Autism and Down Syndrome in the News

Two special needs populations have been in the news over the last few weeks, each for a different reason. The never ending question of the link between autism and vaccines has still not been resolved despite the inability of scientists to duplicate results of the initial study published in the Lancet. More than six months after Andrew Wakefield's name was struck from the register of accredited physicians in the UK, there are still large numbers of people who stand behind his claim that MMR vaccines cause autism.

Extensive investigations undertaken by journalist Brian Deer reveal the whole truth behind the autism vaccine controversy, and the British Medical Journal is now publishing a series of articles written by Deer. This is much recommended reading, no matter what your stance on the role of vaccines in autism. This brief timeline of the autism vaccine controversy will help put things into perspective.

A blood test to screen for Down syndrome in the first trimester of pregnancy has been announced with much fanfare. Study authors claim the screening test could eliminate up to 98% of amniocentesis. The test has not yet been approved for clinical use, and is significantly more expensive than existing screening methods. It is also limited to detecting Down syndrome at the moment, though it seems logical the same technology could potentially be used to screen for other conditions in the future.

The test could mean earlier and safer screening for all pregnant women, not just those at higher risk. Universal screening, however, is not without its drawbacks. Some people fear doctors will take less care when it comes to informing women about their options, because a non-invasive screening is seen as routine compared to a procedure that could potentially cause miscarriage. Advocates for special needs populations also worry that earlier, safer testing could result in more women being pressured to abort fetuses found to have conditions such as Down syndrome.

There is no cure for either Down syndrome or autism, but people affected with these conditions can live long, happy, productive lives if given adequate support and education.

Deep Pressure Vests for Sensory Integration

Sensory integration is our ability to process all the inputs coming from our various senses and - well, make sense of them.

Sensory integration disorder is a neurological condition that is characterized by the inability to deal with all that sensory information. People with the disorder may only be able to cope with input from one or two
senses at a time. They tend to become easily irritated or confused, and simply cannot cope with ordinary daily experiences. The disorder can manifest in a number of ways, for example uncontrollable tantrums, very limited eating preferences, or unusual discomfort when wearing certain types of clothing.

Sensory integration disorder (SID) can cause a person to avoid or seek certain stimuli - or sometimes both in alternation. An inability to process sensory data can involve one or more senses, including the so-called "near senses" - tactile, vestibular and proprioceptive - that most of us take for granted.

Sensory integration disorder can occur alone, but it is not uncommon for a person to have both SID and autism. It can also occur in combination with such conditions as cerebral palsy or ADHD. The disorder should be diagnosed by an occupational therapist.

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Autism Elopement and Summer Vacations

Autism elopement, a special needs child wandering off unsupervised, is a frightening ordeal. Unfortunately, it is also fairly common with both children and adults. And it can be all the more terrifying if elopement occurs when the family is away from home. Planning for an emergency before it happens is one of the best ways to prevent it.

Reduce autism elopement through predictability

Autism elopement may be related to curiosity about new surroundings, or to anxiety brought on by the change in locale and routine. Help your child to regain control by keeping things as predictable as possible. Discuss vacations before leaving, and if possible allow your child to see photos or maps of places you will be going. Take advantage of the opportunity to associate places with specific events in the daily routine ("We'll have breakfast in our room, but we'll eat lunch and supper with the other guests in the dining room.") and to talk about rules that will keep your special needs child safe ("It's important to be with a grownup if you want to use the elevator or go to the pool.")

People with autism tend to rely heavily on routine. Establish a bare bones routine that can be followed wherever you are. Draw up a daily schedule for your child to follow, as well as a calendar or itinerary that highlights special occasions or places you will be on certain days. If your child uses a visual schedule be sure to update it for your vacation, and bring it along.

Create social stories to introduce any aspects of your vacation that may be difficult for your autistic child to understand. It can also be helpful to read books or watch movies that deal with a similar type of vacation (road trip, camping, visiting family, staying in a hotel, sight seeing, etc.) to help your child get a feel for what your summer holiday will be like.

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