Shelley Osterloh Reporting
The increasing number of children with autism is disturbing. One out of every 166 children may have some form of autism.
Utah has a high prevalence of autism, and there is also important research going on here.
There are several interesting studies about early diagnosis and brain imaging.
Autism is a complex developmental disability that usually appears during the first three years of life. It's called a spectrum disorder, meaning there can be a variety of symptoms and severity.
Doctors don't know what causes it, but we do know it's difficult for families who have children with autism.
Four year old Savannah does not speak, although she signs a few words. Her lack of language is one symptom of autism. Another is that she seems to withdraw and does not relate to people.
Emilie Tanner, Mother: "She just wants to be left alone. She doesn't do a lot with eye contact. She doesn't play with other kids."
Emilie understood the symptoms because her 5-year-old son Ethan also has autism. She says special education and early invention has helped him.
Emilie Tanner, Mother: "He's verbal. He's talking. He functions well, very social. It's a big step for him."
Savannah likes to climb, so Emilie has had to rope down the chairs so she can't get them over to the counter. The knobs are removed so she can't climb up them, and everything is strapped down tight, to avoid injuries.
And their family room is a sensory play land -- to feed Savannah's need to climb.
Emilie Tanner, Mother: "So early intervention came in and they just told me what to do. They helped the whole family."
Savannah attends the Carmen Pingree School for Children with Autism, where teachers work with her in three specific areas: Task skills -- being able to respond to her name and look at someone.
Following directions. And imitation skills.
Experts say all children can learn, some more slowly than others, and the earlier they get help, the better.
Robin Gochnour, Pingree School for Children With Autism: "One is they are just able to learn more quickly when they are young. And behaviorally they have had less time to learn bad behaviors or inappropriate behavior."
Both Savannah and Ethan are showing progress. And though they face special challenges, Emilie expects the best.
Emilie Tanner, Mother: "Not to give up. Never give up on them."
What is in the future for children with autism? Tomorrow I'll introduce you to one man who copes quite well with his autism.
And since early diagnosis and intervention is so important, parents need to keep track of how their babies and toddlers develop.
There is great website that will give you the information you need, so you can be armed with specifics when you see your doctor. Or you can relax and know your child is developing normally. Find a link in the box above.
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