News: Latest report indicates autism is on the rise

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FORT HOOD, Texas –The likelihood of a school-aged American child receiving a diagnosis of autism, Asperger syndrome or a related developmental disorder is on the rise.

In 2006, the Center for Disease Control estimated one in every 110 children was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. That number has risen to 1 in 50, according to an analysis of a phone survey of parents released in March 2013 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Locally, the Fort Hood Exceptional Family Member Program is tracking 404 active duty family members (or 4.8 percent of the total identified cases Army-wide) Autism Spectrum Disorders, and ASDs are estimated to affect nearly 8,500 children of active duty service members throughout the U.S. Army, Maj. (Dr.) Ryan Moore, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center chief of pediatrics, said.

“The spike is being attributed to various causes, including increased awareness of autism spectrum disorders among clinicians and parents and more diagnoses of milder autism disorders,” Moore said.

According to the CDC, autism spectrum disorders are a group of developmental disabilities characterized by atypical development in socialization, communication, and behavior.

“The symptoms of ASDs typically are present before age 3 years and often are accompanied by abnormalities in cognitive functioning, learning, attention, and sensory processing,” the CDC website states.

Symptoms of autism can be minimal or severe, and they can vary dramatically from one child to another.

Autistic children may struggle to maintain or completely avoid eye contact, prefer to play alone, avoid cuddling or touching, have poor speech or communication abilities or not develop speech at all. They may rub surfaces repeatedly, have a heightened or lowered response to pain or display intense tantrums.

Other symptoms of autism may appear to indicate other disorders like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Tourettes, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or Oppositional Defiant Disorder, which can make an accurate diagnosis difficult.

This recent study released by the CDC also points out a potential concern that many children are not being diagnosed before age seven.

Autism can be reliably diagnosed by age three and potential interventions exist that can have a significant impact on their growth and development.

The emphasis on early detection and intervention has grown significantly over the past decade. At Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, providers who see pediatric patients have adopted a standardized approach to well-child visits, Moore said.

“Adopting the guidelines set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics, clinics across the installation have instituted routine screening for autism spectrum disorders at 18-month and 24-month well-child visit,” he said. “The screening occurs at these visits because this is the age range where they symptoms of autism emerge.”

According to Moore, if the results of screening indicate a concern for autism, the primary care provider will typically refer the family to a specialist (developmental pediatrician, child psychiatrist or psychologist) who can provide more detailed evaluation and potentially definitive diagnosis.

Although a diagnosis of autism is difficult to hear, the prognosis today is much better than even a decade ago.

Early and effective intervention has changed the landscape of treatment for autism. A wide range of evidence-based treatment options exist to help parents and their affected children improve their overall outcomes.

Assistance through Tricare exists for children diagnosed with autism.

The road to accessing these available options starts with enrollment in the Exceptional Family Member Program. Once successfully enrolled in EFMP, the child can then be registered in the Extended Care Health Option. This program provides additional financial assistance for those families seeking treatments not covered under basic Tricare services.

While understanding has improved as experience with autism grows, a lot of confusion still exists over how to successfully navigate treatment options. Unfortunately, as national recognition of the disorder has grown, a wide range of treatment options have developed, many of which are not studied or validated.

Parents of a child diagnosed with autism will need to be their child’s strongest advocate and work closely with their child’s provider to find the right treatment course, Moore said.

Case management resources are also available through Tricare to assist with these processes.

“Facing an autism diagnosis can be scary, but CRDAMC doctors and support services are here to support and guide families through the process,” Moore said.

If you think your child may have autism or is showing signs of developmental delays talk to your primary care provider or contact Tricare appointment services at 254-288-8888 and request a well baby check-up.

Active duty family members who have severe physical or moderate-to-severe mental disabilities can receive specialized services through the Tricare Extended Care Health Option program. AD beneficiaries within the Southern Regional Medical Command must enroll in the ECHO program via the application process identified at: http://www.humana-military.com/library/pdf/echo-application.pdf .

Retiree beneficiaries are not eligible for enrollment into the Tricare ECHO program; a U.S. District Court order mandated that Tricare will provide ABA therapy as a medical benefit for retiree family members. Retiree beneficiaries with ASD or any other severe physical or moderate-to-severe mental disabilities can receive ABA therapy through a referral from their Tricare primary care manager.

Tricare does not cover expenses for respite care, equipment, or case managers for retiree beneficiaries.

