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(Medical-NewsWire.com, November 07, 2013 ) Dothan, AL – Some studies show that as many as one child in 88 have autism to some degree. Thirty years ago autism was rarely heard of, but now the disease is becoming more prevalent. The cause is not completely understood, but it is believed that there are genetic risk factors and there may also be links to medications taken during pregnancy as well as possibilities of vaccines given after birth (not proven).
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that although there is no known cure, symptoms may be improved through early detection and intervention. Two of the problems with diagnosis is that there is not a diagnostic test and some infants appear to develop normally until 18 to 24 months of age, then stop developing mentally or begin to digress in their mental or physical functioning capabilities. Most diagnosis are made by comparing what the child does not do as opposed to what other children normally would do at a specific age. Items to look for include lack of response to someone calling the child’s name, not showing interest in things or not pointing at objects, the desire to be left alone, delayed speech or language skills and/or body movements such as spinning in circles, rocking or flapping their hands.
Autism can run the gamut from minor to major. People with minor symptoms can usually function well in society, holding jobs and living independently as adults. However, those with major symptoms may require constant supervision.
Parents with an autistic child are encouraged to allow the child to attend developmental classes and therapies as quickly as possible after a diagnosis while the brain is still in its early formative stages. Some of these treatments are expensive and financial help may be possible through the Social Security Insurance (SSI) program and Medicaid.
In recent years, a group of people, including some diagnosed with autism, who believe that autism is not a disease and should not be cured have become more vocal. They believe that an autistic person’s brain is simply wired differently from other people and should be left that way. In their belief, therapy should be limited to support and assistance instead of making concerted efforts through modern medicine to “fix” the problem.
There are several national organizations that can help people who are working with an autistic child or adult. Two of the largest are NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (www.nami.org), and Autism Speaks (www.autismspeaks.org).
As the prevalence of autism increases more will be heard about its effects on society. As more research is conducted a fuller understanding of how to help those with this disability will be understood. Early intervention and therapy are important for the growth of an autistic child.
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Recognized as one of the nation’s premier law firms, The Cochran Firm handles cases on behalf of clients seeking a Personal Injury Lawyer, Criminal Defense, Medical Malpractice, Bankruptcy Attorney in Atlanta or Social Security Disability Lawyer. The Firm can be reached at 1-800-THE-FIRM (1-800-843-3476) or visit their website at http://www.cochrannation.com. “Working for You.” Article by Benjamin A. Irwin, Esq.###
Cochran Firm
163 West Main Street
Dothan, Alabama 36301
1-800-THE-FIRM (1-800-843-3476)
www.cochrannation.com
Cochran Firm
Benjamin A. Irwin, Esq.
800-843-3476
contact@cochrannation.com
Source: EmailWire.Com 
Source: EmailWire.com
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