Friday, May 18, 2012

Autism Numbers Continue to Rise



As families struggling with autism demand reasons and explanations for it, the number of children being diagnosed just keeps rising . . . and not just a little. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently released the latest numbers of children being diagnosed within the autism spectrum, estimating that one in 88 children is affected.

Let’s take a quick look at some latest statistics as we continue to observe Autism Awareness Month.


Running the Numbers

The numbers are rapidly increasing every year.  In fact, the current statistics show an increase of 23 percent since 2009, and a whopping 73 percent since 2007.

One fact which has remained steady is that the majority of children diagnosed within the autistic spectrum are boys, coming in at one in 47. This is five times greater than the number of girls being diagnosed, which is one in 252.  Minorities are also seeing increased numbers with Hispanic children increasing by 110 percent and autistic black children increasing by 91 percent.

Early intervention is one of the best treatments for autism and recognizing the symptoms as soon as possible is crucial.  Fortunately, according to this latest information, children are now beginning to be diagnosed as early as three years old, though the average age leans towards four years old.



What is Causing the Rise in Diagnoses?

Does autism occur in utero or does it develop after birth?  Here are some ideas that the medical community thinks may be contributing to the rising numbers.

  • A great deal of discussion surrounds vaccinations.  Is it the actual vaccination? Or is it the mercury (which acts as a conglomerate within the vaccines) that instigates it?  
  • With 15 to 20 percent of autistic children having a genetic mutation, genes could be a contributor.
  • Closely-spaced pregnancies (children being born within one year of one another) is another speculation for autism.
  • Children born to older parents may be at higher risk.
  • Premature or low-birth-weight babies may have an increased chance of autism.
  • Certain prescriptions (like thalidomide and valporic acid) taken during pregnancy are now questionable.
  • If someone in your family has an autistic child, family history may be a risk as well.
  • Environmental pollution could also make a difference.

Are We Just More Aware?

What needs to be considered for the increase in numbers is simple awareness.  If autism is more easily detected due to enhanced diagnosis methods, naturally the numbers would rise.  It may just be that in the past many mild autistics were not so identifiable, which could be why the spectrum for autism seems to be stretching wider and wider as each day passes.

Given that, the question must be posed: are the numbers truly increasing, or are parents and doctors able to recognize the traits more easily? That’s the million dollar question.


By Kristen Lee Curtis

Originally published at http://www.insidershealth.com

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Exploring the Rising Costs of Autism






Being a mom of an autistic daughter, I wanted to shed some light on the cost of raising an autistic child as it something that is very close and very important to me. It’s a serious issue, and I want to bring awareness to those who don’t realize how autism truly affects the family on not just an emotional level, but on a financial level as well.

It is not uncommon to see autism in the headlines; usually exploring new treatments, therapies and trends. It should come as no surprise that treatment for autism is extremely expensive and not usually covered by health insurance, though that is changing. Costs differ from state to state for special needs children. One study coming from the Harvard School of Public Health states that the estimated medical and education costs can go as high as $72,000 yearly for children with severe autism. And the number doesn’t drop too much for those at the lower end of the spectrum, coming in at $67,000 per year.

With the economy as it is these days, there are many families that simply cannot afford the variety of treatments available . . . none of which are guaranteed to help. And it can be a difficult decision choosing between medical or alternate treatments or if they should focus on the education aspect.

My daughter had a wonderful teacher who stepped out of his role as teacher, came to us as a friend and told us that her current school system couldn’t offer her the education that she needed. We immediately sold our home and moved into a better school district for her benefit. We personally chose to invest in her education and opted for alternative treatments (paying for all treatments out-of-pocket) during her summer breaks to help her along. Happily I can report that she has progressed from moderate to mild in the autism spectrum.

Treatment vs. Education

Many parents don’t believe that the schools offer proper education, which these children need and deserve . . . even though the 1990 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires all school districts to provide a "free and appropriate" education for children with disabilities, including autism. Some parents often feel that the schools are just babysitters and not truly teaching or working with their children, which in turn leads them to alternative education and additional costs - if their budget can handle it.

There is a fine line between the options of treatments and education. This fine line opens a door for debate between insurance and school systems, which leaves both refusing any responsibility. Fortunately, insurance companies and their views have been changing. The advocacy group Autism Speaks has been pushing states to approve laws mandating insurance companies begin to cover treatment. This is vitally important as new findings are showing that healthcare costs for autism are rising faster than any other mental disorder. As the number of children with autism rises, so do the expenses. Autism-related healthcare costs increased more than 30% from 2000 to 2003. The number of autistic children also increased 30% during that same time period.

Direct and Indirect Costs

Raising an autistic person during their lifetime could be as high $3.2 million, which is a staggering number to think about. It’s difficult to imagine many families being able to foot that bill. Caring for all people with autism over their lifetimes comes in at $35 billion per year.

