevelopment_and_Autism_Spectrum_Disorders.html
posted by Isobel on 3/31/08 12:36: PM

Has anyone considered immunizations as the culpret? I know of several autistic children who were perfect the day before being immunized, then suddenly, were not!
posted by Deb on 3/31/08 12:14: PM

I am the mother of twin boys, about to turn 12, who are both on the autism spectrum - one with Aspegers, the other PDD-NOS. I can tell you they are both the most loving boys in the world! They are also highly intelligent sponges. Frustration is probably the most common emotion that I face and I know they do - at how others treat them, at how little patience people have with them (myself included at times). They were lucky enough to have had early intervention - NY is very good about that and I know that has helped. But I too heard, from many - at 2 including my husband who has a brother on the spectrum -when they were speaking "they are twins....they have their own language...they'll grow out of this....they are boys"....thank god i had a pediatrician who spotted it and immediately discussed Early intervention with me.
posted by cheryl on 3/31/08 7:52: AM

I have friends who have childrent with autism. I see the struggles they have gone through. I will pray with the rest of you.
posted by Kristina on 3/31/08 5:15: AM

I think that this video is very touching and true and that our insurance companies should have to watch this and then tell us no. I hope and pray that one day there is a cure for autism.
posted by cara on 3/31/08 5:05: AM

I don't know anyone who has autism but this is very moving and very enlightening.
posted by Paul on 3/31/08 1:57: AM

I am a teacher of students with special needs. Seven of my students are on the Autism spectrum, all of which experience and demonstrate different characteristics. All are amazing in their own unique way. I love working with them as well as with their families. There is nothing more gratifying than making a connection with him/her, watching them grow and reach milestones however big or small. What I have noticed is that although people have heard of autism they don't understand the complexities of the disability. Many children (just like the children in the video(s)) are beautiful "normal looking" children and when people see the acting out behaviors or the non-verbal child they assume that the child is either a brat or the parents are poor parents. People need to be made aware that this is not the case and that living with autism is difficult for and challenging for the entire family. For those of you with a child with autism, god bless you. Keep up the amazing things that you are doing with your child(ren). For those who put this wonderful site together...Thank you!
posted by Renee on 3/30/08 10:47: PM

We have a 7 year old girl with autism who has great problems communicating, and we are finding out the our 2 year old girl may have it as well. These problems will be solved when Jesus comes again!
posted by Lewis on 3/30/08 6:58: PM

There has to be a cure out there somewhere. Insurance companies need to start accepting that this is a serious problem with kids and give them access to needed therapy. Parents work as hard as they can with their child but sometimes it takes more than that and to have an insurance company say this is not covered is criminal. Until someone does find a cure there is only therapy and you can't ask a child to lose more years of their lives waiting for something that should be available to them now.
posted by Peggy on 3/30/08 4:03: PM

It makes me sad that there is no cure for Autism right now. I feel as though I can not contribute to a cure for this epidemic in our country, I can work with a small percentage of those with autism. I honestly enjoy working with children who have Autism. Maybe if I can make a difference in a child's life, by caring for them when the rest of society doesn't seem to care, then that can be my contribution. Those who have autism are amazing people. :-)
posted by Rachel on 3/30/08 2:41: PM

God bless you KTWV 94.7 FM in LA for posting this on your website. My daughter's niece has autism and we ourselves are involved in the upcoming marriage of a young lady with Asperger's, a form of autism. Additionally, this speaks to the rights of ALL preborn babies-that was NOT a just a "glob of tissue" in that sonogram was it?! So many troubled parents see abortion as their only alternative especially when an "amnio" determines that the baby in the womb is not "perfect". These babies are wanted by someone who would love to adopt. BTW I also have a 41-year-old sister who has Down's and who is a blessing to our family.
posted by Carole Schiessel on 3/30/08 2:19: PM

it made me cry and be grafeful that my girls are health, i will pray for all of the family that have this fight.
posted by april friazer on 3/30/08 11:57: AM

These videos are great. Not only does it show want some of us take for granted , but what can also be done for children with autism. I am fairly new to information about autism. I do know some one with an autistic child. This person does goes to as high as you can reach to help her son .And, I praise her for it. The question is what can I do help her in any way? god bless you all.
posted by jessica white on 3/30/08 10:29: AM

Wendy, This autism video is very touching. Thought you would appreciate it. Love, Deb
posted by Wendy on 3/30/08 12:55: AM

My son Omer was diagnosed when he was 23 months old with mod-severe autism. He is getting early intervention from Florida's program but they will not provide ABA therpay. BCBS, although they continue to raise their rates, will not cover it as well. What will the future of this country look like if one and 150 adults are labled as Autistic and have not gotten the early intervention that they needed. When will policy makers wake up to recognize this epidemic? I am tired of the red tape and I am very sad for all of our Autistic children.
posted by Judy on 3/29/08 7:19: PM

well, my family was blessed. My goddaughter who is my niece has a wonderful little boy named Zander,he has autism. And he is the joy of his greatgrandmother's life.
posted by Marline on 3/29/08 6:16: PM

God bless anyone who helps these little ones.
posted by Audrey on 3/29/08 5:17: PM

I have two children on the autistic spectrum and the waiting list is just as bad in Australia for early intervention...It's very frustrating
posted by Tanya on 3/29/08 4:23: PM

Must see video!
posted by Rocio Castellanos on 3/29/08 2:56: PM

That was emotional and thought-provoking. I didn't know much about autism, but now I am inspired.
posted by Andrew on 3/29/08 2:40: PM