Providing services an important public health issue

Autism and our understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continues to grow rapidly. Professionals and lay people alike are becoming more aware of this complex neurological disorder, which has resulted in early screening and detection. In the last several years, the public has seen exciting headlines in scientific journals and the media as groundbreaking research emerged. Since April is National Autism Awareness Month, The Forum is highlighting some of the latest research findings in the field of autism.

Early Screening is Important Autism is now referred to as an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) because we know that children can have a varying degree of symptoms that can range from mild to severe. Wherever a child falls on the autism spectrum, all children with ASD have difficulty with communication (verbally, nonverbally or both) and social interactions. Many children also engage in repetitive, non-functional behavior such as lining objects up, spinning things and playing with their toys in an odd or unusual manner. Physicians can screen for ASD at 18 months of age during well-baby checks, and clinicians can reliably diagnose ASD by 24 months of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all children be screened for autism two times before 24 months of age. If children fail their autism screener, they should be referred for a comprehensive autism evaluation. LSU Health Shreveport’s Children’s Center offers such in-depth testing to children and their families.

You Probably Know Someone with Autism!

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised the estimated prevalence of autism in the United States. The new prevalence rate of 1 in 68 children makes autism the most common childhood disability. This means that your children go to school, eat lunch with, and play alongside a child on the autism spectrum. As we learn to recognize autism in all of its various forms, providing services for these children and their families is increasingly becoming an important public health issue.

Early Intervention Can Improve Outcomes Decades of research have shown that behavioral therapies for autism can improve cognitive and language skills. Early intervention has been shown to increase intelligence quotient (IQ), language and adaptive behavior in children with ASD. Thus, diagnosing a child with ASD as early as possible so they can begin to receive such early intervention is always the goal. A recent article published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (2015) describes how parents’ concerns at 12 months accurately predicted a later autism diagnosis. Thus, the old model of “he’s a boy, just give him time,” or worse yet, dismissing a mother’s concerns as she is just an “anxious new mother” should be disregarded. Although they may not know the clinical terms, parents are often accurate in identifying symptoms of autism before the professionals are!

Chemical Pollutants and Autism Most scientists agree that autism involves early changes in brain development. Decades of research have clearly implicated genes that regulate how brain cells and networks develop and interconnect. This year brought increased evidence that chemical pollutants may similarly affect brain development in ways that increase the risk for autism.

Several recent studies have examined how exposure to certain pollutants may contribute to the development of autism spectrum disorder. Specifically, researchers have focused on the connection between pesticide exposure, brain development and ASD. They concluded that evidence strongly suggests that certain pesticides can increase the risk for autism. Researchers noted, however, that too little is known about how the timing or dose of exposure influences risk – or the biological mechanisms involved. Clearly, this is an exciting and important area that needs continued investigation and support.

Michelle Yetman, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist at LSU Health Shreveport, School of Allied Health Professions, Children’s Center. For more information or questions regarding autism, contact the Children’s Center at 813-2960.

Of Note:

LSU Health Shreveport School of Allied Health Professions Children’s Center is sponsoring the one-time screening of the Oscar-nominated film “Life, Animated,” on Wednesday, April 5, at 5:30 p.m. at Robinson Film Center. This is the story about a boy with autism and his family who overcome their son’s unique social and communication challenges by turning to Disney animated movies. A panel of experts will be on hand after the showing to discuss the film and address topical issues regarding ASD with the audience. Panelists include: Dr. Joseph Bocchini, professor and chairman of the Department of Pediatrics-LSU Health Shreveport; Jeff and Susan Abney, parents of a 21-yearold son with high-functioning autism; and Michelle Yetman, Ph.D., and Adam Blancher, Ph.D., clinical psychologists at LSU Health Shreveport’s Children’s Center. Tickets range from $5.50 to $7.50. Visit robinsonfilmcenter.org or call 318-459-4122 to purchase.