Clinic Notes: Is there an autism Epidemic?

In previous posts I've discussed what to do when your child is first diagnosed and how to get services for your child. In this post I would like to answer the question--Is there an autism epidemic?
Many people think so and point to data supporting a dramatic increase in the number of cases of autism. I am often asked by pediatricians and other professionals, as well as lay groups if I am seeing more cases of autism in my clinic. My answer is "no."
When I first started practicing 35 years ago ADHD was the diagnosis of the day. Every other child had ADHD and large numbers of children were being treated with stimulants in an attempt to fight the "epidemic." Now autism is the epidemic of the day. But like ADHD there is no epidemic only hype. Next Monday on my web site a recent paper will be covered in my "Autism in the News" column outlining why you should not believe there is an autism epidemic. It all has to do with changes in the diagnostic category, greater public awarness, and intentionally looking for and finding more cases. Read "Autism in the News" next Monday at http://www.aba4autism.com. Dr. Brown

Clinic Notes: Do you need a lawyer?

As I mentioned in a previous post I am convinced that children with autism and other neuropsychological disorders can be effectively treated by a team approach. For care givers the challenge then becomes getting these services delivered to their child after age 3.
In many school systems around the country parents have gone to court to force the school system to pay for ABA and other services. In some cases the school system has agreed to pay for services following a directive to do so by the court and in other school systems the court's descision has been apealed. The higher courts have not yet ruled.
If you live in a school system that has not been sued I think it is best to try and work with the school system cooperatively. Do not sign the IEP though until you are satisfied. If you cannot get services for your child then consider hiring a lawyer who specializes in disability claims. Dr. Brown

Clinic Notes: Services for your Child

As I mentioned in my last post, Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) will pay for all needed services up to age three. Other states have similiar systems. But at age three, the school system where the child resides becomes responsible for paying for all services according to federal law. The problem is that the federal law, although well intentioned, does not specify the quality or quanity of the services provided. Some school recognize the importance of early intervention and are very good about paying for services when asked. Others try to get by with providing little or no services. How parents can get these much needed services for their child is the subject of my next post.
Dr. Brown

Clinic Notes: Who pays for treatment?

In Tennessee, the state where I practice, the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) will pay for health care services for a child up to age 3. Pediatricians, psychologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and other specialities are covered. And this is a good system if the child is diagnosed early enough. Parents of children under three, especially first time parents, do not know if their child has a developmental delay or is just a little slower than other children. For that reason, professionals are not consulted. Autism is one disorder that is not usually diagnosed until the child is nearly three. And then TEIS can no longer pay for needed services. I often have children, diagnosed with autism or some other neuropsychological disorder, present at my clinic and I only have a few weeks to work with them before they turn three. What happens then is the subject of my next post. Dr. Brown

Clinic Notes: What to do when your child is first diagnosed

What do you do when your child is first diagnosed? I am convinced that multiple clinical interventions at an early age can dramatically alter the course of autism or some other neuropsychological disorders and improve the quality of life for the family. Pediatric neurologists, Speech-Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and Psychologists versed in ABA should be part of the treatment team as needed. The next question then becomes who is going to pay for these services and that will be the topic of tomorrows post.