National Autism Month

Since the 1970′s April has been designated as National Autism Month to educate and increase awareness of autism.

Autism is a developmental disorder which usually occurs in the first three years of life.  It affects social behaviors and is considered a “spectrum disorder” since it affects individuals differently and in different degrees.   It is estimated that 13 million families live with autism.

Autism affects 1 in 110 children and 1 in 70 boys.  A recent study has shown that there is a new gene variant, found in chromosome 17, called CACNA1G.  This variant is causing more boys to be diagnosed with autism.  The new variant helps move calcium between cells and is currently present in 40 percent of the population according to the Journal of Molecular Psychiatry.

Stanley Nelson, a professor of human genetics at the David Geffen School of Medicine, at the University of  California, Los Angeles, has stated that this particular gene variant cannot be considered a risk factor on its own.  There is no known cause of autism nor is there any cure, however, early detection and treatment have been shown to make a world of difference in children.

There are several bills being debated in Congress on autism, for example, Better Monitoring of Toxic Chemicals.  To review this legislation visit www.vote4autism.org.  To contact your congressional representative or U.S. senator, call (202) 224-3121.

If you are interested in more information, join the National Autism Society today.  You can also support this cause by wearing a special ribbon, www.autism-society.org/ribbon or participating in other activities www.bounceforautism.org.