World Autism Awareness Day brings hope for autistic children in South Africa

According to South African doctor, Louise Lindenberg, “South Africa trails internationally in terms of the diagnosis and treatment of autistic children. Here, autism is viewed as a no hope problem. It is often described as, ‘a lifelong, extremely complex and often devastating disability'.”

She continues, “Fortunately research and experience of practitioners worldwide disputes this. There have been numerous cases of children who have recovered fully from autism and many who begin therapy early have shown dramatic improvements if not full recovery. In my own practice I have seen that Autism is a reversible condition.”

“Medical practitioners in the field are using a cocktail of therapies including a biomedical approach, Applied Behavioural Analysis, occupational and speech therapy among others help a child's chances of improving, and in some cases recovering. But without addressing the physiological disorders and medical conditions that lie at the core of autistic disorders, little true or lasting progress or benefit can be expected.”

A school now operates in South Africa based on international models incorporating all the methods and therapies that have been found to be of great benefit to children on the autistic spectrum. The school was started by parents, who were unable to find a suitable school for their son.

Little Stars is hosting a Challenging Children Conference to be held in Johannesburg this year by bringing out two world experts on autism and related disorders where parents, educators and medical practitioners will be able to access the latest research and developments in the field.

The focus of the conference will be on biomedical treatments and educational interventions for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

Facts about autism

* Approximately 67 million people worldwide are affected by autism
* Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the world
* More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with diabetes, cancer and AIDS combined
* Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism

What is Autism?

Autistic spectrum disorder is a group of developmental disorders ranging from full fledged autism to PDD and ADHD.

The diagnostic criteria for autism is severe abnormality of reciprocal social relatedness, severe abnormality of communication development including language, repetitive behavior, restricted interests, activities and imagination and early onset before ages 3.

PDD is a catch all diagnosis that children get when they do not meet developmental milestones and exhibit autistic symptoms, yet still retain at least some ability to speak and communicate.

At the top end of the autistic spectrum is Asberger's Syndrome. It is the term used to describe an autistic child who functions at a high level. These children are often extremely intelligent.

It is important to distinguish between regressive autism as opposed to classic autism. Classic autism is autism from birth. The incidence of autism from birth remains an infrequent event. Regressive autism generally occurs between 12-24 months after a period of normal development and behaviour. It is the incidence of regressive autism and associated autistic spectrum disorders that is on the increase.

What causes autism?

Most cases of autistic spectrum disorder derive from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Genetic factors set the stage for autistic spectrum disorder and environmental factors appear to be the trigger.