GUEST BLOG: The Autism Challenge by Angel L. Rodriguez | National Puerto Rican Coalition, Inc.

Angel Luis Rodriguez is a U.S based business leader notable for his contributions to the evolution of the Corporate America’s Inclusion Agenda, Leadership Development, Community Advocacy, and Inspirational Messaging, via his blog www.angelrodriguez.us.

To kick off 2011, I have been asked by several dear friends to write a blog about a challenge faced by millions of people, a challenge of tremendous significance to our collective futures, a challenge that is essentially of pandemic proportions, the challenge posed by the condition known as Autism.

It is a challenge that my family and I have faced for the last 3 years.

I would like to educate you on this important topic and share my thoughts as well as inspire you to provide support however you deem appropriate.

Autism, a word that officially became part of my family’s life in February of 2008, with the “diagnosis” of our 3 year old son. It truly shook our family to it’s very core.

While the condition is mentioned fairly often today, there is very little media discussion about the latest “facts”. A special thanks goes out to a terrific friend and mentor for his research and support.

For your contextual knowledge, please review the following:

Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person’s lifetime.
It is a part of disorders known as the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The spectrum has broad ranges across multiple varieties. The attached link provides deeper descriptions. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autism_spectrum_disorder
Autism occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups and is four times more likely to strike boys than girls.
Autism impairs a person’s ability to communicate and relate to others.
It is also often associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors.
More children will be diagnosed with Autism this year than AIDS, diabetes, and cancer COMBINED.
A recommended and highly effective treatment for children diagnosed with Autism is a strict Gluten and Casein-free (GFCF) diet.
A leading theory is that individuals with Autism have sustained damage to the intestine (“leaky gut”) thus prohibiting Gluten and Casein from being digested normally.
Gluten and Casein form substances that act like opiates in their bodies.
“Leaky Gut” causes immediate release through the intestinal wall where Gluten and Casein travel immediately to the brain.
These opiates dramatically affect the individuals behavior.
The latest statistics show that 1 in 110 children will be diagnosed with Autism. (Note: there are calculations that say 1 in 93)
1 in 70 boys will be diagnosed. (Note: there are calculations that say 1 in 53)
A new case will be diagnosed almost every 20 minutes.
Autism costs the United States over $35 billion per year, a figure expected to increase significantly in the next decade. (http://www.autismspeaks.org/)
There has been a 600% increase in the last two decades. (Yes, 600%)
The causes of Autism are a source of much debate and controversy. It is indeed a very complex puzzle with theories ranging from genetics to vaccines to the withholding of parental affection. The attached link more fully explores the possible “causes”. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Causes_of_autism
There is not a documented and validated “cure”. However, consistent therapy and other nutritional actions can have a sustainable impact.

The experience with my son has taught me many things about life, about how to be a better father, how to enable greatness for my children, how to be a stronger leader for my family, how to face a considerable challenge.

To read entire blog, click here http://angelrodriguez.us/