The End of Autism Awareness Month - And Predictions for the Future
Thursday May 1, 2008
Well, April is over - and with it the intensive media focus on autism spectrum disorders. I must say that, between the efforts of Autism Speaks and CNN, we've certainly seen a surge in awareness of autism overall. And I, personally, think society in general understands more fully that autism is a spectrum disorder. Perhaps, at long last, we can dispense with Rain Man as the most popular vision of autism out there!
So... what's next for the autism community? Here are some of my own predictions:
- More and more states will move toward health insurance coverage of some autism treatments. Some families will be thrilled, while others will be frustrated that their treatments of choice aren't included in the package.
- Increasing differences of opinion are splitting the autism community over the question "what causes autism?" Expect these differences to continue over at least the next year, as additional legal and scientific findings change the landscape.
- Major celebrities, in particular Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey, are planning advocacy events in the next few months. Don't be surprised if they're joined by celebrity friends.
- New research studies will continue to enlighten and confuse us with what seem to be conflicting findings about causes and treatments for autism.
- At least one new study will point to the likelihood that autism is, in fact, more than one disorder - and has more than one cause and more than one "best" treatment.
Comments
I absolutely agree with your last prediction. In my opinion, autism is most definitely being used as aN umbrella diagnosis until the cause(s) is/are determined. Some people with autism have no gut/dietary issues at all, while some have serious gastro-intestinal problems. There must be a defining factor which separates those two types of people with ASD.
“# At least one new study will point to the likelihood that autism is, in fact, more than one disorder - and has more than one cause and more than one “best” treatment.”
You may be proven correct about both points. Particularly the first. But with respect to treatment ABA has for years been confirmed by scientific study and professional review - the US Surgeon General’s office, the MADSEC Autism Task Force Report and recently the American Academy of Pediatrics - as the clear treatment of choice for autism - one which has resulted in persistent gains in intellectual skills, communication, social and behavior. improvements. It remains the ONLY treatment with a substantial evidence base in support of its effectiveness.