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Posts Tagged ‘Symptoms Of Autism’

19
Jan

What Is The Most Current Information On The Etiology Of Autism? Please Site Your Resources/references.?

There is some confusion as to what the AMA is saying is the cause versus the U.K. Also – does anyone know of any treatments, besides removing gluten from the diet, that helps decrease the symptoms of autism.

1
Dec

Symptoms and Signs of Autism, Causes for Autism

This is an education on the autism symptoms in attention deficit children. It is important to know because early intervention by spotting the common symptoms will mean the difference between normalcy in life and a stunted social existence. No one can truly explain fully the roots of autism nor is there enough literature to properly diagnose and truly define the ailment.Autism is quite a mystery. Every person who is diagnosed with the condition manifests different symptoms. There are various symptoms and each person diagnosed with the condition displays autism in his own unique way. It is rare to find all the symptoms or even most of the symptoms of autism in one single person. Generally speaking, an autistic has three problem areas: social skills, communication skills, and the manifestation of repetitive and restricted patterns of behavior, interests, and activities.Autism has a strong genetic basis, but autism cannot be single gene mutation. Environmental factors can also cause autism, but the studies are still in very early stages. Certain foods, infectious disease, heavy metals, solvents, diesel exhaust, PCBs, phthalates and phenols used in plastic products, pesticides, brominated flame retardants, alcohol, smoking, illicit drugs, vaccines, prenatal stress are also being studied and researched.The most important signs of autism can show different difficulty grades, from mild forms to severe cases. Autistic children have problems in interacting with other children or persons due to a disease triggered impaired social interaction ability. Verbal and nonverbal communications skills are very limited and they most often try to express themselves by signs and pictures. These children have most commonly repetitive interests and activities and their actions and thoughts are narrow and obsessive.All autism sufferers tend to mouth objects or rub surfaces and are extremely sensitive to light, sound, smell and touch. They are usually immune to pain and show little response to high painful stimuli. Autistic children do not react to loud noises but are highly irritated by some regular sounds like the one made by the vacuum cleaner. Physical contact is mostly overwhelming or over stimulating for them and they refuse cuddling, touching and kissingMost of the doctors are convinced that the causes of autism are genetic and are located in the brain only, because many tests were performed on autistic persons, and their organisms are identical to the organisms of normal persons, so everything that has to do with this condition is in the brain.The studies themselves are subject to controversy, however. The fact that not one of the studies showed 100% concordance in monozygotic twins suggests that there could be other factors at play in the cause of autism. Other familial studies have noted common characteristics – for instance, that autism is more common in families of physicists and engineers. This observation gave rise to the term ‘the geek syndrome’ to identify autism.

29
Nov

What Is The Difference Between A Shy Person And A Person With Autism?

What I have read, some of the symptoms of Autism is lack of confidence, self esteem…