Beneficiaries can obtain additional information regarding services for children with ASD at Humana-Military.com or by calling Customer Service at 1-866-323-7155. A resource for military families that have children with autism can find additional information at www.operationautismonline.org.

 

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Joint base Lewis-Mcchord Autism Walk for Autism Support!!

Video by Staff Sgt. Elwyn LovelaceSmall RSS IconSubscriptions Icon Subscribe To This Journalist

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/video/286300/autism-walk#.UWd5xVpT17o#ixzz2QDN8p0yE

 

The Video on their autism walk–>

News: Autism speaks at JB Charleston US Military and Autism!!

dod pict autism
CHARLESTON, S.C. – What many individuals consider routine or ordinary tasks can be very difficult for some. Social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication as well as repetitive behavior are just a few things individuals diagnosed with autism struggle with everyday.

Autism is a general term for a group of complex disorders that affects behavioral development. Each individual with autism is unique. Many of those with autism have exceptional abilities in visual skills, music and academic skills. About 40 percent have average to above average intellectual abilities.

With April being the month of Autism Awareness, Reta Mills, Airman and Family Readiness Center Exceptional Family Member Program coordinator, is promoting a national campaign called “Light it up Blue” here at Joint Base Charleston.

The idea of the campaign is to have community members illuminate their front porches with blue lights to help bring awareness to autism throughout the month of April.

One of every 88 children in the United States has been diagnosed with autism, nearly double the number of children diagnosed since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began tracking the disorder – autism can now officially be declared an epidemic in the U.S.

“The number of families within the military having children diagnosed with autism is on the rise,” said Mills. “We have programs for these families and their children such as the EFMP.”

The EFMP program provides support to military family members who have children with special needs, not just autism. An exceptional family member is defined as a person with any physical, emotional, developmental, educational or psychological condition that meets the Department of Defense criteria.

“Autism is one of the top three reasons military families are enrolled in the EFMP program,” said Mills.

Two families that deal with autism on a daily basis here are the Hoffman’s and Sole’s.

The Hoffman’s three-year-old son Hunter, was recently diagnosed with autism.

“We noticed something was wrong with Hunter because he didn’t talk, but rather hummed and would never make eye contact,” said Tricia Hoffman, wife of Staff Sgt. Justin Hoffman, 15th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, 437th Airlift Wing. “At first we thought he was deaf, because when he was evaluated at age two, the doctor said he was behind with speech.”

The Hoffman’s took Hunter to several doctors and finally enrolled him in speech therapy.

“The speech therapist worked with Hunter for weeks with little to no progress,” said Mrs. Hoffman. “She sat down with me and told me she had all the tools to help Hunter with speech, but there was something holding him back.”

The therapist hinted to the fact that Hunter may have autism. Their son was then evaluated for autism and was diagnosed with moderate to severe classical autism.

The Sole family received the news of their six-year-old son Carl, having autism while they were at Royal Air Base Lakenheath, England, and had it reconfirmed here.

“As a baby, Carl didn’t cry and we often found him staring at something, but not really looking at anything,” said Sarah Sole, wife of Tech. Sgt. Carl Sole, 628th Security Forces Squadron flight chief. “We later found out his staring spells were focal seizures.”

The Sole family has one daughter and two sons. All three are enrolled in the base EFMP program. Their oldest child eight-year-old Xander, has Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder as well as multiple learning disabilities. Carl has Autism Spectrum Disorder in addition to epilepsy, cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities as a result of periventricular leukomalacia. The Soles youngest child Phillip has speech and fine motor delays.

“The EFMP program has helped us immensely in making sure my family’s needs are met and that the base we are at can provide us with the appropriate services,” said Mrs. Sole.

Since there is currently no cure for autism, the EFMP program offers assistance for families to find programs to counteract the symptoms of the disease.

“Research has shown early detection of autism is paramount to helping the individuals cope with the symptoms of the disease,” said Mills. “The newest program is Applied Behavior Analysis or ABA therapy.”

ABA therapy uses specific techniques and interventions to help children with autism or other special needs succeed. Both the Hoffman’s and Sole’s have their child enrolled in ABA therapy.

“A therapist comes to our home six days a week for about three hours and teaches Carl words, numbers and how to put clothes on properly,” said Mrs. Sole. “He has come a long way since the start of the therapy.”

Carl recently learned his age and home address, which is a huge step, said Kayleigh Norton, ABA therapist.

