Let's start at the beginning with discussing what is Autism?
Autism is a disorder of the brain and one in every two and a half thousand children are born with it. Children who are Autistic will show signs of being withdrawn from their environment and will have problems communicating. Often it is confused with Asperger's Syndrome and, although similar in many ways, they are two different diagnoses.
Signs of Autism can be displayed in a child as young as twelve months and it is usually prominent by the age of three. Autism is also called spectrum disorder or autistic spectrum disorder, and statistics show more males than females have been diagnosed with the neurological abnormality. Often, a child can seem very normal until up to three years of age, then suddenly they begin to change as their speech and social development is impaired. They will exhibit strange behavior and movements, have trouble communicating, some even become deaf and mute and will not like being held. Some will move compulsively and prefer to occupy themselves rather than play with toys or people. Every case is individual, so each child has a different combination of symptoms.
With communication being so difficult for those with spectrum disorder, it is common for their IQ to be below average. About a quarter of these cases excel in certain areas like math, art or music and their IQs are well above average. It is much harder to diagnose Autism in adults from any physical symptoms, but they have problems with understanding other's feelings, forming friendships, recognizing fear and behaving appropriately in social situations. Often, they will be self-destructive in their habits and are unable to understand the consequences of their actions.
Asperger's Syndrome is a mild form of Autism, with most of the symptoms being the same. Where Autism is clearly diagnosed by about age three, Asperger's onset is usually much later. Children with Asperger's will prefer isolation, exhibit eccentricities, will have strange inflections in their way of speaking, can be uncoordinated and clumsy and single minded in their interests.
High functioning autism is where a person has been diagnosed with the disorder but is still able to continue with a relatively unaffected life. Asperger's disorder is considered milder than this type of Autism, so they can usually maintain a fairly uninterrupted existence. Someone with Asperger's may not be viewed any differently in society, but with Autism, they will be noticeably unique in their movements and speech and can have more trouble learning. This means they can experience more difficulty fitting in and possibly even discrimination.
There is no cure for Autism or Asperger's and no way to return their normal functions and abilities. However, much progress is always being made in ways to manage the disorders. Speech therapy, special diets, music therapy, sensory integration, art therapy, behavior modification and auditory training are all ways to assist in handling Autism so they can lead a life as close to normal as is possible. Since it is specific to the individual, treatments are tailored to each case. Some may need drug therapy for hyperactivity disorders or anger control.
Having a child with Autism can be very stressful and taxing on the family, so strategies for coping will be needed for all who are involved. Autistic children need extra attention and endless supplies of love and understanding. They never truly mature like most of us, but they will have a better chance of being independent if they receive the required training and support therapies.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Autism schools in NJ?
By: jswift71 | 05-05-2008
What are some good autism schools in the South Jersey area? Like Camden or Burlington county?
How does the increase in diagnosed autism cases in ...
By: Kora | 02-04-2008
How does the increase in diagnosed autism cases in the United States compare with autism cases in other countries?
Educational Consulting
By: smiilee | 01-04-2008
I am interested in starting a consulting company-working with children diagnosed with autism. I need to know the steps and certifications that i need to have to make this possible.
Zyprexa & Autism
By: allamo2003 | 18-03-2008
dear mis/sir my son is 13 years old & hypothyroidism, i found your site in a google search engine. my son had autism when he was 4 years old after we did all kinds of analysis on one of the known hospitals in saudi arabia,they told me its more electricitie in the brain and this is called autism. they describe this medicene Retalin that had been given to him for 2 weeks but he was having a bad side effects and the doctor stop it & give him Resperdal as aliquid 1 gm for one year and they change the amount to bills 2gm until before two days the doctors specify a new kind of medicene which is Zyprexa and we are wondering if there is a better medicene for autism with congenctal hypothyroidism and he is using: 1- Zyprexa 10 mg in two doses 5mg in morning & 5 mg before he sleeps 2- 150 mg of Thyroxine every day thank you
Autism, treatment, india, japan, explanation, views
By: mdchaskar | 23-12-2007
I would like to like to know Autistic patient,s percentage worldwide and in India and japan in particular. What is the treatment given to kids to improve their behaviour. Other related explanations are welcome.
Autism concern
By: concernedmom | 14-11-2007
my son who is 7 now was diagnosed with adhd and odd...i just feel its more then that something just isnt right ive been doing some research on autism,he has violent outburst cursing freguently well just haul off and hit anyone around him...throws things frequent temper tantrums has hard time making friends ...will make a friend and 10 minutes later wanna punch the kid for no reason... but is an angel at school..disrupts the entire house everday if one thing is off with him we all suffer cries alot refuses to go to school every so often...im just comcerned its just not adhd
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