Autism, Asperger’s, & ADHD
In late 2009, Pediatrics magazine published the results of a Department of Health and Human Services telephone survey of over 78,000 parents, which concluded that roughly 1 percent of children in the United States (or 1 in 91 children) between 3 and 17 years of age have an autism spectrum disorder. (Pediatrics, October 5, 2009). During the past 20 years, childhood rates of ADHD have risen by 400% and rates of asthma by 300% (Bock, Healing the New Childhood Epidemics, p. 17). According to the Centers For Disease Control (CDC), 1 in 150 children are currently diagnosed with conditions on the autism spectrum. Some medical professionals consider ADHD to be a diagnosis on the autism spectrum.
It is a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors that contribute to developmental delays and spectrum diagnoses. Children and adults with special needs often benefit from laboratory work to identify the specific biomedical, immune, neurological, gastrointestinal, and/or nutrient imbalances that might be present. Dr. Glass believes that it is imperative to treat each person individually and uniquely. Thus, she spends time listening to her clients, ordering lab tests on an individual basis, and creating one-of-a-kind treatment plans for every person that she treats. Dr. Glass understands that a diagnosis of autism, Asperger’s, or ADHD can emotionally affect the individual and family, and thus she enjoys helping parents, children, and adults alike. Her dedication to working with people with special needs arises from the knowing that healing is always possible, and that those of us who experience and see things differently are often teachers to those of us who are “neurotypical”. Dr. Glass is grateful to learn from her clients every day.
Resources
Northwest Autism foundation (NWAF): http://www.autismnwaf.org/
Autism Society of Oregon (ASO): http://www.oregonautism.com/
Autism Research & Resources of Oregon: http://arroautism.org/
Global Autism Collaboration: http://www.autism.org
Autism Research Institute: http://www.autism.com
US Autism & Asperger’s Association: http://www.usautism.org/