Karyn Seroussi
ANDI
PO Box 335
Pennington, NJ 08534-0335
Dear Pediatric Caregiver:
I am hoping that you will participate in a grassroots parents' campaign to
increase early diagnosis in children with autism. The treatment that an autistic
child receives in the first three years of life is desperately important to his
prognosis, yet studies have shown that an average of 13 months passes between
parents' first concerns and an initial diagnosis. If the initial diagnosis is
incomplete or inaccurate, it is sometimes two or more years later before parents
believe a correct diagnosis of autism has been made.
The reason I am writing this letter is that I am the mother of a child with
autism who was lucky enough to get a diagnosis at the age of 19 months. Less than
three months later, with appropriate medical and educational therapies, my son
began to achieve normal functioning. Today, at six, he is in a regular classroom
with no special-ed supports. Because we had an accurate diagnosis, we were able
to do some research and actively fight his withdrawal instead of watch helplessly
as his idiosyncrasies became seriously ingrained and inappropriate behaviors.
There is no doubt in my mind that my son could have turned out to be severely
disabled, and there are no words to express my gratitude to those who recognized
his symptoms and gave us the diagnosis.
Although once considered rare, autistic spectrum disorders are being reported
by school districts across the country at a rate of 1 in 150 children. Because
most pediatricians are unfamiliar with the early symptoms of autism, early diagnosis
(before age two) has been rare. Just imagine how many patients of yours may be
slipping through the cracks at this very moment. However, we believe we can change
that, with your help.
By hanging the attached poster in your waiting room, or by showing it to parents
during your patients' 18-month exams, you can make an extraordinary difference
in the lives of these children.
If you or your patients’ parents have concerns about autism, for children
under three, please refer them to your County Health Department’s Early
Intervention Services for a free evaluation. For children over three, they can
request such an evaluation from their local school district.
Sincerest thanks,
Karyn Seroussi
Author, Unraveling the Mystery of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder:
A Mother's Story of Research and Recovery
Disclaimer:
The content on this website is not to be taken as medical advice. We have
gathered information here so that you can make an informed decision in partnership
with your medical practitioner.
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