NEW Autism Statistics Rising
Dedicated to the recovery of children and adults from autism, the Autism Hope Alliance, (AHA) responded today to a new government report indicating a sharp rise in autism statistics. The report, published by the American Academy of Pediatrics in early October, 2009 indicates that 1 in 91 children has autism, with 1 in 58 boys receiving the diagnosis. This number is markedly higher than previous estimates of 1 in 150 children, and 1 in 94 boys.
The rise in statistics underlines the urgency of the health issue facing our country. Yet while the numbers rise, there are those that refute the hopelessness that often accompanies an autism spectrum disorder.
Kristin Selby Gonzalez, sp
okesperson for the Autism Hope Alliance and Director of Autism Education for Enzymedica responds, “The most important thing to realize is that there is help, and there is hope. If someone tells you that it’s hopeless, it’s important to understand that sometimes they don’t know all the answers.”
The study data was collected by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in a 2007 parental report of autism from the National Survey of Children’s Health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also released preliminary data showing that “overall prevalence findings are similar to those reported by HRSA, indicating that approximately 1% of children are affected with an autism spectrum disorder.”
Gonzalez continues, “These new statistics are alarming. But in the face of what seems to be an uphill battle, there are individuals, organizations and foundations battling courageously for answers and a solution to help our children.”
Autism Tour Shares Message of Hope and Recovery
Gonzalez’ mission is to educate families that recovery from autism is possible, and that they can learn how to help their children. Sponsored by the nonprofit Autism Hope Alliance, her nationwide tour: The Autism Grass Roots Tour—Moms on a Mission of Hope, has been crisscrossing the country over the past 10 months, visiting local communities and reaching out to mothers and fathers facing the diagnosis.
Often, at the time of diagnosis, parents receive only limited treatment options. The Grass Roots Tour lectures are designed to give parents a variety of new options and specific tools. The presentation integrates dietary modification, enzyme supplementation, and the innovative educational therapy taught by the non-profit Autism Treatment Center of America™ to create a successful plan of action for children on the autism spectrum.
Ms. Gonzalez knows how parents feel because she is on the front lines of autism with them fighting for the recovery of her young son Jaxson, who was diagnosed over five years ago. A mother who does not take no for an answer, Kristin was determined to help her little boy. Ms. Gonzalez refinanced her home and went back to school in order to become her son’s teacher and therapist. Her persistence has paid off. Today she is trained and certified in a variety of dietary interventions and sensory techniques for autism and her son has made great progress.
Declares Gonzalez, “I’ve watched my own son evolve from a withdrawn and silent child, to an interactive and talkative young boy. I want other mothers to see what’s possible. Jaxson may not be fully recovered, but he is completely transformed.”
Just two and a half years old at the time of his diagnosis, Kristin’s son Jaxson had no language, eye contact or any social skills. Now Jaxson is 7 years old and completely transformed. He is talking in sentences, singing and is even learning to read.
Selby Gonzalez often points out that progress for one child provides hope for all of our children. And while her son is not yet fully recovered, she believes that the sky is the limit.
Says Selby Gonzalez, “Recovery is not just a thought anymore for our children, it is a reality.”
To learn more about Kristin Selby Gonzalez and her work with the Autism Hope Alliance and the 2009 Autism Grass Roots Tour, visit www.AutismNationwide.org or www.AutismHopeAlliance.org.
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Tags: autism, Autism Education, Autism Grass Roots Tour, Autism Hope Alliance, autism statistics, Director of Autism Education for Enzymedica, Enzymedica, Enzymes, hope, Kristin Selby Gonzalez
