The latest vaccination thread got me curious about autism and its higher rates of diagnosis today compared to past years. The link below discusses this. One theory is that autism is not actually increasing, but diagnosis of it is. That theory basically negates any links to environmental causes, such as vaccines, for instance.
I'll admit, I haven't thoroughly read it, only scanned it for interesting tidbits. It discussed social demographics of those with the autism.
This paragraph popped out at me, which essentially says that a diagnosis of autism is more socially acceptable than one of mental retardation (terminology from article, not me) See quote below, I bolded the idea I wanted to bring up.
In broad sweep, three ideas motivate most of the current accounts of the increased prevalence of autism. The first account is that increased prevalence stems from diagnostic dynamics, driven by process of diagnostic change, substitution, and drift (Shattuck 2006). Support for this hypothesis arises from the fact that early on in the epidemic, one could not observe the classic socioeconomic status–health gradient and that autism spectrum disorders (ASD) appeared to be a diagnosis of choice for middle- and upper-class parents whose children would be otherwise diagnosed as mildly or severely retarded, a disorder still associated with increased stigma. King and Bearman (2009) estimated that roughly 25% of the increased prevalence of autism is associated with diagnostic change on the mental retardation (MR) pathway.
I've wondered about this. I'm just a dispassionate observer in this topic, I follow the news and lean toward the theory that Autism is diagnosed more today, probably for more than one reason. I never bought the theory of it being caused by things like vaccines. I've seen too many trends of increased in diagnosis of other diseases such as ADHD, Bipolar, Fibromyalgia, all conditions that were previously not recognized.
I'd love to hear from folks, especially those with family members or friends with this condition. The second article also mentions that the diagnosis is more common in children born to older mothers. Of course, older mothers tend to have a higher socioeconomic status, but have higher rates of genetic mutations as well. I want to read the study thoroughly, but have to get ready for work. Very interested in feedback here.
Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.
People just don't say MR anymore anyway
There was thread about this. I hate the "R" word, but it is still a dx in the DSM-(now)V
My question is, the IQ tests that they use may not be appropriate for an autistic child. there is bias in every test i used to be a former teacher and test bias is a real problem. For example, I live NC, we are transplants from up north. there was a test my child got a test question wrong because it asked about a "typical" hunting trip. We don't have guns or hunt or fish so my children have NO idea what that is all about.
I understand there are different forms of IQ tests, but I still feel it is apples and oranges. If an austistic child thinks differently, than the test is not going to be valid.
It is an interesting field. My children see a neurodevelopmental pediatrician who specializes in ADD, ADHD, autism, etc. He is fabulous. There is also a cutting edge DAN! doctor that he referred us to that also looks at kids with issues. Both look at the physical as well (gut issues contribute WAY more than we think!!!)
Most of the time your run of the mill pediatrician or even psychiatrist don't know what they're doing.
Specializes in Medical-Surgical/Float Pool/Stepdown.
I have a high functioning 16 year old Aspie. At first we were told he was ADHD and after seeing a counselor for a few months for aggressive outbursts when he was around five or six, they pretty quickly figured out he had Asperger's. He's always been extremely smart, has hit or exceeded all the "normal" childhood milestones (like walking at nine months, etc), always horrible at picking up on social cues, and has quirks like hating shirt tags, weird about bath water temp, couldn't let his food touch when he was little, no sense of time or direction, and yeah, he beat the Nintendo star fox flying game when he was like five so always inept with electronics. As smart as he is, he is still very concrete and a black in white thinker but since he is so smart, he's learned to adapt socially (for the most part) once he hit puberty. He "looks" as normal as anyone else and I wouldn't ever want to change any of the pieces that make up his puzzle because they fit just perfectly for him.
My child is on the autism spectrum with an IQ >160. He just looks at the world differently. The general, sweeping term "autism" is such a sweeping generalization that is really is useless.
I too, have a child just like this--and it took 13 years to get a working diagnosis so that his learning could be tailored for his needs. Our goal going forward and in the future is function. Independent function.
And this is my 3rd child, and I am not much into labelling, I am mostly concerned with how to make it work so that he can live life to the highest function possible. Much like my other kids who are not learning challenged.
mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN
3,320 Posts
My question is, the IQ tests that they use may not be appropriate for an autistic child. there is bias in every test i used to be a former teacher and test bias is a real problem. For example, I live NC, we are transplants from up north. there was a test my child got a test question wrong because it asked about a "typical" hunting trip. We don't have guns or hunt or fish so my children have NO idea what that is all about.
I understand there are different forms of IQ tests, but I still feel it is apples and oranges. If an austistic child thinks differently, than the test is not going to be valid.
It is an interesting field. My children see a neurodevelopmental pediatrician who specializes in ADD, ADHD, autism, etc. He is fabulous. There is also a cutting edge DAN! doctor that he referred us to that also looks at kids with issues. Both look at the physical as well (gut issues contribute WAY more than we think!!!)
Most of the time your run of the mill pediatrician or even psychiatrist don't know what they're doing.