For those who don’t know, Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD is the term for a group of developmental disorders that include Autistic Disorder, the most common and most severe form of Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and Asperger’s Syndrome, the least severe form.
No matter which form of autism someone has, this disorder impacts a person’s ability to interact socially, making it hard for them to develop and maintain relationships with others as well as cause restrictive and repetitive movements and behaviors.
“I think the first thing that a parent needs to do if they suspect any signs or symptoms of autism is to visit with their pediatrician because depending on the age of the child some of that can be normal so I think it is important to have a conversation with their doctor about what is normal and age appropriate and what is not normal.”
Dr. Dalton, a Pediatrician at Covenant, emphasized that it is important to diagnose sooner than later to ensure that your child can get the best treatment possible whether that be therapy, medication, or both.
“There are several different types of therapy, there is physical therapy, occupational therapy, but also things like hypotherapy and riding therapy have been very beneficial.”
It is also important to remember that even if you have no history of autism in your family, it is still possible for your child to develop it.
“Males are affected more often than females with about a four to one ratio. Also, if you have a relative with autism, you’re more than likely to develop autism as well. The risk of autism increases with increasing relatedness.”
In the South Plains one of the main resources available to families impacted by autism is Texas Tech’s Burkhart Center for Autism and Education Research.
Every year Burkhart Center hosts the Burkhart Walk for Autism Awareness and this year it will be held at Texas Tech’s John Walker Soccer Complex on Sunday April 30th from 2-4PM. KLBK is a proud sponsor of this event and we will be there so make sure to come out and join us!
