For parents of young children or even expecting parents, the increased publicity of autism has left many wondering what they can do with respect to their own children. The Autism Society of America notes parents should be on the lookout for the following symptoms, and consult a physician should any of them begin to appear.
- Difficulty in mixing with others. At times, autism can be a heartbreaking disorder for a sufferer's loved ones, mainly due to the difficulty autistic children have in communicating and befriending other children. Lacking the capacity to communicate with others is one of the more prevalent traits associated with autism. Parents of children who can't seem to mix with other children should consider consulting a physician.
- Inability verbalizing needs and wants. In lieu of speaking, autism sufferers often resort to pointing or gestures when expressing needs. While this is a common trait in many young children, it is abnormal for toddlers who have already developed language skills.
- Resistance to change. Autism sufferers insist on never breaking from their routine, a trait that was characterized in the 1988 film Rain Man, where Dustin Hoffman's character is an adult with autism who strongly resists change and breaking from his routine throughout the film.
- Not wanting to be cuddled or make eye contact. While these are separate traits, they both can be extremely difficult for parents to cope with, possibly making parents feel as though their child is not reciprocating their love. Children will react negatively to being hugged or cuddled and some autism sufferers refuse to make eye contact as well.
- Unresponsive to verbal cues. Children with autism often act as if they are deaf, despite hearing tests that show their hearing is in normal range.
The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation (DJF), a national autism organization with the mission to develop, advocate for, and support programs and services for adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), has released a free informational brochure entitled Autism, Epilepsy & Seizures: How To Recognize The Signs and Basic First Aid When You Do.
The purpose of this g brochure is to offer general information about autism and epilepsy as well as about the co-condition of the two. According to the Epilepsy Foundation of America, 30 percent of people with autism develop epilepsy, therefore making it essential to know the different types of seizures that might occur and the basic first aid recommended.
This DJF-spearheaded project is a collaborative effort of Dr. Ruth Nass, a specialist in pediatric behavioral neurology, who is also a member of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Advisory Board and The New York Child Study Center; The Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey and Autism Family Services of New Jersey.
"We are offering this brochure free of charge nationwide. It is downloadable for reproduction and also for viewing online," says Linda Walder Fiddle, executive director of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation. She adds, "The brochure includes a fold-out chart that can easily be displayed in all community settings, and is being offered as a public service to families, schools, colleges, community centers, restaurants, fire and police stations, EMS providers …anyone who might be a first-responder that could make a life-saving difference."
Dr. Nass states, "It is our goal to create broader awareness within the community about this co-condition; however, we would always advise that individuals and families discuss their questions and concerns with their own physician. This brochure is an excellent starting point to begin the discussion."
Visit the DJF Web site for both online readable and printable versions of the brochure at djfiddlefoundation.org.
