ASA SB | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1) What is autism?
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. For a more information go to our page on autism.

(2) Is there some kind of simple checklist to help determine if my child is autistic?
Yes, there is a very simple screening test, commonly referred to as a CHAT test that will give you enough information to take the next step, which is consider taking him to a developmental pediatrician. It does not prove anything, but can be helpful. Another test commonly used is the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, or CARS, used by professionals. 

(3) My child can talk, but his teacher still thinks he has Aspergers.
Aspergers is considered a higher functioning form of autism.  Typically children with Aspergers are very verbal at a young age.  Children with autism usually have significant language delays.  To know for sure, find a developmental pediatrician or a psychiatrist or psychologist specializing in children. Only these professionals are clinically trained to diagnose any form of autism.  Autism is a spectrum disorder and there are many related disabilities and other conditions that are similar to autism.. 

(4) My child is 3 and not talking yet, does this mean he has autism?
No, first discuss it with your pediatrician. Consider getting your child's hearing and vision tested to rule out these as a factor in his or her delay, then consider taking him to a developmental pediatrician. In any event, you should seek services to counter/remediate ANY delay, so that it does not compound into more delays later.

(5) If my child is really delayed in some way, how will I know, and can't we just wait and see if he grows out of it?
If you suspect your child is delayed, first check out the list of typical childhood development milestones  If it turns out that your child does have developmental delays, early intervention services are your greatest gift to your child. Why? Most major research on learning concludes that intervention before age 5 has the greatest chance of reducing/eliminating developmental delays–including autism.

(6) Who are the experts on autism around here? 
Santa Barbara is fortunate to have the UCSB Autism Clinic in our town.  Consider contacting Dr. Lynn Koegel for an evaluation.  There are also many ABA therapists that come to Santa Barbara.  Anyone that suspects their child of having autism should contact the Tri-Counties Regional Center and set up an appointment for an assessment.  There is typically a waiting period for the assessment.  We also have many parents that can help you. It is critical that your child gets the services he needs and an appropriate program.  There are differing opinions about what therapies are best for children with autism so it is very important to read as much as you can and contact other parents that can help you.

(7) What if we can't afford all the tests and services it sounds like our child needs?
If your child is found to have autism, then he or she is considered disabled by federal law. As such, your child may be eligible for Social Security benefits, (however there are strict income limits.) Your child will also be eligible for Regional Center Services and Special Education services through your school district.  Before the age of 3 the Regional Center is the primary payor of services.  After age 3 the school district becomes the primary payor of services. The Regional Center will continue to pay for noneducational related services. The Santa Barbara County Education Office provides educational services from 3 years of age until the child enters Kindergarten. Service providers and education resources are included in our resource directory. 

(8) Are there common concerns that parents have for kids that eventually get diagnosed with some form of autism?
Yes, according to www.feat.org, the following are the 5 most common concerns expressed by parents to pediatricians prior to the diagnosis of autism:
1. Lack of speech and/or had words and lost them
2. Child seems deaf
3. Child does not make eye contact with parent/caregiver.
4. Child has unusual, odd behaviors including severe tantrums, self-injurious behavior , is difficult to control, engages in self-stimulatory behaviors (flapping, rocking, spinning, etc.)
5. Child ignores or does not play with other children

(9) Your support group- do I have to talk, or can I just come and listen?
Our support group is here for you, whatever you feel comfortable with. There is no pressure to share any more of your personal story than you want to with anyone. Our speakers come to share information. Follow-up questions and answer time is available and time to chat with others, but you can leave at your convenience (we all have families too.) We do not report to anyone, and we do not share our membership list, mailing list or email list with anyone.  Feel free to join our online listserve for parents of children with autism SBATA@yahoogroups.com.  To join send to info@asasb.org. 

(10) What causes autism? 
Although there is no known cause for autism, it is considered by many to be a genetic disorder with environmental triggers. There are many research facilities, including the MIND Institute in California,  that are trying to discover the cause of autism.  There is much controversy surrounding suspect environmental triggers including thimerosol in vaccinations, pesticides, heavy metals, etc. 

(11) I do not know where to start and what my child needs.  What should I do?
Autisminfo.com has a very good action plan for parents of newly diagnosed children.