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WHAT IS AUTISM?
Autism is a complex neurological disorder that effects brain function. It generally occurs in the first three years of life with the majority of cases appearing between 18 and 30 months of age. It knows no social, economic, or ethnic barriers, though it does strike boys four times more often than girls. Overall, autism effects approximately one in five hundred individuals, and it causes life-long disabilities.
The child with autism appears normal at birth. Typically, their development continues on at the usual rate until around age two. Parents may then notice a lag in the verbal abilities of their child. This often produces worry and sends them to the doctor for a consultation. After this, it's common to find that the child also has social delays and is sensitive to sensory stimulation.
WHAT DO THESE SYMPTOMS MEAN?
By themselves, the above mentioned symptoms don't confirm any diagnosis. It's only when they fit in with other physical, verbal, and emotional signs do doctors make the diagnosis of autism. Even then, the diagnosis of autism isn't taken lightly. It can take an array of doctors and therapists working together to reach that conclusion.
WHAT ARE SOME OTHER SYMPTOMS OF AUTISM?
There are a wide variety of symptoms that point to autism. Just like every person has individual personality traits, every person with autism will demonstrate different symptoms of the disorder. Some of the more common ones include:
1. Poor communication skills
2. Prefers to spend time alone rather than in the company of friends
3. Sensitivity to touch, light, smell, or noise
4. Does not embark in imaginative play or make-believe games
5. Prefers structure and has difficulty adapting to change
6. Is very passive, or can be the opposite and be overly active
7. Shows an unusual or obsessive interest in a single object
8. Unwillingness to make eye contact
WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF AUTISM?
No one really knows for sure, but it is a brain disorder that is present from birth. Some genetic factors may be involved, and chemical changes in the brain may be responsible, too. There has been some speculation that the MMR vaccination has been the cause of autism. Mostly this is because autism typically occurs at the same time as the MMR vaccination is given. Scientists haven't totally discounted this theory, though they haven't confirmed it either. They do stress that the MMR vaccine is safe and should still be given until further research takes place.
IS THERE A CURE FOR AUTISM?
Unfortunately, no. At this present time, early intervention offers the best hope for helping a person with autism reach their full potential.
IS THERE ANY WAY TO PREDICT WHICH BABIES WILL LATER DEVELOP AUTISM?
That's a good question and is one that researchers have struggled to answer. In doing so, they have come up with certain symptoms to look for. Some of them are:
1. A baby that arches his back to avoid being touched.
2. Rocking or repetitive movement
3. Not anticipating when their caretaker is going to pick them up and hold them
4. Head banging
In addition, they have come up with more specific criteria to predict which toddlers will indeed develop the disorder. If an 18 month old baby does not do all of the following three items, they have over an 80% chance of developing autism.
1. Does not point at something interesting in their environment to bring it to the attention of another person.
2. Does not look in the direction or toward an object that another person points at.
3. Does not engage in pretend or imaginative play.
WHAT ELSE CAN I LOOK FOR THAT MAY SHOW THAT MY CHILD HAS A DELAY IN HIS OR HER DEVELOPMENT?
The American Academy of Pediatrics and The American Academy of Neurology suggests that any child who shows any of the following criteria be screened immediately for autism or developmental delays.
ยท Isn't babbling by 12 months of age
ยท Isn't pointing or using hand gestures by 12 months of age
ยท Not using single words by 16 months of age
ยท Not using two word phrases by 2 years of age
ยท Loses skills that have been previously learned
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR AUTISM?
Early intervention is the most important thing for a child with autism. The sooner an individual is diagnosed, the sooner therapy can be instituted. Often, this therapy is very structured and is built around activities that the child enjoys. Almost always, speech and language therapies are needed for autistic children. Sometimes, dietary changes and even medication are used when indicated. When the right program or therapies are begun, the child will often make great improvements.
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AUTISM AND MENTAL RETARDATION?
Yes, and it's important to understand the distinction. Most children with mental retardation have fairly even skill development. In other words, they are usually delayed both physically and mentally. By contrast, autistic children may lag in development in some areas but not in others. They may function fine in a physical sense but be disabled both verbally and socially. Remember, every person with autism is different and will exhibit a variety of symptoms.
WHAT WILL THE FUTURE BE LIKE FOR A CHILD DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM?
Most people with autism need to be trained in functional living skills at the earliest possible age. Practical things such as shopping, cooking and cleaning can be learned. Many autistic people live independently or in group homes. They do best in jobs that are structured or repetitive in nature.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Many programs and therapies are available to make sure that any child diagnosed with autism can reach his or her potential. The road is long and is not without its difficulties. However, great strides are being made in the treatment of autistic disorders.
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