April 2019 is Declared National Autism Awareness Month in Fairfield. – TAPinto.net
FAIRFIELD, NJ — Stephen Filipow, Fairfield resident and autism awareness advocate, accepted a proclamation from the mayor and council on Monday declaring April 2019 as National Autism Awareness Month in Fairfield.
Reading from the official proclamation, Council President Thomas Morgan described autism as a pervasive developmental disorder that affects social, communication and behavior skills. Because health professionals have become more proficient in diagnosing autism, more children are being diagnosed on the autism spectrum, resulting in rates as high as one in 59 nationally and one in 34 in New Jersey, he said.
Filipow stated that this increase is alarming. In a study conducted by Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in 1992 found that one percent of all children were on the spectrum; and in 2010, the rate increased to three percent.
According to Filipow, there is not any one specific factor to explain the high rate. However, some theories suggest that it is related to vaccinations, the environment, genetics and diet, he said.
The fact that New Jersey has the highest rate of autism in the nation shouldn’t be so alarming, according to Filipow. He explained that many parents of children with autism choose to move to New Jersey because it is one of few states that provide excellent programs for children with autism. He also stated that New Jersey residents are diligent in recognizing the signs of autism and persistent in getting help through early intervention.
Filipow reported that in 2014, Essex and Union counties tested all four year olds; and out of the 18,112 children tested, 514 were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
“These are sobering facts to say the least,” said Filipow, who recommends that parents find support as soon as a diagnosis is confirmed in order to help their child live a long and productive life.
Filipow, whose 22-year-old daughter is currently living with autism, explained that this is not a disorder that disappears with age—nor do the medical costs. Not all states have programs available to adults with autism, and in many cases there is a waiting list for job training and housing for these individuals, he added.
When asked whether there are signs parents can look for, Filipow suggested that parents be mindful of verbal clues, eye contact, appropriate play and delays in walking or sitting up. If anything stands out, he also recommended that parents not only visit a pediatrician but also seek a developmental pediatrician.
According to Filipow, early detection is very important. He shared that although his daughter only participated in two hours of therapy per week after being diagnosed as a child, children with autism now typically have up to 20 hours of therapy per week. He said that this is to the child’s advantage.
Filipow also said the best time for a child to start therapy is between the ages of two and three because the brain is so malleable.
To learn more about autism during Autism Awareness Month, click HERE.