Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics
Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Washington University School of Medicine
Autism occurs in people in every ethnic, racial, and social class in the world. Despite that, many studies have shown that African American children with autism are less likely to be identified, properly diagnosed, or to receive treatment. One study documenting this disparity was recently published in the American Journal of Public Health.
Autism is a spectrum of developmental disability disorders caused by a problem with the brain. The cause of autism is unknown and people with autism can be affected at different levels from very mild impairments to severe. People with autism look like everyone else but they may communicate, interact, behave, and learn in ways that are different from most people.
The diagnosis of autism among African American children generally comes a year or more later than it routinely does among white children. This certainly is true in metro St. Louis. Since early diagnosis and treatment provide the best outcomes for affected children, this substantial delay creates a significant disadvantage for African American children.
Public awareness of early warning signs for autism is extremely important. This is especially true for parents, day-care teachers, speech and language therapists, doctors, and anyone who works with young children. Symptoms of autism encompass three main areas: social interaction, language & communication, and behaviors and interests. Autism can look very different from child to child. Some of the signs of autism that may be present in young children include-
– Does not to point at objects, such as a plane
– Does not look at objects when another person points at them
– Has trouble relating to others or doesn’t have an interest in other people at all
– Avoids eye contact and wants to be alone
– Has trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings
– Prefers not to be held or cuddled
– Appears to be unaware when other people talk to them but respond to other sounds
– May be very interested in people, but not know how to talk, play, or relate to them
– Repeats or echos words or phrases said to them,
– Has trouble expressing their needs using typical words or motions
– Repeats actions over and over again
– Has trouble adapting when a routine changes
– Has unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel, or sound
– Loses skills they once had (for instance, stop saying words they were using)
Recognizing autism is essential to treatment. Pediatricians and family practitioners play an important role in the process by directing families to autism specialists. These specialists can make a diagnosis and begin treatment as early as 18 months after birth. Treatment often includes intensive structured educational programs and/or behavioral interventions.
Because the cause of autism is unknown, it is important for researchers to identify risks for autism and develop treatments that will be useful for all populations. It is very important that African Americans participate in such research to help prevent delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Locally, the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine is conducting several studies to understand and address causes of delayed diagnosis and to examine genetic risks for autism. Participation in these studies will advance research not only in St. Louis, but throughout the world.
For more information on how you can participate in research studies about autism, call the Social Developmental Studies Laboratory at Washington University at 314-286-0086.
To learn more about autism, visit http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/index.html.
