TRI-ing to raise awareness on Autism Spectrum Disorders

TCPalm

Cynthia Falardeau Everyone can play a part “un-puzzling” autism spectrum disorders. Pictured are friends of the Falardeau family who show their support of an upcoming triathlon to benefit Autism Speaks.

VERO BEACH —On Aug. 6, I will participate in the Loggerhead Triathlon, one of the longest running TRI events in the state of Florida. As a member of Team Up! with Autism Speaks, I will participate to raise awareness and funding for autism research.

You see, it’s not about me. It’s not about my son. It’s not even about my family.

It’s about an estimated 1.5 million people in the United States that have some form of autism. One in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. One in every 70 boys is diagnosed with autism.

Government statistics suggest that the prevalence rate of autism is increasing 10-17 percent annually. There is not an established explanation for the increase, however, improved diagnosis and environmental influences are two reasons that are often identified.

So what is Autism and why should you care?

Autism is a general term to describe a group of complex development brain disorders know as Pervasive Development Disorders. The other pervasive development disorders are PDD-NOS (Pervasive Development Disorders – Not Otherwise Specified), Asperger Syndrome, Rett Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Many parents and professionals refer to this group as Autism Spectrum Disorders.

So what causes autism?

The simple answer is that we really don’t know. The more complex answer is that just as there are different levels of severity and combinations of symptoms in autism, there are surely many causes. The best scientific evidence around suggests a combination of various factors – multiple components that may cause autism on their own or in combination with undetermined environmental factors. Although the cause of autism is not clear, it is important to note that it is not the result of bad parenting.

Raising a typically developed child takes a village. Supporting the care of a child with autism requires an entire metropolis. From friends and neighbors who care and understand to a troop of educational and medical professionals – everyone plays a part.

You can help by becoming educated about autism. Your knowledge brings awareness and understanding. This kindness creates a compassionate community.

For more information visit www.autismspeaks.org.

To support my efforts visit http://events.autismspeaks.org/faf/se... or email cynthiafalardeau@msn.com.

VERO BEACH —On Aug. 6, I will participate in the Loggerhead Triathlon, one of the longest running TRI events in the state of Florida. As a member of Team Up! with Autism Speaks, I will participate to raise awareness and funding for autism research.

You see, it’s not about me. It’s not about my son. It’s not even about my family.

It’s about an estimated 1.5 million people in the United States that have some form of autism. One in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. One in every 70 boys is diagnosed with autism.

Government statistics suggest that the prevalence rate of autism is increasing 10-17 percent annually. There is not an established explanation for the increase, however, improved diagnosis and environmental influences are two reasons that are often identified.

So what is Autism and why should you care?

Autism is a general term to describe a group of complex development brain disorders know as Pervasive Development Disorders. The other pervasive development disorders are PDD-NOS (Pervasive Development Disorders – Not Otherwise Specified), Asperger Syndrome, Rett Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Many parents and professionals refer to this group as Autism Spectrum Disorders.

So what causes autism?

The simple answer is that we really don’t know. The more complex answer is that just as there are different levels of severity and combinations of symptoms in autism, there are surely many causes. The best scientific evidence around suggests a combination of various factors – multiple components that may cause autism on their own or in combination with undetermined environmental factors. Although the cause of autism is not clear, it is important to note that it is not the result of bad parenting.

Raising a typically developed child takes a village. Supporting the care of a child with autism requires an entire metropolis. From friends and neighbors who care and understand to a troop of educational and medical professionals – everyone plays a part.

You can help by becoming educated about autism. Your knowledge brings awareness and understanding. This kindness creates a compassionate community.

For more information visit www.autismspeaks.org.

To support my efforts visit http://events.autismspeaks.org/faf/se... or email cynthiafalardeau@msn.com.

VERO BEACH —On Aug. 6, I will participate in the Loggerhead Triathlon, one of the longest running TRI events in the state of Florida. As a member of Team Up! with Autism Speaks, I will participate to raise awareness and funding for autism research.

You see, it’s not about me. It’s not about my son. It’s not even about my family.

It’s about an estimated 1.5 million people in the United States that have some form of autism. One in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. One in every 70 boys is diagnosed with autism.

Government statistics suggest that the prevalence rate of autism is increasing 10-17 percent annually. There is not an established explanation for the increase, however, improved diagnosis and environmental influences are two reasons that are often identified.

So what is Autism and why should you care?

Autism is a general term to describe a group of complex development brain disorders know as Pervasive Development Disorders. The other pervasive development disorders are PDD-NOS (Pervasive Development Disorders – Not Otherwise Specified), Asperger Syndrome, Rett Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Many parents and professionals refer to this group as Autism Spectrum Disorders.

So what causes autism?

The simple answer is that we really don’t know. The more complex answer is that just as there are different levels of severity and combinations of symptoms in autism, there are surely many causes. The best scientific evidence around suggests a combination of various factors – multiple components that may cause autism on their own or in combination with undetermined environmental factors. Although the cause of autism is not clear, it is important to note that it is not the result of bad parenting.

Raising a typically developed child takes a village. Supporting the care of a child with autism requires an entire metropolis. From friends and neighbors who care and understand to a troop of educational and medical professionals – everyone plays a part.

You can help by becoming educated about autism. Your knowledge brings awareness and understanding. This kindness creates a compassionate community.

For more information visit www.autismspeaks.org.

To support my efforts visit http://events.autismspeaks.org/faf/se... or email cynthiafalardeau@msn.com.