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Thursday, December 16, 2010

Why We Are Identifying So Many Autistic Kids: They Breathe

Why We Are Identifying So Many Autistic Kids: They Breathe

Why We Are Identifying So Many Autistic Kids: They Breathe

Today, after a student study team meeting, the members, including the assistant principal, school nurse, psychologist and myself (the teacher and parent had already departed), all looked at one another in disbelief. Were we about to test another autistic kid? The school psychologist pointed out that statistically we should be identifying about 10 autistic children a year, and at our current pace we’ll make that easy. Why are so many autistic kids showing up at our door? I don’t think they all have advanced age fathers as research linking paternal age and autism would suggest. And as for blaming it on vaccination, I don’t roll that way. It’s easier for me to