13
Nov

Autism and Nutritional Supplements

Autism is a terrible disorder that cripples the abilities of some parents with autistic children to reasonably discern between false hopes for cures and a research based study. Most autistic parents have searched the internet, talked to doctors, and have read scores of literature to find help in the treatment and the cure for autism. Their searches usually ends up fruitless because at this time there in no cure for autism. This is heart breaking news for the parents and sometimes it will send them down the road of the unconventional methods that promise the moon but only delivers more bills and the realization that the methods did not help. One of the most notorious claims that are made today, that have duped millions into believing it, is that nutritional supplements can cure autism. These shysters have taken the symptoms of autism like severe gastrointestinal problems and have spun tails that just by adding nutritional supplements to the diet of the autistic child the child will regain their cognitive skills and will be able to function normally. This is not true. All you will get when giving your child nutritional supplements is a healthier autistic child. There is no miracle cure and these companies are out for the dollar not for the cure. The Food and Drug Administration has issued a statement that: “Parents of autistic children can be desperate and provide easy targets for unproven therapies. Marketers of dietary supplements for autistic children contend that their products promote more complete food digestion, thereby preventing neuro-toxic molecules that contribute to autism. This is a false and unsupported claim.” To back this up there has been no founded research that backs these claims nor has any medical organization or association given even a hint of support. Even the Autistic Association of America has down played nutritional supplements as a therapy. Educated parents in the scientific community, who have autistic children, have made a grievance with the Food and Drug Administration. They believe that the agency should not make a statement against nutritional supplements until the people who believe in them, marketers and parents alike have a say. They have asked that a forum be open to discuss home based research and they discoveries parents have made by changing the diet of their children. Without proven documented research the success of these parents cannot really be taken seriously by the scientific community. The sad thing is that if there is success, the Food and Drug Administration may be swayed by the pharmaceutical industry not to act of the information unless there is formal research. The research that has been done on the subject is very limited. After a review of three research studies, all three seem to have a slant toward the nutritional supplement industry. The words were written in a defensive tone that pushed the supplements but gave very few actual clinical trails to the success. The data gathering method used was mostly parent surveys. There were no laboratory or scientific method guidelines that could give statistical data when correlated with a control group. Used in a qualitative model, the opinions of parents and their observations were made the focus instead of a quantitative model which would give statistics and the actual growth or retention of growth of the autistic child. If these supplements were to work, they would alleviate some symptoms of autism but it would not be a cure. It could be easily understood why parents see improvement. If there son or daughter shows at least a notch of improvement, in their mind the treatment works.

3
Nov

Allergies Versus Autism- Was it Allergies That Caused Autism or Vice Versa?

Autism being caused by allergies? You heard right. Recently researchers have begun to believe there may be a stronger link here then what once was thought. Since autism itself is relatively new in being given a name, it makes sense that this possible link is as well. With the increase in both allergies and autism recently it is no wonder a link is considered.

Allergy induced autism is most commonly seen in children who have regressive autism, or autism that doesn’t make its first appearances until around the age of two. The children prior to this point show no autism signs only to suddenly appear with behavioural and neurological issues along with digestive system issues ( typically associate with issue arising from the inability to properly digest casein and gluten).

These two food proteins are rather common. Casein is found in milk and is actually one of the main proteins contained in milk. Whereas, gluten is food in wheat and grains as well as being a food additive. Due to the issues arising within autistic or autistic spectrum disorder children, an elimination diet or one that does not contain these proteins is often advised to minimize the severity of the autism. The child that have issues arising from these proteins are unable to digest them normally. Instead of going through the digestive system they are absorbed into the blood stream causing a morphine type high. This morphine type substance produces by-products which appear in the urine of autistic children ( one possible way of testing for autism). This is also the cause of the spaced out look many autistic children may have and why they become obsessive with eating foods containing these proteins, they are literally addicted to the high their body produces from these foods.

With the digestive system issues it is quite common that autistic children have high levels of chemicals within their blood and systems that their bodies are not effectively passing through as a normally functioning person would. The build up of these typically minimal chemicals can cause further issues, as like with everything moderation in foods is key and the build up in their systems can be disastrous.

In most children, the signs and symptoms of autism have appeared or will appear by the time a child reaches 3 years old. A reduction or elimination of culprit foods from their diets are essential for the child’s best potential outcome. This is where elimination diets and casein and gluten free diets arise. Parents are trying their best to minimize the effects autism will have on their children’s future outcome.

Allergies and autism are most likely linked. As you have seen many foods can cause potential issues when consumed by the autistic child and even cause addictions to the high caused by the food. If you feel your child may have a problem with casein or gluten contact their doctor who can test for the byproducts in their urine and advise from their. With you assistance and diligence you can minimize the bleakness of your child’s future.

Autism can be a very scary thing to deal with if you are unprepared. Autistic diets can help you help your loved one. For more info about autism click here.
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25
Oct

How is a Child With Autism Syndrome?

