Autism

Autism: 

Autism *DEFINITION OF AUTISM *CHARACTERISTICS OF AUTISM *CAUSES OF AUTISM *TYPES OF AUTISM *Treatment of AUTISM

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DEFINITION OF AUTISM "Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.

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CHARACTERISTICS OF AUTISM Most signs or characteristics of Autism are evident in the areas of speech or communication (verbal and non-verbal). Many of the signs or symptoms of Autism begin presenting themselves between 2 and 6 years of age.

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The research indicates the following symptoms are the most commonly found characteristics of Autism: 1-The child is unable to coo by 12 months. 2-The child also does not point or gesture by 12 months. 3-The child does not say single words by 16 months. 4-The child does not say 2 or more words by 24 months. 5-Has lost some of social skills or language abilities.

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Other Characteristics include : 1- No fear of danger. 2- Over or under sensitivity to pain. 3- May avoid eye contact with you. 4- May prefer to be by him/herself. 5- Has difficulty expressing what they want or need - may then try to use gestures . 6- May echo words or phrases. 7- May have inappropriate attachments to objects. 8- May spin his/herself or objects . Prolonged repetitive play. 9- May insist on things/routines always being the same. 10-May exhibit inappropriate laughing (laughing when not appropriate to the situation).

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11- May display tantrums for no apparent reason. 12- May avoid cuddling. 13- May exhibit self injurious behavior when upset i.e. 14- biting selves or banging heads. 15- An overall difficulty interacting with others.

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CAUSES OF AUTISM The research indicates that the cause of Autism is likely biological, but this may not be the only cause. Evidence has shown that 1 in 3 people diagnosed with Autism have had around 1-2 epileptic seizures by the time they reach adulthood. Also, Autism tends to run in families, pointing to a possible genetic cause. And autopsies of the brain have shown deficits in various parts of the brain (i.e. cerebellum, frontal lobes, brain stem). Scientists have also found abnormal levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as Serotonin.

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TYPES OF AUTISM These are the most common disorders, all presenting in a somewhat similar manner, but having slight variations: Autistic Disorder - As stated above, and defined by the Autism Society of America (ASA): "Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.

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Pervasive Developmental Disorder (P.D.D) - Also called "Atypical Autism." Children with this disorder have many of the same characteristics of Autism, but not all the criteria associated with Autism. Asperger's Disorder - Children with this disorder do not have the usual language barriers associated with Autism and are generally very intelligent. However, they do tend to struggle with social interactions, and can fixate on a particular object or subject they take an interest in, and talk about it constantly.

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Retts Disorder - Retts is rather similar to Autism, but presents only in girls. The children begin to develop on target, but then begin losing some communication abilities. The symptoms of Retts can begin to occur between ages 1 and 4.

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AUTISM TREATMENTS Currently there is no known cure for Autism. The disorder is treated by working to change the symptoms of Autism ie . helping to improve the person's ability to communicate and cope with the symptoms and deal with the repetitive behaviors. Also, some medications have also been helpful in alleviating some of the symptoms associated with Autism. Your doctor or Psychiatrist will decide which medicine to prescribe for Autism. Your doctor should also help guide the course of treatment and consider incorporating other professional disciplines since this seems to be the most effective strategy in managing Autism.