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Community Corner

By 15 Months My Son Had 'Stopped Talking'

Autism is increasing dramatically in the U.S., for reasons that remain unclear. April is Autism Awareness Month. Have you been affected by knowing someone on the 'spectrum?'

More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined, according to the Autism Society. Studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that the prevalence of Autism-Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has significantly increased, from about four-in-10,000 in the early 1990s, to as many as one in every 110 births today.

Amy Brewis, a Milford mom, remembered her experience with her son. “He was saying a few words at his first birthday, but stopped talking by fifteen months," she said. After a year of close monitoring, speech therapy and multiple evaluations, her son was diagnosed with “Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified," which is a disorder on the autism spectrum.

According to the Centers for Disease Control autism-spectrum disorders:

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  • Affect males four times more often than females
  • Are reported to occur in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups
  • Are typically diagnosed between three and six years of age
  • Are the fastest growing developmental disability
  • Will affect an identical twin whose twin is affected between 60 percent to 96 percent of the time

According to Autism.org, early diagnosis increases the child’s potential and decreases life-long costs by two-thirds. Early intervention is offered from birth to three years of age and includes occupational therapy, speech therapy and applied behavioral analysis.

At three years old, Milford students with autism are transitioned into the Milestones program at , a public school. Shining Star Director explained: “In the Milestones program we have one board certified behavior analyst, one teacher and 11 behavior assistants to [every] 12 students at Shining Star.  There are also two Milestones classrooms at Brookside."

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Jessica Lichter, a behavior analyst at Milestones, discussed the holistic family approach to their program. She was enthusiastic about using iP in the classrooms. One priority that stood out to me was what she called the recognition of the “small achievements these students perform on a daily basis because the progress may not be as obvious as a child their age without ASD."  Lichter also said winning the Flutie Foundation Grant two years in a row has benefited the program.

Brewis, whose son attends the program, was enthusiastic about it. "Milestones has been wonderful, involving the family so we can incorporate all the techniques at home."

Professionals who work with children with autism say early detection is critical, and many parents suspect something is wrong.

, a Milford pediatric nurse practitioner observed: “The parents usually know when something isn’t right. The key is to observe and report concerns as soon as possible so the pediatric team can initiate evaluations and services."

Although there is not a definitive cause of autism, Brooke said, the vaccine theory has been disproven. But speculation persists around environmental causes and food additives. Brooke warns parents about media reports and internet sources, and encourages parents to call the providers to check validity. In my internet research, I found that WBGH TV is airing a documentary Sunday at 3 p.m. about three autistic families called "Autism; Coming of Age."

I also located many fundraisers, grants and programs for families. If you are looking for a way to help raise awareness or support ASD with , you could join the many walking, running and biking events in our area next month. They include:

  • May 1, Autism Awareness 5K walk/run, starting at Quinsigamond State Park, Worcester
  • May 15, the Second Annual Cycle for Autism Awareness starting in Miford at the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union ( building)

I love writing for Patch to share knowledge on health topics and empower readers. I post this article with awareness and utmost compassion for the strength shown by the families, teachers, health providers and researchers involved with autism-spectrum disorders.

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