Autism is not a disease, but a developmental desorder of brain function. Symptoms of autism syndrom usually appear during the first three years of childhood and continue through life. Children are social creatures who like to smile, laugh, cuddle and play. But there are also children taht seem to exist in their own world, where there are repetitive routines, odd behaviors, comunication problems or total lack of social awarness or interest in others.

A child with autism syndrome who goes to school is generally withdrawn and he will not even make eye contact. Many cildren engage in repetitive movements such as rocking and hair twirling in self-injurious behavior such as biting or head-banging.

Children with autism syndrome tend to start speaking later than usual and tahey refear to themselves by name instead of “I” or “me”, they may speak in a sing-sang voice or use peculiar language.

There are some cildren with autism syndrome that are very bright and do very good in school and they may be able to live independently when tahey grow up. There are autistic cildren with talent in art, music and other area.

There isn’t one specific cause of autism syndrome and for taht it remaind unknown. Research has focused on wether chemical inbalances, differences in the brain, genetics or problems of the central nervous sistem. However, what do we know is that parents do not cause autism.

There is no cure for autism syndrome and children will have it throught taheir live. Children with autism syndrome need educational programs and a comprehensive evaluation. Psychiatrists are trained to diagnose children and adolescents with autism sindrome and also to help their families cope the stress. Also a rege of medication can be prescribed to help reduce aggressive and violent behaviour.

With educational programs designed to meet cildren wit autism syndrome individual needs and specialised adult support services, they can live and sometimes work in the society.

More informations abiut child autism or about autism can be found by visiting http://www.autism-info-center.com/

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21
Oct

Autism, Toxic Metals, and Vaccines

Thought some research disclaim that autism can spring from the use of vaccines, doctors belonging to the American Academy of Pediatrics have found enough concern that they issues a statement about nine years ago that goes against that research. The statement of concern was about thimerosal, a preservative that is used in vaccines and, believe it or not, contains mercury. Research has proved that mercury is very toxic and can cause neurological and motor functions to misfire creating some pretty dramatic disorders in children and adults. Not only doe’s mercury cause motor and neurological disorders, it can also affect the immune system and cause behavior dysfunctions. So what happens if you or your child is vaccinated with a vaccine that contains thimerosal? Could a little of each disorder come into the child and affect him or her in such a way that autism is diagnosed. Look at the symptoms of autism and then look at the multiple disabilities and disorders mercury can cause. This might explain the range of disabilities from mild to severe in an autistic child. Even the Food and Drug Administration stated that some infants, depending on how much thimerosal was in the vaccine and how long between each vaccine, may be exposed to high levels of ethyl mercury. This difference in dosage and time between dosages is another clue to the severity or mildness that autistic children suffer. It only makes since that if a child has had a large dosage of ethyl mercury and has those dosages close together, especially in the early development of the body and brain, than that child would have more severity in their autism symptoms than a child who had less mercury administered to them. If you compare the symptoms of mercury poisoned children with the symptoms of autistic children, the similarities are amazingly close. So what comes first, the mercury or the autism? The statistics alone are enough to warrant caution just because they state that autism has been counted to have alarming increases since the early 1990s. As the vaccines given to infants to prevent hepatitis B and HIB in children increased last decade, so have the incidents of children being diagnosed with autism. Not only is this curious, but the correlation of vaccines to autism is almost exponential. This seems like enough evidence to warrant an investigation into the link of mercury preservatives in vaccines and the amazing amount of autistic and mercury poisoned children that have been diagnosed. Parents of vaccinated children are seeing their once intelligent, bright, and socially normal child turn into a child that is wrought with fevers, night terrors, and severe behavior disorders that can be closely associated to some behaviors associated with autistic children. Even polio and chicken pox vaccines are suspect at causing autistic type symptoms and parents and doctors are beginning to question the practice. The manufactures of mercury based vaccines have refused to provide research about the link between mercury and autism and have declined to prove any evidence that correlation does not exist. If you have an autistic child, look at their vaccination records. If you see a vaccine that might contain ethyl mercury, contact the Center for Disease Control to spur government agencies to fund more research.

