A Frank Look At Autism

With Autism Spectrum disorder on the rise, some parents are concerned and confused about the symptoms. Judy Nolte, Editor-in-Chief of American Baby Magazine, discusses the diagnosis.

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[drchadcham]

Autism is not a 'genetic disorder' as any competent physician can tell you. I'll agree that there is a genetic predisposition, but environmental variables are the trigger responsible for the dramatically increased incidence that has occurred in just one generation.

[jbailey2207]

sha said it is a birth defect, or genetic condition. She also called what we know as ASDAutism Spectrum Disorder, "autism spectrum syndrom". Who is this lady? What scientific evidence does she have that we dont, to lable it genetic?!

[Xoelaras]

Whats wrong with calling it a disease you ask?

Well for the fact that its a DISORDER.

A Disease is something that you and anyone can contract. Calling it a Disease can give off the dangerous impression that it could be caught by anyone like a bug no matter the age.. which knowing Americans is easy to manipulate and suggest.

And yes, I have Autism myself (which is why I found this video stupidily offensive.) so don't try to play any guilt cards about your son or anything.

[joeyeggy]

what's so wrong with calling autism a disease? I look at my son with sadness when I get reminded ever so often of how sick he is. Maybe some who have it are not that severe but my son is a long way from being moved into a mainstream school classroom. He also has ADHD.

[joeyeggy]

I am doubtful of this. Several high quality studies by reputable research agencies have been conducted recently and found no link. I think my son had it before his MMR jab.

Father to a 6 yo autistic boy.

[ZHeleneChristopher]

Give the woman a break. She might have screwed up calling it a disease instead of disorder (actually she called it both at different times). No one knows clearly what causes it and she gave a decent overview. After dealing with it for 16 years (my son is now 18 and is seriously hitting himself) I'm thinking it's a genetic tendency coupled with an environmental trigger(s). My husband, his mother and one brother show signs of Asperger's, and yes, mercury and other pollutants are on the rise.

[AutisticLiving]

Who gave that old bag a mic? lol

If it were only as simple as early intervention. I'd have so much more free time. Maybe I'd have enough free time to look for a new job? Maybe a magazine editor?

That way I can spout off about topics I know nothing about too.

[ernestmac13]

My mother 72 & brother 45 both have Autism, & my father & sister who are no longer with us may vary well have had it. I do not believe it is caused from vaccines, as there are many more elements in the environment that may be the cause. Mercury is rising in our fish, pesticides, industrial chemicals and other pollutants are in our food, water, & air. Heavy metals are in the soil, water, & air. Some people have to use bottled water to cook and even bathe with due to pollutants in their water.

[emergence999]

ladies and gents with children blessed with Autism please check out the Options Institue and the Sonrise program - turn away from the aggressive forms of therapy that is more widely known.

[WhiteLoneWolf14prods]

i was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome in the third grade and my parents tried everything to help it with meds and therapy but nothing helped me i just was late on maturing and the was about it other than i am really bad at math.