Autism affects one in 88 children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And a recently published study suggests one in three autistic adults lack a job or education. As the number of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses increase, experts says early intervention and therapy are key.

Dr. Kathryn McVicar, a Le Bonheur neurologist, weighs in on ASDs below.

There are many theories, but no great answers as to why autism spectrum disorder diagnoses have increased.  Here are some of the possible contributors:

• Older maternal and paternal age at conception is thought to play a role.
• Increased awareness and recognition with more individuals who are 'mild' being diagnosed.

Early signs of an autism spectrum disorder (but also of other developmental and psychiatric disorders) include:

• A child who does not point with one finger by the age of 1 year.
• A child who does not recognize his/her own name.
• A child who does not like to be cuddled and becomes upset if shown affection.
• A child who does not look you in the eye.
• Speech delay of any type can be an early sign of an ASD.

There are theories proposed to explain why boys are more likely to have an ASD, but no definite answer.  Some investigators think it might be due to neuroendocrine influences on the developing brain. For example, some scientists believe that an ASD could occur as a result of testosterone acting in vulnerable developing brains or stress during critical times in brain development.

Because June 5-11 is nationally recognized as Headache Awareness Week, we asked nurse practitioner Dona Clarin, MSN, FNP, to answer some of parents’ most common questions regarding headaches in children. Clarin, who works in Le Bonheur’s Neuroscience Institute, sees several patients who complain of headaches each year.

What are the most common causes of headaches in children?
Headaches are common. In fact, 25 percent of children will complain of a significant headache by age 7 years old.  Seventy-five percent of children will complain of a headache by the age of 15.  Most headaches are a genetic predisposition activated by an environmental trigger, such as stress, noise or smells. Headaches can “run in a family.”

What can parents do to treat their child’s headache?
The common initial treatment would be Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen), but parents should be careful not to use these medications more than one to two times a week, or the child could get a "rebound" headache, a headache caused by frequent use of headache medication.

Parents should also look at various lifestyle components that could help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. Make the child has good eating and sleep habits, and try to decrease sugar and caffeine intake. Children should also get regular exercise.

When should parents seek medical care for their child’s headaches?
Children should see a doctor if the headaches are becoming more intense or occurring frequently (at least one time a week). They should also seek care if the headaches are disrupting their life or schooling. It’s best to see a clinician who specializes in neurology.

Here are some other factors to watch for:

• The child has a sudden headache that is worsening in severity or increasing in frequency.
• The child experiences a change in the pattern of the headache.
• New symptoms arise after the headache has subsided.

If any of the above symptoms arise, take your child to his or her pediatrician or to a pediatric neurologist.  Find a pediatric specialist at Le Bonheur.

In place of our weekly “How To Tuesday” post, we have an important and exciting announcement to make. Le Bonheur Children’s has been named to the Best Children’s Hospitals list by U.S. News & World Report. 

Released today, the list names the nation’s top 50 children’s hospitals in 10 specialties. Le Bonheur ranked in four areas:

Neurology and Neurosurgery: No. 25
Orthopedics: No. 32
Nephrology: No. 37
Cardiology and Heart Surgery: No. 46

The U.S. News & World Report rankings allow us to take an in-depth look into how we care for children and give us a roadmap for what being "best" means.

What does this mean for you as a parent?
Our community’s children’s hospital has received national recognition and is considered one of the best in the country.

"U.S. News & World Report ranks children's hospitals based on their quality of care and recognition by physican peers around the country,” said James Beaty, MD, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Le Bonheur and Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics. “Families today are searching for the highest quality care for their children.  We at Le Bonheur are proud to be recognized and will continue to provide the most sophisticated care.”

If you’re looking for the best care for your child, rest assured that Le Bonheur will provide just that – nothing less than the best for our area’s kids.

April is National Autism Awareness Month, and even if someone in your family hasn’t been affected by autism, you probably know someone who has. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of one in 99 children has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Le Bonheur neurologist Kathryn A. McVicar, MD, who specializes in autism spectrum disorders, shares some important information about the disability.

What is autism?
Autism is defined by behaviors that occur together.  These are:
•problems with understanding the meaning of language and communication and the inability to convey meaning through language and communication
•problems with socialization or not understanding how people interact and work together
•a restricted behavioral repertoire, or a need for sameness

What are the initial signs of autism?
•Late talking
•NOT reacting to or recognizing his/her own name
•Poor eye contact
•NOT sharing experiences by pointing, gestures or verbalizing
•Prefers to be alone
•Appears to be in his/her own world much of the time
•Oversensitive to sounds, textures, smells, or certain foods
•Repetitive and obsessive behaviors

What treatment is available?
There is currently no treatment for autism, but early intervention is strongly recommended for children younger than 3 on the autism spectrum. Speech and language therapy, as well as therapy services that help autistic children learn to interact with others, are proven to help their development. Le Bonheur Early Intervention and Development provides services for kids in our community younger than 3 years with an ASD.

Symptoms of other disorders occurring with ASD, such as ADHD or sleep disorders, can be treated with medication and/or therapy.

What causes autism?
The exact cause of autism is not known in most cases, but scientists say there is a genetic risk factor. If a child’s sibling or parent has an ASD, he or she is at greater risk to develop an ASD.

Sometimes ASD occurs in the setting of a specific identifiable disease such as neurofibromatosis or tuberous sclerosis. 

No link has been found between vaccinations and autism spectrum disorders. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Child Neurology Society both recommend vaccination for all children to prevent childhood diseases that have caused severe harm to children in the past.  

What should a parent do if he or she suspects his/her child has autism?
If your infant or toddler shows any of the above signs of autism, consult his or her pediatrician. A pediatrician can screen your child for the disorder and may refer you to a specialist. The earlier a diagnosis of autism is determined, the better the child does in the long run.  Education and intensive behavior therapy are the only proven interventions that work for all children on the autism spectrum.  A specialist or pediatrician can connect you to resources to help your child.

You can also contact Tennessee Early Intervention Services for further evaluation and therapy.