SchaferAutismReport: Doctors Call For Universal Autism Screenings

[Guest guest]

SAR " Healing Autism:

Schafer Autism Report No Finer a Cause on the Planet "

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Wednesday, October 31, 2007 Reader Supported Vol. 11 No. 156p

PUBLIC HEALTH

* Doctors Call For Universal Autism Screenings

* Autism a Minamata Disease Variant: Analysis of a Pernicious Legacy

RESEARCH

* NIH Funds New Program to Investigate Causes and Treatment of Autism

* Rosemary Chicken Protects Your Brain From Free Radicals

CARE

* Providing the Structure Aspergers Need for College Life

Transitional Programs

COMMENTARY

* World Experts Demand End to Child Drugging in the USA - Part I

LETTERS

* A Cry For Autism Awareness

OCTOBER CALENDAR of EVENTS!

http://www.sarnet.org/events/

PUBLIC HEALTH

Doctors Call For Universal Autism Screenings

By Delthia Ricks. http://tinyurl.com/3yhhnc

Parents of children diagnosed with autism and related conditions say

new guidelines urging screening for all children twice by age 2 is a step in

the right direction - but remains a long way from providing answers about a

perplexing spectrum of disorders.

In San Francisco yesterday, two clinical reports presented at the

annual meeting of the American Academy of Pediatrics underscored the

nation's growing problem with autism, which now is believed to affect one in

every 150 children in the country.

The new guidelines provide detailed information on the " signs and

symptoms " of autism spectrum disorders, conditions that range from

neurodevelopmental and language delays to Asperger's syndrome, which is

often typified by an extraordinarily high IQ.

Dr. L. Hyman, a member of the academy's expert panel on autism,

said language delays are usually the first symptom prompting parents to seek

medical advice. But she and other experts believe there are earlier, subtler

signs - sometimes evident around the age of 18 months - that may raise

parental concerns sooner.

Hyman, an associate professor at the University of Rochester, doesn't

think the new guidelines will change the rapport between pediatricians and

parents.

" Historically, one of our biggest jobs has been to reassure parents

because there is such a wide range of normal development, " she said. But she

believes the guidelines will help pediatricians counsel parents.

The new rules call for " universal screening " between 18 and 24 months,

using uniform screening nationwide. Having the screening done twice will

better aid families, experts say.

On Long Island, some parents think the guidelines do not go far enough

to help parents understand autism's complexities.

Ain of Oyster Bay, the mother of 7-year-old , who has an

autism-related condition, said the new approach could lead to excessive

diagnoses. " I think it's a very good idea, but I am very concerned about why

they're doing it, " said Ain, editor of Spectrum, a magazine she founded for

parents of children with autism. " What kind of training and experience do

pediatricians have, looking for autism or anything to do with developmental

delays?

" I think they're trying to put a Band-Aid on a very big problem. "

Krakow of Garden City, who has an 8-year-old son diagnosed with

autism, underscored that " the autism label is something that gets in the

way. " However, he said the guidelines draw a needed spotlight to a growing

medical issue.

Concannon, a Bay Shore mother, has a 5-year-old who has been

diagnosed with an autism-related condition.

" Now that they are on board, " Concannon said of pediatricians,

" perhaps they will work with families in finding the cause and finding a

cure for autism. They also need to be open to the very real possibility that

autism is not simply a psychiatric disorder. "

Dr. Nishawala, of NYU's Child Study Center, said many parents

have long been at odds with doctors about treating autism. She added that

the new guidelines do not support wheat- and milk-product-free diets, an

approach taken by many parents who say the dietary regimen helps their

children.

Dr. Bregman, medical director of the Fay J. Linder Center for

Autism in Bethpage, applauded the academy's effort to spot autism earlier.

" I have seen a preliminary version. They look quite good to me, " Bregman

said. He said it should not frighten parents to be aware of early signs.

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