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Autism/Autism and the immune system

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Expert: - 2/19/2006


Question
Hi Catherine, can you give me any insight to whether autistic children tend to get sick more often than typical children? Also if you could give me some direction on where I can find this type of research....Thanks in advance, Kim

Answer
Hi Kim,

I'm not sure if autistic children get sick more often.  I have read that many seem to have a history of numerous ear infections as infants.  My daughter did have frequent middle ear infections.  As an adult, she has chronic sinus problems.

However, my youngest daughter has asthma, she is sick far more often than her peers and not at all autistic.

As to finding research on this topic, do an Internet search for autism and illness or immune system.  You'll probably find more stuff than I even know about.

Best wishes,
Catherine

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Catherine Ridenour

Expertise

I can answer your questions about parenting your High Functioning Autisic or Asperger`s Syndrome child. In particular, questions about family life, discipline, siblings, finding resources, and working with (sometimes opposing) the educational system are welcome.

Experience

I am the parent of an Asperger's Syndrome child who is now 22 years old. She went undiagnosed for 14 years of her life, so I have done extensive reading and Internet research into the possible cause of her difficulties. Even a short 8 years ago, A.S. was practically unheard of by the public educational system.

We fumbled our way through her childhood and early adolescence without any effective outside support. In some ways, that may have been a blessing as we were focused on her abilities rather than a label for her disability. However, I can think of many times when knowing WHY would have been comforting.

Had we known very early on, some social skills interventions might have made her life in school easier. At this point, I like her for who she is so I do not regret how things have turned out. More importantly, she likes herself.

Education/Credentials
I have a Bachelor of Science in Education.

I have worked to educate myself about Autism in general and HFA/AS in particular.

NOTE:

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