Autism and Asperger's Syndrome. More Funding is Required for Treatments.

Autism and Asperger's Syndrome are on the Autism Spectrum. Where the adult's or child's condition sits on this 'spectrum' depends on the severity of the condition they have and live with daily. Although there is no known cause for Autism it is known that the condition affects the development of the child, ie; there are developmental delays usually noticed around aged 2 to 3 years old. Asperger's Syndrome is a higher functioning form of Autism and may be diagnosed around age 8 or 9.

Is There a Cure?

At this point in time (2011) there is no known cure for either Autism or Aspergers. A quick search of the internet will dispute this but ask any qualified expert and they will tell you there are NO CURES for Autism conditions as yet.

There are so many treatments available, some proven and sponsored by Governments, making them more accessible and sometimes free to families, however, Autism treatments seem to be expanding, especially since the advent of the internet and people using "remedies" from the net to "cure" all manner of ills.

Parents of autism children are warned to be wary of some "natural" remedies and do their research before beginning any treatment. Contacting organisations such as "Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)"* will help parents to navigate which treatments actually do work, natural or otherwise.

An important thing to note is that humans are individuals, so a treatment that works for one person will not necessarily work for another. This is true of any parent seeking treatment for whatever ails their child or children. It makes sense to inform yourself fully before beginning any form of treatment.

*Autism organisations' names will vary depending where you live.

The affect of autism on families is enormous and depending on the severity of the condition, many parents will go to great lengths to make their child's life (and theirs) easier by trying any treatment, whether proven or not.

In the article "Families search for truth among autism treatments" in the Sydney Morning Herald recently (see link below), this mother schedules 15 appointments per week for her two boys. For one of the boys the treatment includes rugby, a sensible choice for boys with aspergers, as it seems contact sports may help improve social skills.

The problem is there are so many “treatments” and not many are proven except perhaps ABA* (Applied Behaviour Analysis) which costs a small fortune and really only teaches kids to do basic functions in a rote fashion. Having said this, for many autistic and aspie kids it works and must give these children some control of their surroundings.

The article highlights the issue of so called 'experts' playing on parent’s fears and marketing treatments that may not work. Parents will try anything in case the one thing they didn’t try actually works.

Some parents of Aspie children have found non-conventional treatments that do work,

"I’m so lucky I found the art therapist* who did group social skills as she was fantastic for Luke".

Luke has Asperger's Syndrome and was diagnosed at aged 9. Early intervention (which is mentioned in the SMH article) is the one thing many experts agree works when treating Autism. A previous hub by MPG Narratives, Growing up with Aspergers. A Condition That is Part of the Autism Spectrum., tells Luke's story.

*See links below for more information

Diagnosis of Autism is on the Increase

During the past ten years there has been an increase in diagnosis of Autism and Aspergers, a staggering 280%.

Some experts are becoming wary of such an increase believing the increase may be due to "over-diagnosis" by over zealous doctors jumping on the Autism bandwagon.

Asperger's is a milder form of Autism and it may be that some doctors are diagnosing a child to have Asperger's when they are a borderline case, in other words, it is a misdiagnosis. Are children being diagnosed with conditions they don't actually have? How many of these borderline cases are actually adding to the increase and beefing up the 280%?

Parents need to question the diagnosis as well as the treatments, especially if they know their child is a borderline case.

All of these things are adding to the 'cures and treatments for autism' making it an absolute minefield for parents to navigate. Living and caring for someone with autism is already a great strain on family life so there should be a better (and fairer) way for treatments to be available.

Governments need to regulate Autism treatments and more research is needed into what works best. A good regulatory system of treatments will weed out all the hype and warn parents of the many scams making false claims before they spend their valuable time and money.

Autism and Asperger's Syndrome diagnosis is growing and needs the attention of Governments to regulate and assist families coping with these challenges every day of their lives. Regulation of treatments may help families to know which treatment will work for their situation.

What Governments Need To Do

Some experts believe governments should be supporting more "intensive behavioural and educational therapies", these are proven to work in improving social interaction. The earlier this type of treatment begins the better the long term effects.

Although Autism is seen as a children's condition and many therapies are targeted to younger age groups, teens and adults can also be helped with treatments. Autism stays for life so parents need assistance with paying for treatments always, not just when their child is young.

Medicare in Australia only covers approximately 10% of the cost of treatments for Autism with some other costs, such as Speech Therapy, possibly covered by private health insurance. Ultimately the bulk of the costs of therapies are covered by parents.

This situation has to change as Autism is a life-long condition, it may improve with age but for families who have children with the condition, they will live with it for their whole lives.

Governments in all countries need to look at their health policies and not only regulate Autism and Asperger treatments, they need to provide further funding for parents and their children who desperately need these treatments regularly.

There are groups lobbying Governments for more funding so that families will have access to treatments and be able to afford the amount of therapy required.

Support for these groups will help this cause -

http://www.1000hours.com.au/

http://www.autismvotes.org/site/c.frKNI3PCImE/b.3909853/k.BE44/Home.htm

http://everyaustraliancounts.com.au/

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