5
Oct

The Connectivity Theory and Autism Syndrome

Autism syndrome affects the way a person communicates and limits the ability to relate to others in a meaningful way, it is a lifelong developmental disorder that emerges in early childhood. A child with autism syndrome isn’t able to appreciate cuddles or understand other people’s feeling, he can’t show signs of affection or develop friendships with other children.

There are researches saying that a lack of central coherence or a problem in the central nervous system is the cause of autism syndrome, and for that people with autism aren’t able to bind many activities into a single and have many cognitive and behavioral difficulties. For the same reason, children with autistic syndromes learn to sit up, turn over and crawl in a different manner than normal children.

Brain activity in people at people with autism syndrome has been shown to be atypical in many ways including reduced synchronization across areas of the brain.

The brains of a child with autism syndrome is larger than a normal child’s brains and there is one possible suspect for that, meaning a inflammation possibly due to autoimmune activity in the brain.

Autistic children learn to sit up, turn over and crawl in noticeably different manner than normal children and this difference in movement is caused by the same wiring problem in the central nervous system that later causes the social or verbal symptoms commonly associated with the condition of a child with autism syndrome.

Children or adults with autism syndrome have problems with activities such as coordinating their multiple brain areas or flexible understanding or spoken language.

We must know that in the connectivity theory we must also discuss about underconnectivity that can account for the social symptoms of autism syndrome. Social abnormalities are atributes of a deficit in integrative processing, and they may arise in integrating the perceptual and affective processing of social stimuli such as face affect.

High function autistic subjects have much lower levels of connectivity when many brain areas are compared.

It has been noted that a person with autism syndrome can answer sentence comprehension questions more rapidly, though more errors were noted with passive voice sentences.A study’s findings are consistent with another theory about the underlying cause of autism syndrome, that faulty connections between the brain’s parts may be responsible.

The process to discover if your child has autism syndrome can be slow and upsetting for the family and also for the child, and making friends or receive affection from those they hold dear it is difficult for a child with autism syndrome.

More informations about autism or autism causes about can be found by visiting http://www.autism-info-center.com/

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7
Sep

The signs of autism spectrun disorders must be spotted in time

Autism Spectrum Disorders are neurological conditions that affect the mental, physical development and the behaviors, communication skills and social interactions of people who suffer from such a disorder. Autism Spectrum Disorders range from milder forms of neurological disturbances to serious conditions, such as autism. Lots of children are diagnosed with forms of Autism Spectrum Disorders at birth, while others reveal the symptoms of such disorders in their first years of life.

The incidence of Autism Spectrum Disorders with children is so great, that it exceeds other conditions like diabetes, meningitis and Down syndrome. Due to the large numbers of children that develop forms of Autism Spectrum Disorders, it is very important to quickly spot the signs of such conditions. Children with neurological disorders need special attention and sometimes they require permanent monitoring, as in the case of children with severe autism. Also, speed is vital, as children with Autism Spectrum Disorders need specific medical treatment in order to minimize undesirable effects.

A disturbing fact is the lack of attention paid to Autism Spectrum Disorders. Poor information and lack of experience determine most parents, caretakers, teachers, physicians and even pediatricians to ignore the first symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders. They sometimes believe that children with such disorders only experience difficulties in growth and therefore fail to correctly diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorders at early ages. Despite the fact that prompt intervention greatly minimizes the symptoms and the malign effects of Autism Spectrum Disorders, increasing the child’s chances to grow normally, more than 50% of children aren’t properly diagnosed with a neurological disorder until they reach ages of three to five years.

