Autism Redefined

.

In the last 19 years there has a been an 

explosion of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnoses.

This has opened up concerns in the medical community,

as well as society as a whole

Today 1 in 100 children are diagnosed as ASD.

Most people know someone who has an Autism Spectrum Disorder

 whereas 20 years ago it wasn't as commonplace. 

Surely doctors MUST be over-diagnosing, right?

Not necessarily!

  The explosion of diagnoses is due to the fact that in 1993 

the definition of Autism was expanded to 

include not only non-verbal, low-functioning kids,

but also high-functioning children who may seem normal in some ways,

but their parents and teachers know better.

They have strange obsessions with things,

speak very formally and have a large vocabulary,

they are very intelligent, but often don't do well in school,

they are easily distracted, and yet can spend hours doing something

if they are really interested in it,

and sadly, they have very few friends. 

The expansion of the definition of ASD means

that millions of kids are able to get resources to help them 

succeed!

It means that parents are getting information and resources to help

cope with their children's unusual behavior patterns.

It has also given the general public an awareness that 

there is often a reason WHY some kids  seem

strange or "off-beat". 

 However, Autism Spectrum Disorder

is about to have a new definition.

 

Millions of children who are getting resources now

will not be able to receive them under the new definition.

Who came up with this plan?!

By changing the definition will these "off-beat" children

suddenly act "normal"? 

Will they begin to succeed in school without

resources or modifications?

Will ignoring their differences make them go away?!

Absolutely not.

The REASON why it is so vital to diagnose these children

early is because then they're able to get the

tools and resources

they need to

succeed in life,

not just in school.

We're not just talking about getting an A+

on their spelling tests because modifications were made.

We're talking about teaching these kids

social skills 

that are crucial for their survival in the work force.

We're talking about having resources and tools to

 teach them how to adapt 

to different environments

and to not be so

rigid, 

so that they can be loving

husbands and fathers,

and great employees.

 

 

We're talking about teaching them how to be

productive members of society

and how to use their strengths

to be successful in life, rather than 

allowing their deficiencies

to 

steal their potential!

So, this Momma of a child with ASD is very 

upset, and very concerned about these changes.

Very concerned indeed.