Autism is considered to be a variety of mental retardation, or an occasion as a severe form of obsessive-compulsive illness. The first term of autism appeared around 1912 when psychiatrist Eugene Bleurel used the word to refer to patients who were self-absorbed and out of touch with the rest of the world. The term autism is derived from the Greek word autos, meaning self.
The term shows the communicative isolation that is the foremost feature of the illness. In fact the term referred to schizophrenic individuals who displayed catatonic behaviours and not to autistic patients as it is known today. The autistic syndrome may be described as mental retardation or mental illness. A mild form of autism identified as Asperger's syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder and it was discovered by Dr. Hans Asperger.
A more general description of autism described by Dr. Leo Kanner was provided. Both doctors recognized the intense isolation experienced by their child patients was the central function of the condition. Mental retardation and obsessive-compulsive disorder is unquestioned today but researchers refined Drs. Kanner and Asperger's work. Autism is thought as a family of related diseases which today are known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs).
Three other conditions round out the pervasive developmental disorder family Rett's Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and Asperger's Disorder. Another diagnosis, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (NOS) is used to indicate PDDs of unknown origin. All these developmental disorders are characterized by communication and social impairments. Different causes for the underlying impairments are different one from another; they differ by profiles and intensities of impairment typical of each condition.
Autism spectrum disorders are synonymous with pervasive developmental disorders. A person can have a pervasive developmental disorder and not carry the diagnosis of autism in particular. Because of their insidious nature of autism spectrum of disorders are difficult to recognize. Parents are seldom motivated to assume the worst about their children's atypical behaviour and symptoms until they become impossible to ignore. Most parents do not bring their children in for formal diagnosis until they are between 18 months and three years of age. As time goes by parents and physicians learn what to look for and more children are diagnosed at earlier ages.
Methods and techniques for identifying pervasive developmental disorders early continue to be refined. The preferred method for identifying autism and related pervasive developmental disorders the behavioral observation has been preferred. Children's lack of eye contact and social reciprocity are recognized as the major causes of autism. A characteristic of autism and related disorders is the presence of the stereotyped repetitive movements. When they are concerned about a PDD like autism it can be difficult for parents to know what specific signs to look for. A list of warning signs and milestones all revolving around the crucial team of communication deficits.
Such circumstances should be concerned about his child if: the child does not: babble or coo by twelve months, use gestures to communicate and the child does not wave, grasp objects or point to objects by twelve months, say single words by the age of sixteen months and does not say two-word phrases on his or her own by 24 months, the child has a loss of any language or social skills at any age. Only a psychiatrist or psychologist observes the child's behaviour and interviews the parents or guardians he may administer one or more formal tests designed to measure PDD-like behaviour and compare it to normal children behaviour so that the degree of the child's impairments can be determined.
The doctor will review the test results and observation notes and make a diagnosis based on observable criteria.
It is important for a parent to observe a child's behaviour and verify its mental health. This method will show if any case of autism appears and it is true also that a specialist should be consult.
More informations about autism symptoms or about autism symptoms checklist can be found by visiting http://www.autism-info-center.com/
Related Articles
The signs of autism spectrun disorders must be spotted in time
By: Groshan Fabiola | 17/05/2006 | Health
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.
Hypotheses on Autism Causes
By: Groshan Fabiola | 17/05/2006 | Health
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.
By: | 31/12/1969 |
Recognizing Autism Symptoms
By: Groshan Fabiola | 17/05/2006 | Health
Autism is considered to be the most serious disorder among Autism Spectrum Disorders. Autism is triggered by neurological dysfunctions, in some cases causing dramatic, irreversible damage in behaviors, social interactions, communication skills and even physical development. Although people who suffer from autism don't always seem to be different from normal people, the presence of abnormalities is revealed by the way they socially interact, communicate, and learn.
Autism Causes Symptoms Information With Treatment
By: Juliet Cohen | 02/10/2007 | Diseases and Conditions
Autism (say: aw -tih-zum) causes kids to experience the world differently from the way most other kids do. Kids who have autism usually keep to themselves and many can't communicate without special help.
Signs and Symptoms of Autism
By: Robert | 07/12/2007 | Health
Parents or caregivers are usually the first ones to notice the signs and symptoms of autism in a child under three years of age. At birth, the signs and symptoms of autism are not necessarily noticeable, and it may take a little while to distinguish the behavior.
Is Autism the Consequence of Genetic Dysfunctions?
By: Groshan Fabiola | 26/06/2006 | Health
Autism is a complex neurological disorder that involves abnormalities at the level of the central nervous system. Although the specific causes of autism in remain unknown, it seems that acquired or inherited genetic dysfunctions have a very important role in the occurrence of the syndrome in people.
Causes of Autism
By: Reg Ofori | 03/01/2008 | Diseases and Conditions
According to National Autism Association autism is no longer considered heritable and a genetic disorder. Environmental conditions are contributory factors to autism. It is believed that autism is environmentally triggered and is a preventable and treatable disease and has brought hope to those affected by autism. Early detection of autism helps reduce cost of treating autism.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
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
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Health Articles
No-nonsense Tips For Choosing Home Fitness Equipment
By: Gabriel Adams | 16/05/2008
Choosing the right fitness equipment for your home can seem like a daunting task, but it's not that bad. Here are some considerations before you make your purchases.
First of all, check with your doctor to make sure your body can handle certain types of exercise before you engage in an...
Cancer - It Is Not A Single Disease
By: Adam Kalloh | 16/05/2008
Cancer is, of all things, a disease of our cells, the main component that we are made from becomes ill, it is this that is known as cancer. In the event of cancer, what happens is that our cells grow and multiply in an uncontrollable rate.
Understanding The Traditional Chinese Medicine
By: MIKE SELVON | 16/05/2008
Traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture schools are opening all around the world at a rapid rate.
The Importance of Proper Relaxation
By: Jeremy Baldwin | 16/05/2008
In this mile a minute society we live in, we all need to step back for a second and take some time to relax.
Celebrities Fight to Control Problem Skin on Hd Screens
By: Nikki Rammer | 16/05/2008
As the images produced by high definition technology are six times clearer than normal television, celebrities have found that even their slightest imperfections are noticeable.
Treatment Tips for Underweight
By: peterhutch | 16/05/2008
High stress, mental worries, faulty eating habits and being underweight deprive your body of calories and essential nutrients mainly vitamins and minerals.
The Simple Facts and the Cures of Hives
By: peterhutch | 16/05/2008
Hives (urticaria) is a harmless type of rash or skin allergy that is usually caused by an allergy. The rash consists of circular, raised welts on the skin that are usually itchy and occur in batches.
Information About Nausea and Vomiting Treatment
By: peterhutch | 16/05/2008
Nausea and vomiting are among the most distressing and feared side effects of cancer and cancer treatment. Beyond being unpleasant, the nausea and vomiting associated with cancer and its treatment can lead to serious and life-threatening complications, such as nutritional depletion, metabolic imbalance, esophageal damage, expulsion of oral chemotherapy agents, and withdrawal from potentially curative treatment.
Health 