Children diagnosed with a form of Autism Spectrum Disorders have poor social interaction skills, deficits in verbal and non-verbal communication and stereotype, routine oriented behaviors. Furthermore, children with such disorders experience difficulties in the way they perceive external stimuli. According to the gravity of the disorder, the child will tend to be more or less affected by certain symptoms. People that suffer from Autism Spectrum Disorders have several common traits. However, each individual experiences the disorder in a different way and it is a mistake to try to generalize the symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders to all patients.

Children with forms of Autism spectrum Disorders develop differently from normal children. Sometimes, the first signs of neurological disorders are revealed right after birth. In other cases, behavioral abnormalities are revealed later, at different stages in childhood. Sometimes, autistic children seem to grow normally and have good communication and social interaction skills until they reach a certain age. Then, they suddenly begin to show the signs of the disorder, as their behaviors tend to change and their skills considerably deteriorate. This disorder is called regressive autism and it is considered to be a very serious form of Autism Spectrum Disorders, determining dramatic changes at behavioral levels.

Although the actual causes of Autism Spectrum Disorders haven’t yet been clarified, many severe, malign effects of neurological disorders can be kept under control and if they are discovered in time.

If you are looking for a great autism symptoms checklist then visit this site. It’s one of the best autism related sites on the net where you can find useful information on autism symptoms, autism causes and learn how to spot the early signs of autism.
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5
Sep

Hypotheses on Autism Causes

Autism Spectrum Disorders are neurological conditions that affect the mental, physical development and the behaviors, communication skills and social interactions of people who suffer from such a disorder. Autism Spectrum Disorders range from milder forms of neurological disturbances to serious conditions, such as autism. Lots of children are diagnosed with forms of Autism Spectrum Disorders at birth, while others reveal the symptoms of such disorders in their first years of life.

The incidence of Autism Spectrum Disorders with children is so great, that it exceeds other conditions like diabetes, meningitis and Down syndrome. Due to the large numbers of children that develop forms of Autism Spectrum Disorders, it is very important to quickly spot the signs of such conditions. Children with neurological disorders need special attention and sometimes they require permanent monitoring, as in the case of children with severe autism. Also, speed is vital, as children with Autism Spectrum Disorders need specific medical treatment in order to minimize undesirable effects.

A disturbing fact is the lack of attention paid to Autism Spectrum Disorders. Poor information and lack of experience determine most parents, caretakers, teachers, physicians and even pediatricians to ignore the first symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders. They sometimes believe that children with such disorders only experience difficulties in growth and therefore fail to correctly diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorders at early ages. Despite the fact that prompt intervention greatly minimizes the symptoms and the malign effects of Autism Spectrum Disorders, increasing the child’s chances to grow normally, more than 50% of children aren’t properly diagnosed with a neurological disorder until they reach ages of three to five years.

Children diagnosed with a form of Autism Spectrum Disorders have poor social interaction skills, deficits in verbal and non-verbal communication and stereotype, routine oriented behaviors. Furthermore, children with such disorders experience difficulties in the way they perceive external stimuli. According to the gravity of the disorder, the child will tend to be more or less affected by certain symptoms. People that suffer from Autism Spectrum Disorders have several common traits. However, each individual experiences the disorder in a different way and it is a mistake to try to generalize the symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders to all patients.

Children with forms of Autism spectrum Disorders develop differently from normal children. Sometimes, the first signs of neurological disorders are revealed right after birth. In other cases, behavioral abnormalities are revealed later, at different stages in childhood. Sometimes, autistic children seem to grow normally and have good communication and social interaction skills until they reach a certain age. Then, they suddenly begin to show the signs of the disorder, as their behaviors tend to change and their skills considerably deteriorate. This disorder is called regressive autism and it is considered to be a very serious form of Autism Spectrum Disorders, determining dramatic changes at behavioral levels.

Although the actual causes of Autism Spectrum Disorders haven’t yet been clarified, many severe, malign effects of neurological disorders can be kept under control and if they are discovered in time.

