Parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have often wondered if their subsequent children are at increased risk for the disorder. To help answer this question, researchers have been conducting a long-term study following 664 infants through the preschool years whose siblings have been diagnosed with ASD. The results of the eight-year study from Autism Speaks and the National Alliance for Autism Research indicate that 1 in 5 younger siblings of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder are also affected, which is more than double the previous estimates for sibling risk. For younger siblings that were boys, the rate was 1 in 4. For younger sisters, the rate was 1 in 9.
What does this study mean for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder? Most experts view this new information as a call-to-action for parents of children with ASD to vigilantly look for signs and symptoms in at-risk siblings so early intervention is possible and timely. Have an open dialogue with your child’s pediatrician and caregivers so that as a parent you receive feedback from multiple sources on your child’s development. When in doubt, ask questions! Learn more about the signs and symptoms of ASD in our Truth About Autism section.
At Brain Balance, we contend that many childhood disorders are manifestations of a single, underlying condition called Functional Disconnection. Research indicates that Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, Dyslexia, and other learning disorders have in common a functional imbalance or under-connectivity of electrical (neural) activity within and between the right and left sides of the brain. As a result, the brain literally becomes de-synchronized or “out of rhythm”. Just as the musicians in an orchestra can only make beautiful music when all the musicians play in rhythm, the two sides of the brain must also function in rhythm or synchronicity. When the brain is out of rhythm, this Functional Disconnection is responsible for a host of academic, behavioral, and social difficulties and is the premise on which the Brain Balance Program® was created!
Brain Balance Achievement Centers are after-school learning facilities that help children with learning and behavioral disorders reach their potential. After a comprehensive assessment, the Brain Balance team custom designs cognitive, physical, and sensory activity plans to establish proper neural connections and improve rhythm and timing. Contact us today for special savings on your comprehensive assessment!
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