World Autism Day
April 2 is World Autism Day! We want to bring awareness to this condition, and celebrate all who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families who provide support.
Receiving an autism diagnosis for you or your loved one can be challenging. However, there are more and more families facing this reality. One in every 66 children will receive an Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is 4 times more common in males with 1 in every 42 boys being diagnosed.
Over the years, new theories about the cause of autism have emerged and others have been disproven. However, the exact cause of autism is unknown. Based on the current evidence, it is believed to be an interplay between genetics and environmental factors.
As the name suggests, Autism Spectrum Disorders can present with a range of different symptoms and severities. The most common symptoms are trouble forming relationships and responding to others emotions, a lack of eye contact, delayed or absence of speech, being highly focused on one task, performing repetitive actions, and difficulties with changing environments and sensory inputs. In addition to these, people diagnosed with autism often have other health concerns. Sleep disorders, gastrointestinal problems, seizures, anxiety, ADHD and phobia are highly prevalent in those who have autism. These conditions can be managed well through Naturopathic Medicine and can help relieve some of the pain and stress that autistic children are facing.
At Natural Terrain, Dr. Michael Mason-Wood, ND has years of experience working with children with autism and their families. He uses a kind, gentle approach to help connect with autistic children and helps to find solutions to their health concerns.