If you are looking for a great autism symptoms checklist then visit this site. It’s one of the best autism related sites on the net where you can find useful information on autism symptoms, autism causes and learn how to spot the early signs of autism.
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31
Aug

How to Determine Autism

When the problem comes in the form of difficulty in communication and interaction with others although the child who develops autism develops this even till their adulthood more emphasis is given to boys because they are likely to have autism than girls.

Autism is an ubiquitous disorder. The rate of incidence of autism is increasing 10-17% per year in the U.S. The classical type of autism are: classic autism, asperger syndrome, Rett’s Syndrome. The causes of autism are given to the genetic origin, although social factors and surrounding environment appears to play a major role in developing autistic behavior in children.

Some symptoms of autism in child may include the following: like to stay/play alone, frequent behavioral out bursts, does not like to have eye-to-eye contact self-inflicting tendency, exaggerated movements, may seem unresponsiveness to others. The way an autistic child behaves depends on his surroundings as well. A precise diagnose of autism is hard to give. Early signs of autism may include decrease in activity level, abnormal pattern of speech, sleeplessness.

The child with autism may show little intellectual level than children of his age. The signs of autism are the following: withdrawn difficulty in social interaction, exaggerated behavior and movements, flat facial expression, voice and language disability, self-inflicting tendency, aggressive behavior, sleeplessness. No drugs are available to treat autism. Autism and asperger syndrome are similar as language and behavior skills. People with asperger syndrome have a normal intellectual level and may also exhibit exceptional skills as well. They do not have learning disabilities, but they have difficulty in social interaction, perceiving facial expressions.

Even children with autism present disabilities in their behavior they are treated like everybody.

More informations about autism causes or about child autism can be found by visiting http://www.autism-info-center.com/

More informations about <a href="http://www.autism-info-center.com/autism-causes.htm” rel=”nofollow”>autism causes or about <a href="http://www.autism-info-center.com/child-autism.htm” rel=”nofollow”>child autism can be found by visiting http://www.autism-info-center.com/
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27
Aug

An Accurate Autism Definition Is Hard To Find

Autism is a disease that is increasing at an alarming rate. In fact, right now, the numbers are approaching one out of every 150 individuals that is born will end up developing autism during their early childhood. There’s been a lot of concern over the fact that so many individuals are turning up with autism, but there are also some other diseases that may, in fact also mimic the symptoms of autism. What exactly is the autism definition?
Autism is a brain disorder that occurs within an individual; typically by the time they are three years old. Although there are individuals that are born with this particular disease, there is also some thought that such things as childhood vaccinations may cause it. Of course, there is no scientific backing to this particular claim but it is interesting that many people consider it to be a strong possibility and part of the autism definition.
People with autism are impaired in their social development. They lack the ability to be able to communicate, as most other individuals are able to do so. Some of these social disorders are the first to be recognized by parents of individuals with autism. Almost 50% of all people with autism are unable to communicate effectively. They just do not develop the communications skills that those without autism seem to develop. Some other common developments among those with autism are repetitive and compulsive behavior. This is often displayed by stacking things or lining them up compulsively. A few individuals with autism also have a unique ability to be able to memorize things easily.
Although there is not one specific autism definition that is available, a doctor will be able to help you to see if your child is affected by this particular disease. As we move on into the future, more research will hopefully ease the burden that is felt by these individuals and their families that care for them. As increasing evidence comes to light about the possibility of the causes of autism, some additional relief may also be available.
So no matter what the causes of autism are or exactly how you choose to define it, you must immediately get the best professional medical help you can find. The future of your child is at stake and his health and happiness deserve the very best doctors, teachers, therapists, tutors and mentors that your community has available.

