Autism, Reasons This Disorder May Be Affecting Our Children?

As the parent of an adult autistic son, I've struggled and battled with my emotions, attempting over the years to find the best medical and therapeutic services in order to assist my autistic son in finding his way in society. What I haven't been able to find answers to, from any medical doctor, are the definitive reasons why my son developed Autism in the first place. My son's diagnosis, Asperger's Syndrome, one of the high functioning Autism diagnosis's in the spectrum.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, a well known cardiothoracic surgeon attacked this subject on his television show, Dr. Oz on February 17^th, 201l. Dr. Oz put together a panel of distinguished pediatric specialists, research professionals, and an audience of parents who are caregivers to autistic children. The panel eagerly and emotionally discussed the subject of Autism. Parents and medical professionals revealed their frustration over the fact there isn't a definitive medical explanation for Autism, none the less a cure.

Autism is a neurological disorder, with specific symptoms in varying degrees. They may include; lack of eye contact, difficulty or lack of communication skills, withdrawal, severe impulse control, lack of focus, delayed or lack of social skills, tactile sensitivity, easily over stimulated, frustration and rage, to name a few basic ones. One out of one hundred and ten children is diagnosed with Autism, with boys having the higher rate. Dr. Oz reported there are 700,000 children diagnosed with Autism in the USA today.

As a parent, I've taught medical personal, teachers and caregivers how to handle the special needs of my autistic son, learned from personal experience. When my son was younger, there weren't any support groups or positive therapy plans for autistic children. It was all based on trial and error. Today medical professions recommend early intervention for a better prognosis in treating an autistic child. Still there is frustration with parents over how schools deal with the special needs of autistic children.

Dr. Mehmet Oz and his panel of guests including, Dr. Bob Sears, author of, The Autism Book, and Ms. Ari Brown, a national researcher in Autism, among others, shared three possible reasons for Autism being evaluated and researched today.

Childhood vaccinations were believed by many to cause Autism, especially the MMR series. The problem was thought to be due to Thimerosal, a mercury additive. MD. Andrew Wakefield led the bandwagon on this topic with his vaccine research pertaining to Autism, leading many parents to delay or withhold children's vaccines. Recently it was announced in the science community that Dr. Wakefield's research was falsified, proving vaccines weren't the definitive cause of Autism. Parents still debate this issue, though most pediatricians believe withholding vaccines or delaying them will do more harm, proving a risk to childhood diseases. Today we're seeing a rise the diagnosis of measles and mumps in our children. You can read further info at the CDC website, link as follows. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/Concerns/thimerosal/index.html

Environmental and food allergies are the other possible reasons being explored. Our environment has become more toxic with pollution and ozone layer thinning. Chemicals are added to our foods for preserving, and chemicals are in our clothing. A gluten free diet in autistic children with food allergies have proven successful in treating symptoms. Can our fast food diet and toxic lifestyle be the cause for autism? Have we genetically mutated, causing high autism rates in our children? Dr. Oz also reported there may be a correlation with age and pregnancies with a 30% increase in Autism diagnosis every ten years of maternal age. There was also a 20% increase in Autism diagnosis every ten years of paternal age.

As parents of autistic children, the frustration level remains high. Autism is a plague affecting our children, with more being diagnosed daily. Not having a definitive cause for Autism can delay therapeutic treatments and possibility for a full life in society. Today's treatments are still trial and error procedure. Parents are demanding answers, and more research and the funds to find a definitive cause, and most definitely a cure. Dr. Mehmet Oz and his panel of guests proved how critically important this issue is, and how the conversation must continue.

You can find out further information about Dr. Mehmet Oz and his television show, and the show on Autism, at the following website link.

http://www.doctoroz.com/

You can find further information about Autism, diagnosis and treatments, at the following CDC website link.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html

Below is the link to Dr. Bob Sears and his website link, including information on, The Autism Book.

http://theautismbook.com/

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