While Carl receives ABA therapy at home, Hunter receives the therapy at his school.

“Hunter struggles with speaking, making eye contact and basic social skills,” said Mrs. Hoffman.

Even though Hunter struggles with simple things such as speaking or social interactions, he has abilities that are very uncommon for children his age.

“Hunter is very coordinated and can retain large amounts of information,” said Mrs. Hoffman. “He knows all the colors and not just red, green, blue or yellow. He knows colors like chartreuse.”

Chartreuse is a color halfway between yellow and green. Hunter is also able to determine what the combination of two colors will make.

Hunter is especially skilled with computers.

“He knows how to do more with a computer than I do,” Mrs. Hoffman jokingly said. “His therapist believes he has an over active intelligence and that he will be more intelligent than the average person.”

Just like any child, Carl and Hunter have interests of their own. Carl love’s cars, and Hunter is interested in sports, and especially hockey.

Even with all the programs for children with autism, a big question still weighs on the minds of parents. “What does the future hold for my child?”

“We are realistic in the fact that we know Carl is different and will be either at home or in a group home as an adult,” said Mrs. Sole. “Our hope is that he will be as self sufficient as possible and will be accepted as he grows older.”

The Sole family understands that because Carl is different they have to take their child’s milestones and break them into super baby steps to help him achieve the little goals.

“It took Carl three and a half years to learn how to jump” said Mrs. Sole. “When he figured it out I just screamed with excitement. Success is measured in small victories.”

The Hoffman’s hope for Hunter is that he can live a normal life.

“I worry that Hunter will not be understood by others, but through speaking out and telling others about Autism maybe I can help,” said Mrs. Hoffman. “I can only hope people will accept him and have a little more patience, without discriminating against him.”

The Hoffman’s often joke about having a “Hunter” apartment, knowing that as he gets older they want him to have his freedom and independence, but still have the support of the family if he needs it.

“I just want what is best for Hunter,” said Mr. Hoffman. “I want him to have a normal life and have friends and to be happy. I want him to have the things any father would want their child to have.”

The AFRC hosts monthly support group meetings the last Thursday of each month for EFMP families. The group allows parents to share their good and bad experiences in coping and managing life with an exceptional family member.

“The support group here is very proactive,” said Mrs. Sole. “Rather than just sitting around complaining about issues, we try to resolve them by bringing them to the right people’s attention.”

Families looking to join the support group or get more information about the EFMP program can contact Reta Mills at 963-4411.

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/86959/autism-speaks-jb-charleston#.UWTtNJPrxik#ixzz2Q245hI1a

Autism is everywhere: is it a burden or a blessing Story by Lance Cpl. Joshua Grant from Camp Lejeune

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – The first few years of parenthood can be hectic and stressful for parents with newborn children. Adding a disability may initially complicate the household, but through education and awareness, developmental disorders such as autism do not have to affect a family’s way of life.

Recorded through the 1960-80’s the frequency of children with autism was around one in 5,000, but in an unknown way the number rose to one out of every 88 children born. With such a drastic rise in the occurrence of autism, diagnosing and treating autism is a top priority for many pediatricians.

For parents who are unsure if their child has autism, there are a few warning signs to look out for, stated Navy Capt. Joseph McBreen, the Educational and Developmental Intervention Service medical consultant at Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune.

McBreen recently received recognition for his help in writing, ‘Life Journey through Autism: A guide for Military Families,’ a book to help military families diagnose and learn about all the resources available to them if their child has autism.

“A family should be suspicious if a child has a speech language delay, not saying mama or dada by 12 months of age,” said Mcbreen. “Other key factors include no babble by 12 months, no pretend play by 18 months of age and also gaze monitoring, watching what the parent is looking at. All of the children lacking the key factors are at a high risk for having autism.”

Autism is now ranked as the most common neurobehavioral among children and is often called an epidemic, added McBreen.

“Autism is a lifelong disorder, there is no cure for it,” said McBreen. “Often time doctors try to scam families by claiming a cure if money is sent, but families should be cautious because it’s fake.”

As a course of treatment for children with autism, parents have many options available to them nationwide.

McBreen added, individuals should call the Early Intervention Service because the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act allows parents, concerned with their child’s development, to get their child evaluated for autism.

“The local authority has to do the test free of charge,” said McBreen. “The test has to include two people from different specialties, usually speech therapy, occupational therapy or physical therapy.”

