A Useful Autism Post

typeset · February 2014

Hi, gang.

We've seen many misinformed fear-mongering stupid posts here and on the tri boards about possible causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder and things to avoid while pregnant to prevent ASD. As someone who has lost the genetic lottery, I'm pulling you close to my ample bosom to share this tidbit: correlation is not causation. There is nothing I could have done to prevent my child from having ASD--same goes for all the other moms of children with ASD here.

Your best bet is to know the early signs. To that end, here are a few links about some things* to look for:

Early Sign of Autism Spectrum Disorder Video (Kennedy Krieger Institute)
This is nine minutes long and worth every bit of your time.

Autism Speaks Video Glossary (Autism Speaks)
You have to register to access the videos through the link on this page. They have great examples of eye gaze shifts, impaired use of gestures, echolalia, preoccupation with restricted patterns of interest, sensory issues, etc.

Learn the Signs. Act Early. (CDC)
Milestone checklists for various ages.

Head Lag a Red Flag? (Autism Speaks)
Emerging marker.
Pull-to-Sit Examples (Kennedy Krieger Institute)
Same information with a side-by-side comparison.

*Early markers are not diagnostic criteria and the information on these sites should not replace screenings through and discussions with your pediatrician.

andoll8 · February 2014

"knowledge is power," so thank you for sharing.

FlemDance · February 2014

As a special educator, thank you for sharing legitimate information. You rock!

Junebug060609 · February 2014

Amen.

I found the Kennedy and AS videos useful when I was in the "is he or isnt he" stage.

Signed,

Another Autism Mom

mileswithmyles · February 2014

FlemDance said:

As a special educator, thank you for sharing legitimate information. You rock!

Seconded!

Jillzy86 · February 2014

Thank you for this!

ABColeslaw · February 2014

Word.

spacepotatoes · February 2014

Great stuff, thank you!

iadanza · February 2014

I *kind of* think this should just be pinned to the top of EVERY board on the bump. Just sayin...

sheriot · February 2014

Nice. Thank you for posting this.

typeset · February 2014

iadanza said:

I *kind of* think this should just be pinned to the top of EVERY board on the bump. Just sayin...

It's 'cause of my ample bosom, isn't it. I do have a nice rack.

His(1&only)wife · February 2014

kitchencolors said:

iadanza said:

I *kind of* think this should just be pinned to the top of EVERY board on the bump. Just sayin...

Or the top of the whole internet.

Especially the top of Facebook!!! So many uneducated people seem to find the worst links about Autism.

Signed
Another Autism Mom

IBackBevo · February 2014

I'm going to use this to promote my own cause, too.

From the fragile X foundation website:

"Fragile X Syndrome is the most common known genetic (“single gene”) cause of autism. Other genetic causes include deletions of chromosome 15q, tuberous sclerosis, PKU and other rare genetic conditions." - See more at: https://www.fragilex.org/fragile-x-associated-disorders/fragile-x-syndrome/autism-and-fragile-x-syndrome/#sthash.woK2V6Pw.dpuf

As far as I know there is nothing you can do to prevent any of these genetic disorders...I know there is nothing you can do to prevent FXS short of doing IVF with pre-implantation genetic diagnosis and not using the affected embryos.

See also: https://www.fragilex.org/

Fragile X Syndrome is the most common known genetic (“single gene”) cause of autism. Other genetic causes include deletions of chromosome 15q, tuberous sclerosis, PKU and other rare genetic conditions. - See more at: https://www.fragilex.org/fragile-x-associated-disorders/fragile-x-syndrome/autism-and-fragile-x-syndrome/#sthash.woK2V6Pw.dpuf

whse13kittens · February 2014

Thank you for posting these!!! ASD runs on my husband's side of the family (every kid in his family is on the spectrum except my two stepsons....still can't figure out how they "got missed", but they were definitely born under the right start sign or something) so these are helpful to know what to look for in our new LO on the way. I really appreciate it!