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 Verbal... 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 Some autistic children may be withdrawn and aloof, while others engage in...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 >
ResourcesAdams, J. (nd). Effect of vitamin / mineral supplements on children with autism. Retrieved October 20, 2003, fromhttp://www.eas.asu.edu/~autism/Advice/VitaminsMineralsFinal.docAmerican Music Therapy Association. (nd). Music therapy and individuals with diagnoses on the autism spectrum. Retrieved October 18, 2003, fromwww.musictherapy.org/factsheets/autism.html.Association for Science in Autism Treatment... Read more >
Planning for the birth of the child is an exciting time. Parents need to make lots of choices, from simple decisions about what kind of stroller to buy to more complex decisions about breastfeeding versus bottle feeding. Whatever choices a parent makes, the good health and well-being of the child is ultimately the most important goal. Regular checkups with a doctor or other health care practitioner are... Read more >
Autism medications will not cure autism. Instead, autism medication treats the symptoms and behavior common to the disorder. Children suffering from severe anxiety, obsessive compulsive behavior, or self-injurious behavior (self-stimulation such as head-banging and finger-biting) may find relief through medication. Other medication is used to treat conditions that accompany autism, such as epilepsy, which often... Read more >
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