Autism Spectrum Disorders – The Walk Goes On

By Christopher J. Kearney

          Saturday April 1^st marked the 2^nd annual West Texas Autism Walk.  While hosted on April Fool’s Day, the more than 300 people who participated in the event weren’t kidding about their commitment to raise money for research into Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs).   By any standard, the event was a success.  Many local retailers donated their products and services – everything from delicious glazed donuts (great walking food), to chilled water, to various toys for the kids.  Most importantly, supporters and participants donated money, estimated to be in excess of $25,000.  This money will go a long way towards unlocking the secrets of autistic disorders – and one day finding proficient treatments, and dare I say, a cure.  

          Autism is a common term used to describe a group of neuropsychiatric disorders (Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Rett Syndrome, and Atypical Autism).  Although various in their specific expressions, Autism Spectrum Disorders are all characterized by deficits in social interaction and communication ability.  Some deficits are mild, some severe.   With some kids it’s difficult to tell there is an issue, while others present as profoundly impaired.  Most are somewhere in between.

          The causes of ASDs are not yet readily understood.  But as research has advanced, it is clear that genetic factors play a significant role in a child’s predisposition; and while researchers have proposed environmental factors (which effect the child’s immunological or metabolic processes), parents of autistic kids are not to blame for their child’s condition. 

          Whether it is from a growing understanding and consequently an increased recognition/diagnosis or a smoldering and not yet understood problem, ASDs are 10 times more prevalent today than they were just 10 years ago.  Some studies claim that ASDs occur in one of every 166 births, making ASDs the most common developmental disorder next to mental retardation (ASDs are not mental retardation). 

          Children with ASDs typically begin to show clear identifiable symptoms by the age of 18 months.  There are some disorders though, like Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, which may not develop until ages 2 – 4 (this disorder is characterized by normal development, then a regression).  The first signs concern delayed language (no words by 16 months) and lack of social interaction (won’t respond to typical stimuli). There are no blood tests or biologically based exams that detect ASDs.  Only behavior, observation, and cognitive testing lead to diagnosis.  Aside from private professionals, our public school systems provide the highest quality in professional testing for free.   

          While organizations concerned with ASDs are growing, the first organization dedicated to funding research into ASDs was established in 1994, the National Alliance for Autism Research (www.naar.org).  Founded by Karen and Eric London and other parents of children with autism, NAAR allocates millions of dollars each year to funding the finest autism research worldwide and has played a key role in increasing federal spending on autism.

          For parents interested in keeping up on the latest in ASD research, and possibly even enrolling their kids in clinical studies, the NAAR has developed “Parents as Partners in Autism Research.”  Parents in Partners is a new initiative that connects parents and families of individuals with autism spectrum disorders with investigators conducting clinical autism research studies aimed at diagnosing autism earlier, developing and evaluating treatments, and eventually, finding a cure.  Information regarding Parents in Partners can be accessed from the NAAR website or you can email Denise Soto at dsoto@naar.org.

          ASDs are not as rare as once thought.  With heightened awareness and increased funding, like that generated by the West Texas Autism Walk, one day a cure may be found for these debilitating conditions.  For more information about or how to get involved in the 2007 West Texas Walk, contact Carroll Brown Arnold, Texas Senior Regional Director at 972.960.6227 or via email at cbarnold@autismspeaks.org.  In the race to find a cure every step, and every dollar, counts. 

Christopher J. Kearney is the Administrator, Abilene Psychiatric Center.  Mental Health Matters is sponsored by the Mental Health Association, phone (325) 673-2300, e-mail mhaa@bitstreet.com.  Need help?  Call the Hope Line (325) 677-7773.