After the test is conducted, a written report with age equivalent scores is due to the family in accordance with educational law.

If stationed aboard base, the base is responsible for conducting the evaluation, stated McBreen. It’s done at the medical annex inside Berkley Manor housing area. He also said if living off base, the Children’s Developmental Services Agency conducts the test.

Families covered under Tricare are able to use Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy through tutors or supervisors. Tutors receive less training but provide more time with the child. ABA therapy is the most researched and effective therapy for children with autism, said McBreen.

Any developmental disorder can be taxing on a family, but through diagnosing, treatment and all the resources available to service members, autism does not have to be a burden for anyone.

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/103162/autism-everywhere-burden-blessing#.UWTrr5Prxim#ixzz2Q22N6kMO

Essentials for Educators: High Functioning Autism & Asperger Syndrome

Essentials for Educators: Presented by Utah parents, teachers, professionals in the field of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), this video explains underlying differences in individuals with ASD and suggest strategies for increasing their success in the school setting.

A rather informative video on Youtube from UPDC–http://www.updc.org/autism/

A review of the Xshot 2.0 Camera Extender By David Berkowitz with Technewszone.com

I had the fine opportunity to meet Xshot at CES 2013. I was impressed by their products, which are simple but effective.

Here is link to a bit more information on XSHOT–>http://xshot.com/products/xshot-2

A bio on the Company–>

During a trip to France, Michael Daoud, the co-founder of XShot, found it difficult to take pictures of him and his wife while sightseeing. Michael would hold the camera and extend his arm as far as possible to take a picture of he and his wife but the result was always disappointing, especially if they were trying to capture the background in the picture.

The idea for the XShot came to Michael when he was at a park in front of the famous Louvre Museum in Paris. Michael tried to capture a photo of him and his wife with the Louvre in the background but because the camera was only at arm’s length and so close to their faces, only a small part of the Louvre Museum was in the picture. Michael realized that if his arm was a little longer he could take much better pictures. As a result he came up with the idea of having a telescopic arm that could hold the camera and be extended to take a full picture of the subjects and the background.

Michael enlisted the help of his friend John Stump, an inventor and mechanical engineer, and XShot was born. With XShot, taking a self-portrait looks like someone else took the picture, especially because of the extended 37 inches of reach it provides. It’s just amazing! Every time Michael and John tested XShot with their families they were amazed at the great results.

They knew that other travelers such as themselves would love having an XShot along with them whether traveling around the world, hiking, out on a boat, or simply at home with the family. No more close-up mug shots, hello XShot!

Since 2008 Michael and John kept thinking about new ways to get people in their shots and came up with new products: a 2.0 version of the original camera extender, a compact version with the Pocket XShot, XShot iPhone cases with tripod adapters for smartphone photo and video and a kayak mount.

I had recent opportunity to test the Xshot 2.0

Here are some videos with regards to the Xshot 2.0 with the Help of Youtube:

Intro video # 1 about Xshot’s Products–>

A second video with regards to Xshot’s products–>

Finally A video that I did with regards to the Xshot 2.0–>

In regards to the Xshot 2.0 I found it to quite an effective product. It would come in handy for taking small group pictures while on vacation or at a trade show. It could also be used by an individual and an object such as the Statue of Liberty, or with a celebrity or a product or object that you want to photograph yourself near. In addition the Xshot 2.0 works great with video such as for a video blog or interviewing someone or talking about something that you want to share the shot with.

I like the solid design, the ability to shrink it down to around 9″ in length its’ durability as well.

I did the demo with the Xshot 2.0 and a Samsung NX100 which was a wee bit heavy. I would recommend a lighter camera like the ReplayXD or a GoPro or a blogger cam or flip type camera, camcorder or a small point and shoot. I would not suggest using it with a Canon Rebel t2i though it is a superb camera it would be heavy. I would definitely recommend the Xshot 2.0 highly, and will try using mine and telling people about it as much as I can.

It could, it seem be used with a tripod to mount a remotely operated flash of for 2 camera angles as long as you have remote control of the shutter on your camera.

I appreciate the opportunity to have demoed the product.

Here are some product photos:

The fine Xshot 2.0
The fine Xshot 2.0

and another–>

PocketXShot-XShot2-0

and a shot of the product packaging for those retailers out there–>

SAM_1182

And a final shot from My Samsung NX100 and the Xshot 2.0–>

The fine Xshot 2.0
The fine Xshot 2.0