If you would like to delve further into how to <a href="http://www.AutismRibbon.Net/define-autism.html” rel=”nofollow”>define autism, visit www.AutismRibbon.Net/define-autism.html

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14
Aug

Autism: Symptoms, Treatment And Coping

There is an estimation of three to six of very 1,000 children have autism. Autism is a brain disorder associated with developmental problems mainly in communication and social interaction. The disorder affects boys more often than girls. Signs of this disorder usually appear before age 3.
Diagnosis and treatment has greatly improved in the past few decades, however, autism cannot be cured. It persists throughout life. The recent increase in the number of autism cases in the United States may be more the result of improved diagnosis and changes in diagnostic criteria.
Severity of symptoms is different in each case. Some children are able to grow up and live independently, while others may always need supportive living and working environments. Early, intensive treatment can make a difference.
Signs and symptoms of autism include:
•Fails to respond to his or her name
•Has poor eye contact
•Appears not to hear you at times
•Resists cuddling and holding
•Appears unaware of others’ feelings
•Seems to prefer playing alone – - retreats into his or her “own world”
•Starts talking later than other children
•Loses previously acquired ability to say words or sentences
•Does not make eye contact when making requests
•Speaks with an abnormal tone or rhythm – may use a singsong voice or robot-like speech
•Can’t start a conversation or keep one going
•May repeat words or phrases verbatim, but does not understand how to use them
•Performs repetitive movements like rocking, spinning or hand-flapping
•Develops specific routines or rituals
•Becomes disturbed at the slightest change in routines or rituals
•Moves constantly
•May be fascinated by parts of an object, such as the spinning wheels of a toy car
•May be unusually sensitive to light, sound and touch
Some children with autism become more engaged with others as they mature. They may show less marked disturbances in behavior. Those with the least severe impairments may eventually lead normal or near-normal lives. Others continue to have severe impairments in language or social skills. The adolescent years may mean a worsening of behavior problems.
The majority of children with autism are slow to acquire new knowledge or skills. However, there is an extremely small number of children with autism who have exceptional skills in a specific are such as art or math.
There is no identifiable cause for autism. Researchers believe the disorder is related to abnormalities in several regions of the brain. Researchers have also identified a number of gene defects associated with autism.
Extensive studies have shown no link between vaccines, particularly the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine and other vaccines containing thimerosal and autism.
When should you seek medical advice? Many babies do not follow the exact timelines found in some parenting books. Children with autism usually show some signs of delayed development by 18 months. The earlier treatment begins the more effective it will be.
If your baby falls into any of the following categories you should check with your doctor about further evaluation:
•Baby does not babble or coo by 12 months of age
•Baby does not point or wave or perform similar gestures by the age of 12 months
•Baby does not say single words by 16 months
•Baby does not use two-word phrases by 24 months
•Baby loses previously acquired language or social skills at any age
Making a diagnosis is difficult because the severity and manifestations of autism varies widely from child to child. There is no medical test to diagnose autism. A formal evaluation may consist of observing the child and talking to you about how the child’s social skills, language skills and behavior have developed and changed over time. Your child may need to undergo a number of developmental tests covering speech, language and psychological issues.
Signs of autism may appear by 18 months of age; however, the diagnosis of autism may not be made until age 2 or 3 when there are more obvious delays in language development. Early diagnosis is important because early intervention, preferably before age 3, seems to be associated with the best chance for significant improvement.
Treatment for autism includes:
•Behavioral and communication therapies
•Drug therapies: Right now there are no medications that directly improve the signs of autism. Some medications can help control the symptoms of hyperactivity, repetitive and aggressive behaviors.
•Complementary approaches: Art therapy, music therapy, special diets, vitamin and mineral supplements and sensory integration that focus on reducing a child’s hypersensitivity to touch or sound. There is no specific proof these therapies work. Always discuss with your child’s doctor before trying any of the complementary approaches.
Children with autism do not outgrow the disorder. They often respond well to highly structured education programs. A child with autism can learn to function within the confines of the disorder especially if treatment begins early.
Review the following tips to help you cope with raising a child who has autism:
•Find a team of trusted professionals
•Take time for yourself and other family members
•Seek out other families of autistic children
•Learn about the disorder
Source: Mayo Clinic
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use the information in this article to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child’s condition.
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