And these don’t include the indirect costs, like the value of lost productivity from an autistic person (meaning the difference in possible income from someone with autism versus someone without). Also, which rarely gets mentioned, is the loss of productivity coming from an autistic’s parents; like the loss of income due to reduced work hours or not having the option to work at all. It’s estimated that these indirect costs for parents and their autistic children range from $39,000 to almost $130,000 yearly.

What the Future Holds . . .

Hopefully, with the legislation for health insurance being approved and more states and insurance companies joining in, more families can afford the necessary treatments and therapies for their loved ones with autism. Early intervention is crucial to their growth, and if they can get early treatments it will make their transition into school so much more beneficial to their education and future life.

My daughter was two years old when she was diagnosed with autism. I’m very thankful that we learned of it at such an early age and were able to put our energy into giving her the best options possible. With that being said, that early attention to her needs has definitely paid off. Will she ever be independent? I don’t know. All I know is that she is self-sufficient and very happy; and that makes me happy too. I wish the same happiness for all parents and families living with autism.


By Kristen Lee Curtis

Originally published at http://www.insidershealth.com


Thursday, May 10, 2012

Special Olympics: More Than Just a Day at the Park


 


Who would have thought that a backyard summer camp for kids and adults with special needs and intellectual disabilities could have become what it is today: a worldwide movement, helping to change the lives and attitudes of participants, families, and supporters for over 43 years.

Where it Began

And so it began . . . All it took was one person, Eunice Kennedy, to notice how these special individuals were being left out, forgotten about, and not being treated fairly.  The lack of attention and treatment as “outcasts” left Eunice frustrated with how intellectually-challenged children and young adults had nowhere to play.  Her dream of doing something special for them began to materialize when she created a summer day camp in her very own backyard in the early 1960s.  Her goal became to encourage these special kids to do the best at the sports they could participate in, without dwelling on the things they couldn’t do, as so often happened.

Special Olympics Banner1
And So it Grew

The first Special Olympics Summer Games were held in Chicago back in 1968. Over 1,000 intellectually-challenged individuals from 26 states and Canada competed in swimming and track and field events. Twenty years later in 1988, as the Special Olympics rapidly grew in popularity and support, the International Olympic Committee signed a historic agreement and officially endorsed and recognized the Special Olympics.

One Girl’s Story

This was the first year my intellectually-challenged, teenage autistic daughter participated in the Special Olympics. I admit the phrase “intellectually-challenged” bothers me a bit; just because she can’t verbalize her thoughts, it doesn’t make the rest us any “smarter.”   Anyway, I was excited to go and felt quite privileged to be a supporter of her and all the other kids and adults with challenges.

My daughter, Lana, has a difficult time accepting new, unfamiliar ideas . . . and the Special Olympics were no different.  Her teacher asked if she wanted to run in the races, to which she firmly said, “No!”  She eventually signed up for the ball toss for distance.  When the day came and it was her turn, Lana did not understand that she had to wait until told to throw the ball and immediately launched it into the air, nearly taking someone out.  Though everyone was safe, we all had a chuckle; and she finished in third place!  Nothing made me prouder than to see her on the podium as they placed the medal around her neck.  I think dancing with one of the school’s mascot, a cougar, was Lana’s happiest moment, though!

More Than Just a Day at the Park

It’s hard not to get a little emotional, whether it be with tears in your eyes or a smile on your face, as you watch these kids enjoy the freedom outside of the classroom – simply being able to compete with one another; whether on foot or in a wheelchair, either independently or with assistance.  It’s a special day for everyone: the kids, their families, and their teachers.  Dennis Foels, Special Education Teacher for Williamson County Schools in Franklin, Tennessee had this to share, “There are so many things that can be said about the program or the activities that are offered at least every month by Williamson County Special Olympics.  However, it just comes down to the pure joy on the faces of the participants and that is more important than anything else, smiles.”

Special Olympics Banner2
One of my dearest friends, Leigh Jackson, has been a tremendous shoulder to lean on for me and my daughter; really our whole family.  Having a brother with intellectual disabilities, it has given her a great understanding of the ongoing stress that comes with those with special needs.  She, too, has witnessed the Special Olympics and what it provided for her brother.  “Scott was always proud of his ribbons and trophies and it really boosted his ego. I looked forward every year to his excitement, his surprise at winning the ribbons, and most of all, the smile that spread across his face after participating. I have so much gratitude in my heart for the special work that Special Olympics does for individuals and their families! Without it, I don't think Scott would have grown up to be the adult that he is today!”

The Special Olympics opens the eyes of those who are unaware. It’s fun for participants to compete and be physically active. And it brings joy and camaraderie to everyone involved. 

When you consider that, what more really needs to be said?


By Kristen Lee Curtis

Originally published at http://www.insidershealth.com