Information helps in autism diagnosis
Date: 09/04/2010 / Category: Indoor play for disability schools and groups
Transmission of information has assisted in diagnosing children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), suggests new study.
Researchers at the Columbia University (CU) found that as parents learnt more about previously diagnosed children, they were able to identify the symptoms, such as through analysis behaviour at soft play centres, and seek help for offspring on the milder side of ASD.
Peter Bearman, a sociologist at the Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy at CU stressed that the findings do not indicate an over-diagnosis of autism.
He added: "We are describing the mechanism by which the number of diagnoses is increasing. It could be that the real incidence of the disorder is only now being uncovered."
This study used several tests to rule out a virus or environmental toxicants to determine whether these results could be explained by a social influence effect.
The NHS says that some children with ASD have sensory difficulties that lead to problems with movement.
Children with such problems benefit from playing in safe environments such as indoor play centres, which can also include special sensory development areas.
Posted by Lynne Woods
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