Is your first child autisitc?

Here's some info I found, hope it helps!

autism is a developmental disability that usually appears during the first three years of life. It is a neurological disorder that impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. According to the centers for disease control and prevention, 2003, autism is the most common of the pervasive developmental disorders, affecting an estimated 1 in 250 births. This means that as many as 1.5 million americans today are believed to have some form of autism.

What is autism?
Autism is a brain disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate, to reason, and to interact with others. It is a spectrum disorder that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees of severity, and it is often found in combination with other disabilities.

What causes autism?
There is no known single cause for autism, but it is generally accepted that it is caused by abnormalities in brain structure or function. Brain scans show differences in the shape and structure of the brain in autistic children versus that of non-autistic children. Some researchers are investigating a number of theories, including the link between heredity, genetics and medical problems. Other researchers are investigating problems during pregnancy or delivery as well as environmental factors such as viral infections, metabolic imbalances, and exposure to environmental chemicals.

Who is at risk for autism?
Autism tends to occur more frequently than expected among individuals who have certain medical conditions, including fragile x syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, congenital rubella syndrome, and untreated phenylketonuria (pku).

Autism is four times more common in boys than girls, but is found equally in all other populations.

Are there treatments for autism?
While there is no cure for autism, there are treatment and education approaches that may reduce some of the challenges associated with the disability. Intervention may help to lessen disruptive behaviors, and education can teach self-help skills that allow for greater independence. But just as there is no one symptom or behavior that identifies autistic children, there is no single treatment.

Where can I go for additional information on autism?
For additional information on autism contact the autism society of america. They can be reached at:

www.Autism-society.Org
autism society of america
7910 woodmont avenue, suite 300
bethesda, maryland 20814-3067
1 800.3autism
1 (301)657-0881

No, my first child does not have autism. I watched an autism video recently and it scared the living lights out of me, and I don't think I would have the patience or the energy to care for a child that has autism so I was wondering how I would be able to prevent it. And maybe even just not have a child at all.


Thanks so much the info, it was very helpful.

Hey there:
no, impossible to tell before birth. My son is 5 and the ped. Is having a hard enough time diagnosing him now as it is. It's all based on his reactions and behaviours. It's taking months.

It is the scariest thing though, eh? (sorry, i'm a cannuck)
i read a book as a teen called sonrise all about this family dealing with their autistic child and it scared the tar out of me too. Or that home makeover episode with the kid who was autistic and blind? Oh, man.


But then, when my son started with the testing, it was a whole different ball game. He's my boy. I've lived with him for 5 years now and having the diagnosis of autistic isn't going to change a thing about my feelings for him. Something I thought would be the scariest thing in the world didn't bother me in the least. He's my precious little man.


~prsmama

There are many different levels of autism. My friend's son has high functioning autism and he is nearly normal - just a bit slow.

You should discuss your personal risks (and your child's) with your doctor.

I had a similar question as you a while back. My husband's first cousin is autistic. I asked my Dr. About it. She said there are no tests for diagnosing it before birth and that they really haven't gotten enough evidence to say whether it's hereditary. His aunt did drink a lot (she was an alcoholic) the first four-five months of her pregnancy until she found out she was pregnant. Her doctor told her that was probably why her son is autistic. I asked my Dr. If drinking could have caused the autism and she said yes.

You are only 34 though! It's not like you are ancient! Sure, there is a greater risk for certain things than if you were 20 but most women your age have healthy babies. If I were you and I wanted another child, I would take my folic acid and prenatals months before I got pregnant and then continue to do so during. This can atleast help prevent neural tube defects and such. Good luck!

I have worked with special children such as downs, autistic, pyromaniacs, etc., now my daughter is working with them, living in with them. She always tells me that they are my grandkids and that she has no interest of having kids because she is so involves with the other kids, they are so sweet and loving, sure they may have their times wher they are not doing so good and having a spell or a tantrum but most kids do and all you can do is to take it a day at a time and hope that tomorrow is better just like in most everyone's life and if you find out it is to difficult for you to handle then their are places you can send these children to that they will be taken care of, some of these places are not the best but their are some good places you can send them to as I am sure raising these children are not always the easiest but their are those that do it and their is one thing that you need to remember and that is it is generally not always your fault, just like caring for someone with alzheimers, sometimes it gets to that point where we cannot do it anymore and they need to be put in more professional hands, we went thru this with my .Dad and father-in-law and even though I wanted to do it for my .Dad, my step-mother said no. We are all different and can only handle so much and no-one has the right to judge.
All the best to you.