One in every 91 children in the United States was diagnosed with autism last year. This number does not even include Asperger’s, PDD, or other spectrum disorders. The number of cases has dramatically risen since the early 2000s when one out of every 250 children was diagnosed. This shows that the number of diagnosed children on the spectrum is rapidly growing. Because of this, a plethora of articles and campaigns have recently focused on allocating more public money towards education, health, and social services for those affected. But this effort is about to be in vain for many.

Bill s.4005A was approved in New York State. It is the 26 state to have passed this bill. In New York State a new bill was passed that would provide health insurance for screening, diagnosis, treatment, and therapy for individuals with autism. The insurance companies are required to offer, OT, PT and speech, as well as routine toddler screenings and behavioral health interventions. The bill would prohibit insurers from terminating or refusing to grant a policy based on an autism diagnosis. It also builds on an existing law that prevents insurers from denying coverage for treatments for autism, if those treatments are covered for other conditions under the policy. Applied behavior analysis, along with speech, occupational and physical therapies will be covered for those with Autism under the legislation. It also includes routine toddler screenings. The bill also would prohibit discrimination in the purchase of health insurance to cover someone with Autism, as well as treatment of medical conditions otherwise covered by the insurance policy because the individual has Autism.

If you are a parent to an autistic child, it’s safe to believe that you’ve tried just about everything in the world to help make your child’s life, well, more livable.  Every child, regardless if he/she is autistic or not, comes as a different package; therefore, each child has different needs.  It’s ultimately up to the parent to decide what alternatives are best fitting for their child.  Which schooling method is the most appropriate?  How can we improve our child’s social skills? Should we turn to medication?

Namenda, also known as memantine, a drug treatment that originally was prescribed to Alzheimer’s victims, has entered the Autism realm with some promising hope.  An American psychiatrist, Dr. Randall Kavalier claims there is a distinct connection between Alzheimer’s and Autism: the brain!  The drug Namenda is used to aid with memory through filtering out signals to the nerves in the brain.  Dr. Kavalier hypothesizes that young brains may be great candidates for Namenda.

Moreover, Namenda has displayed extreme potential regarding a real-life experience.  Real-life accounts have pointed to a great direction and the support group “Autism Speaks” is funding trials!  Social skills of autistic children have greatly improved in many cases.  There are cases where children admittedly say that Namenda has been a complete life-changer.  An 11-year old success story claims that this drug has made her want to speak more, smile more, get more active, and most importantly, “act like I’m [she’s] a normal kid.”

However, many people are NOT willing to put their children on experimental drugs, especially ones that aren’t officially approved by the FDA for usage on children with Autism.  So what kind of risky side effects are possible with the usage of Namenda?  Is Namenda safe?  Well, you may want to take a look at these possible side-effects:

• Cough
• Difficulty Breathing
• Tightness or sharp pains in your chest
• Fever
• Hallucinations
• Confusion
• Weakness
• Fainting
• Seizures
• Problems with coordination

Furthermore, many doctors have mixed feelings regarding Namenda, claiming that it isn’t the greatest choice for children because it hasn’t yet been deemed a proven success.  Alternate studies have indicated some language improvement but no behavioral improvement.

It is clear that Namenda has a long way to come before it can reach FDA approval, but every possible treatment is worth a shot.  Different children require varying parenting tactics and just because this drug may not work for some children, does not mean that it will not help your child.  It is completely understandable that as a parent you want to raise your children the way that you feel is best.  If you are a parent to an Autistic child and you are not willing to part-take in resorting to drugs as a treatment option, that’s okay too.  But if you wish to explore the possible benefits of medications, give Namenda a shot (consult a doctor beforehand of course).

After you sign up for www.medichatmd.com please check out the chat group "Awetism is the new Autism" and show your support.  

http://www.medichatmd.com/chat-groups/viewgroup/102-Awetism+is+the+new+Autism

Imagine being able to LIVE CHAT with people who are going through the same daily struggles that you are going through.  Joining this group will help you guide your child so that he/she can lead a happy life.