Hello listeners. Welcome to another addition of Lifeline RX. I’m Aldora Robinson and your health tip for the day is on Autism in recognition of World Autism day which was observed on the 2nd of April. Having a disability or special need like Autism is a human experience that contributes to human diversity. As such, the `United Nations has emphasized the need to mainstream disabilities in an Organization’s development agenda. Mainstreaming disabilities require an integral approach in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes in all political, economic and societal spheres, so that inequality is not perpetuated.
In the Turks and Caicos Islands, developmental disabilities or delays are impacting families and communities.
Developmental delay refers to when a child does not achieve developmental milestones within the normal age range.
Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavioral areas. These conditions begin during the developmental period, may impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime.
Developmental disabilities can come from
• a genetic defect, such as Down syndrome or
• fetal alcohol syndrome, caused by a mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
They can also come from:
• fragile X syndrome, an inherited type of cognitive impairment;
• severe medical problems developing soon after birth, often associated with prematurity; and
• often times, no cause can be found
Autism is one of the most prevalent developmental disabilities in the TCI and Did you know that worldwide…
• Autism affects 1 in 68 children and 1 in 42 boys
• Autism prevalence figures are growing, and
• Boys are nearly five times more likely than girls to have autism
Autism is a group of complex disorders of brain development, characterized in varying levels.
One of the most important things you can do as a parent or caregiver is to learn the early signs of autism and become familiar with the typical developmental milestones that your child should be reaching.
The following “red flags” may indicate that your child is at risk for autism. If your child exhibits any of the following, please don’t delay in asking your pediatrician or family doctor for an evaluation:
• No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter
• No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions by nine months
• No babbling by 12 months
• No back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving by 12 months
• No words by 16 months
• No meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating) by 24 months
• Any loss of speech, babbling or social skills at any age
Children develop at their own pace, so it’s impossible to tell exactly when a child will learn a given skill. However, the developmental milestones give a general idea of the changes to expect as a child gets older.
As a parent, you know your child best. If your child is not meeting the milestones for his or her age, or if you think there could be a problem with your child’s development, talk with your child’s doctor or health care provider and share your concerns. Don’t wait!
How Is Autism Treated?
Every child or adult with autism is unique in their way. When developing an intervention plan, it must be tailored to address that child’s specific needs.
Research has shown that there is no medical detection or cure for autism.
Intervention can involve behavioral treatments, medicines or both. Many persons with autism have additional medical conditions such as sleep disturbance, seizures and gastrointestinal distress. Addressing these conditions can improve attention, learning and related behaviors.
Early intensive behavioral intervention involves a child’s entire family, working closely with a team of professionals.
For more information on Autism, visit RTC at www.rtc107fm.com and click on the health matters webpage. You can also listen to this other episodes. Join us next week for another addition of Lifeline RX.
The following website can be useful in obtaining information on Autism:
www.Autismspeaks.org
www.livestrong.com
www.autism-resources.
www.teaches.com
