A recent television preview of the Fox Network’s “Touch” revealed some very interesting views of learning disabilities, in particular autism. The show, featuring “24” star Kiefer Sutherland, is about the life of a single father – who lost his wife in the collapse of the World Trade Centers on 9/11 – desperate to connect with his 10-year-old son who has never spoken a single word. The boy, whose existence revolves around numbers, is misdiagnosed with severe autism.
During the series preview, which aired last week, it’s discovered that the boy is not necessarily autistic, but possesses brain functions far beyond current human understanding. Although the series is fiction, it does pose questions regarding current autism diagnoses.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention most recent study of 2006 statistics, one out of 110 children (up through age 8) were diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. This number represents a 57% increase in the number of diagnoses over the previous four years, and the CDC states that the increase was across the board…all states, all genders and all walks of life. Furthermore, it appears that recent data shows additional increases in the prevalence of autism. Is it misdiagnoses or are we simply getting better at diagnosing the illness? It could be a little bit of both.
A recent discussion with the ARC of Crawford County, which could be considered one of the local authorities on working with autistic children and adults, explained how we have arrived at such an alarming increase in autistic children. Over the last five years, scientists have identified a number of rare gene changes, or mutations, associated with autism. A small number of these can cause the disease by themselves; however, most cases seem to be caused by a combination of these risk genes as well as environmental factors that influence early brain development. So, science is getting better at pinpointing causes for improved diagnosis.
In addition, we have labeled various types of learning disabilities as autism, giving it a very broad definition that science has latched onto. This means that some people who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder may not have autism at all. Autism is actually one of the five autism spectrum disorders. Unfortunately, autism spectrum disorder and autism have both become general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors. The other spectrum disorders are Asperger Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Rett Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Each is characterized by impaired social interaction and communications skills and a limited range of activities and interests. But having one of those symptoms should not indicate an autism diagnosis.
Many children and adults with developmental disabilities are able to live productive lives. Each individual with autism is unique with many having exceptional abilities in music, art, math, and many other academic abilities. According to the ARC of Crawford County, about 40 percent have an average to above average intellectual ability, which makes the illness difficult for the general population to understand. They have an atypical view of the world which is far beyond the capability of “normal” individuals to comprehend. This viewpoint is clearly displayed by Jacob, the alleged autistic child in the Fox Series “Touch.” This child was fascinated with numbers, but as the story unfolded, those numbers actually meant something. It was a type of communications tool for him that was so obvious to the boy, but for those who could not identify with the “atypical” line of thinking, the situation was nothing short of frustrating.
With autism on the rise, it’s important that we learn how to adapt rather than push these children aside as “lost causes.” Here are five lessons from the Autism Society of America that may help you deal with an autistic child or adult. First, it’s critical to understand that autism is not a mental illness. It is a developmental disorder. Second, individuals with autism are capable of learning; however, the method of learning is very different from the traditional norms of our society. Be patient in your understanding of their mode of comprehension, and try not to force them into traditional learning that they simply cannot grasp. Third, some children with autism can communicate with both verbally and nonverbally. It’s important to realize that some autistic children may be able to speak, other cannot. This will help you understand how to approach your relationship with the person. Fourth, autistic children do have emotions and are able to show affection. Each child is different and their affect mechanisms may not come in the form of the traditional hug and kiss. Just because they may not understand the concept of touching doesn’t mean they are incapable of giving and receiving affection. Finally, autism cannot be outgrown. This is a lifelong disorder that you and the child must learn to work with. These individuals are beautiful, wonderful and loving people. They just happen to think in an atypical manner which we as a general society have yet to understand.
For more information on autism, you are encouraged to contact the ARC of Crawford County at 222 Chestnut Street in Meadville or phone 814-724-7346, or connect with the Autism Outreach Center in Meadville at 375 Chestnut Street, 814-337-5046.
References
ARC of Crawford County. (2012). Personal communications from Executive Director Randy Gorske, January 25, 2012.
Autism Society of America. (n.d.). Autism 101 Online Course. Retrieved January 26, 2012 from http://www.autism-society.org/living-with-autism/how-we-can-help/autism-101-online-course/online-course_01.html.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012). Autism Spectrum Disorders. Retrieved January 26, 2012 from http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html#prevalence.
Sherrow, R. (2012). Kiefer Sutherland matures in new Fox series “Touch.” Retrieved January 26, 2012 from http://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/article.aspx?subjectid=275&articleid=20120125_275_D1_CUTLIN426412.
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