Autism awareness: What everyone should know

  • Published
  • By Capt. Angela L. Shockley
  • 60th Medical Operations Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  How much do we in the military know about Autism? Much has been seen and heard in the media over the past year since former MTV star Jenny McCarthy became an outspoken activist after her son Evan was diagnosed with autism at age 2. Meanwhile, CNN's Larry King talk show dedicated a full hour to discussing autism and how reported cases had skyrocketed in recent years. 

A military parent's fears of an Autism diagnosis would undoubtedly be the same for their children as it would for a civilian family. However, the extra care and educational needs of the child would be yet another stressor placed on deploying members and the families they leave behind. 

What is known about autism, and what should be done if a parent suspects their child may have it? The following background by the staff at David Grant USAF Medical Center should shed a little light on the subject. 

What is autism? 

Autism is one of a group of disorders known as Autism Spectrum Disorders. ASDs are developmental disabilities that cause impairments in social interaction and communication. These impairments may present in a child as unusual behaviors and interests. Many people with ASDs also have unusual ways of learning, paying attention and reacting to different sensations. 

The thinking and learning abilities of people with ASDs can vary -- from gifted to severely challenged. An ASD begins before the age of 3 years and lasts a lifetime. 

Who is affected? 

Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the world. ASDs occur in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups and are four times more likely to occur in boys than in girls. The Center for Disease Control's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network found in 2007 1 in 150 8-year-old children in multiple areas of the United States have an ASD. 

Currently, there are approximately 67 million people worldwide that are affected by autism. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with diabetes, cancer and AIDS combined.

When can autism spectrum disorders be detected? 

ASDs can often be detected as early as 18 months. There is no medical detection or cure for autism but early diagnosis and intervention can improve outcomes. While all children should be watched to make sure they are reaching developmental milestones on time, children in high-risk groups, such as children who have a parent or brother or sister with an ASD, should be watched extra closely. 

A child with any of the warning signs should be checked by a health-care professional.
"Your child's pediatrician or family practitioner should screen your child at ages 18 months and 2 years with a simple tool called the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers," advised Dr. (Maj.) Danette LeBaron, 60th Medical Operations Squadron pediatric flight chief at DGMC. "It is important that any abnormalities on this screening tool be addressed by your provider and should prompt a referral for further evaluation. Prompt diagnosis and early, intensive therapy is crucial in making a difference in an autistic child's outcome," said Dr. LeBaron. 

Another option for parents is self-referral of their child to the early intervention services within the county they reside. For residents of Solano County, the North Bay Regional Center provides these services and can be reached by calling 707-252-0213. 

For more information on Autism, Team Travis members can visit DGMC and learn about the disorder during World Autism Day April 2 at an information booth located on the first floor of DGMC near the mini-Base Exchange.