Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder, and not a disease. Children with autism have difficulty with social interaction, language acquisition, and communication. Boys and girls with autism struggle to interact with their surroundings. The emotions necessary for close relationships are impaired in autistic children.Autism is a difficult disorder to diagnose. Shy, socially awkward children may have mild... Read more >
The exact causes of autism are unknown. Research suggests that there may be several different autism causes. Theories about possible autism causes include genetics, environmental toxins, infections, and even vaccinations. Current research suggests that autism may result from a combination of causes. Genetic Causes of Autism Autism runs in families, so genetic causes have long been suspected. A number of genetic... Read more >
Autism is a disorder, not a disease, so it isn't entirely accurate to refer to autism "symptoms." Instead, there are certain signs and behavioral patterns that indicate autism. Most autism symptoms develop before the child is three years old, although signs may be present as early as one year of age. Autism symptoms cover a wide range of communication, performance, and behavioral deficits. Communication and... Read more >
No tests for autism exist. A diagnosis is made by an observation of behavior, coupled with the results of standardized ability tests and medical history. Ability Tests and Behavior Observation Parents provide data needed to make a diagnosis by completing standardized ability tests, rating their child's behavior in a number of areas. These tests provide the doctor with information about the child's developmental... Read more >
No cure exists for autism, and a definite cause for autism has yet to be found. Rather than seeking to cure an autistic child, autism treatments attempt to alter negative behavior and teach necessary vocal and social skills. Behavior and the Autistic Child Autistic children's behavior varies widely from individual to individual. Some autistic children may be withdrawn and aloof, while others engage in... Read more >
Facilitated communication (FC) is at the center of a passionate debate. Proponents of FC claim the technique shows "unexpected literacy" in children with autism, and often reveals above average to high intelligence in children previously considered mentally handicapped. Such claims are ambitious, and would alter the face of autism treatment if proved. However, enormous controversy surrounds facilitated... Read more >
A hypothesis linking childhood vaccines with autism has been the subject of an intense debate for almost a decade. On one side are the parents and families of autistic children, many of whom are convinced that the link between autism and vaccines is real. On the other side are researchers who have conducted numerous medical studies, some involving thousands of children, that have found no evidence that autism is... Read more >
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