JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Autism Awareness Month is celebrated every April to increase understanding and acceptance of autism. This year, the 779th Medical Group pediatric clinic hosted a 5K Walk/Run, at the Joint Base Andrews West Fitness Center on April 21, at 7 a.m., to raise awareness about autism. Over 160 runners turned out to show their support. If you missed the run, an Autism Information Seminar will also be held on Tuesday, April 25, from 1-3:30 p.m., at the 779 MDG, Bldg. 1050 (old clinic), in the basement level café. All are invited and encouraged to attend.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex neurological and developmental condition that is characterized by difficulty with social communication and a display of repetitive behavior. Approximately one in 68 children in the United States have autism, and that number has been steadily rising over the last 40 years. It is four times more common in males that in females.
According to Dr. Christine Erdie, Fort Belvoir Community Hospital developmental pediatrician, some of the more obvious signs and symptoms displayed by children with ASD, include the following:
- Failure to show interest in other people. Children with ASD frequently do not respond to their name by 9-10 months or point to items of interest by 14-16 months, as would be expected.
- Delayed speech and nonverbal communication (poor eye contact, limited facial expressions). They often have trouble developing relationships with same age peers, prefer to play alone, and fail to understand social boundaries.
- Difficulty with change, they prefer the same routine every day (drink from a specific cup, drive the same route to school, wear the same clothes). Any variation in the routine often causes significant anxiety and distress.
- Behaviors such as hand flapping, head banging, spinning in circles, and walking on toes.
- Preoccupation with one specific interest such as memorizing random numbers (phone numbers, license plates) or only wanting to watch one television show over and over again.
- Significant changes in sensory processing such as aversion to certain textures in food, increased sensitivity to touch or every day sounds, or the need for constant movement.”
The cause of ASD is still not completely understood. Research has shown that it’s significantly linked to genetics, and that environmental factors and advanced parental age (both mom and dad) may also increase the risk for ASD. It’s very important to note that numerous studies have failed to show any connection between routine childhood vaccinations and the risk of developing ASD.
Early diagnosis and intervention are key to the most favorable outcome for ASD. Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy is one treatment option that has been very successful. Children should also have speech, occupational and physical therapy evaluations. In addition, a customized Individual Educational Plan with personalized attention and accommodations should be provided to school age children with ASD.
It’s important to talk with your child’s pediatrician if you are concerned your child may have autistic patterns of behavior. An evaluation will be completed and if there is any reason for concern, a referral will be made to a developmental pediatrician. Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Fort Belvoir Community Hospital have several developmental pediatricians that see military children on a daily basis.