The University of Iowa women’s basketball team plays Sunday, January 18, devoting the game to autism awareness. Linda Louko, PhD, clinical director and associate clinical professor at the Wendell Johnson Speech and Hearing Center at The University of Iowa, talks about autism:
Is autism a genetic condition?
We don't really know for sure the origin of autism, but the research to date strongly suggests a genetic link to the origin of autism.
Are babies born with autism or do they develop the condition in childhood?
Again, not a clear answer, but the characteristics of autism become much more noticeable around 14 or 15 months—around the onset of greater speech and language development. But it's most likely the case that it's congenital.
Are there different levels or degrees of autism?
Yes. The autism spectrum—as we refer to is—can range from very mild to severe.
What are the typical signs a child may be autistic?
You would want to watch out for no big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by 6 months or thereafter. Kind of no back and forth sharing of sounds and smiles or other facial expressions by 9 months; you know what you would typically have with a baby. We also watch for babbling. If there's no babbling by 12 months that would certainly be a red flag, as well as no words; that the baby doesn't have any words by about 16 months or so. And also, no two word meaningful phrases or sentences by 2 years of age would be another one. Also, in addition, any time a child starts to develop some speech or babbling and then loses it, is also a red flag.
How is autism treated?
There are many treatments for autism, but the most common evidence-based practice involves some behavioral treatments, often from psychologists or behavioral specialists and speech language therapy. Again, not all kids with autism have speech and language difficulties, but as I just mentioned, it's a common characteristic of autism.
Is it just the child that is treated or is the entire family schooled on how to treat their autistic family member?
Depending on the type and the severity of the autism, families are almost always involved with learning more about autism and working with their child at home. So it can involve the parents, the other siblings—everyone is kind of involved.
When will the door open to the game this weekend, game time, and if tickets available?
The game starts at 2:00 and the doors open at 12:00. There are still tickets available if you can find one of the flyers that are around and you bring that flyer to the game, you can buy a ticket for $5—everybody in your group can buy a ticket for $5. And I also still have some free tickets. Those are only for children with autism and their families, though, and they can probably contact me if they want some of those free tickets and stop by and pick them up at Wendell Johnson Speech and Hearing Clinic.
What special events will take place Sunday afternoon to recognize autism at the basketball game?
We're going to have individuals and groups around giving out information about autism—not just services—but characteristics of autism; trying to educate people more about autism. There will be kids' activities, as well. And I do want to mention for parents of kids with autism that there will be a quiet room for them to take their child if the environment gets to noisy for their child. |
