| There is an estimation of three to six of very | | | | months. The earlier treatment begins the more |
| 1,000 children have autism. Autism is a brain | | | | effective it will be. |
| disorder associated with developmental problems | | | | If your baby falls into any of the following |
| mainly in communication and social interaction. The | | | | categories you should check with your doctor |
| disorder affects boys more often than girls. Signs | | | | about further evaluation:o Baby does not babble |
| of this disorder usually appear before age 3. | | | | or coo by 12 months of ageo Baby does not |
| Diagnosis and treatment has greatly improved in | | | | point or wave or perform similar gestures by the |
| the past few decades, however, autism cannot | | | | age of 12 monthso Baby does not say single |
| be cured. It persists throughout life. The recent | | | | words by 16 monthso Baby does not use |
| increase in the number of autism cases in the | | | | two-word phrases by 24 monthso Baby loses |
| United States may be more the result of | | | | previously acquired language or social skills at any |
| improved diagnosis and changes in diagnostic | | | | age |
| criteria. | | | | Making a diagnosis is difficult because the severity |
| Severity of symptoms is different in each case. | | | | and manifestations of autism varies widely from |
| Some children are able to grow up and live | | | | child to child. There is no medical test to diagnose |
| independently, while others may always need | | | | autism. A formal evaluation may consist of |
| supportive living and working environments. Early, | | | | observing the child and talking to you about how |
| intensive treatment can make a difference. | | | | the child's social skills, language skills and behavior |
| Signs and symptoms of autism include:o Fails to | | | | have developed and changed over time. Your child |
| respond to his or her nameo Has poor eye | | | | may need to undergo a number of developmental |
| contacto Appears not to hear you at timeso | | | | tests covering speech, language and psychological |
| Resists cuddling and holdingo Appears unaware of | | | | issues. |
| others' feelingso Seems to prefer playing alone - - | | | | Signs of autism may appear by 18 months of |
| retreats into his or her "own world"o Starts | | | | age; however, the diagnosis of autism may not |
| talking later than other childreno Loses previously | | | | be made until age 2 or 3 when there are more |
| acquired ability to say words or sentenceso Does | | | | obvious delays in language development. Early |
| not make eye contact when making requestso | | | | diagnosis is important because early intervention, |
| Speaks with an abnormal tone or rhythm - may | | | | preferably before age 3, seems to be associated |
| use a singsong voice or robot-like speecho Can't | | | | with the best chance for significant improvement. |
| start a conversation or keep one goingo May | | | | Treatment for autism includes:o Behavioral and |
| repeat words or phrases verbatim, but does not | | | | communication therapieso Drug therapies: Right |
| understand how to use themo Performs | | | | now there are no medications that directly |
| repetitive movements like rocking, spinning or | | | | improve the signs of autism. Some medications |
| hand-flappingo Develops specific routines or | | | | can help control the symptoms of hyperactivity, |
| ritualso Becomes disturbed at the slightest change | | | | repetitive and aggressive behaviors.o |
| in routines or ritualso Moves constantlyo May be | | | | Complementary approaches: Art therapy, music |
| fascinated by parts of an object, such as the | | | | therapy, special diets, vitamin and mineral |
| spinning wheels of a toy caro May be unusually | | | | supplements and sensory integration that focus |
| sensitive to light, sound and touch | | | | on reducing a child's hypersensitivity to touch or |
| Some children with autism become more engaged | | | | sound. There is no specific proof these therapies |
| with others as they mature. They may show less | | | | work. Always discuss with your child's doctor |
| marked disturbances in behavior. Those with the | | | | before trying any of the complementary |
| least severe impairments may eventually lead | | | | approaches. |
| normal or near-normal lives. Others continue to | | | | Children with autism do not outgrow the disorder. |
| have severe impairments in language or social | | | | They often respond well to highly structured |
| skills. The adolescent years may mean a | | | | education programs. A child with autism can learn |
| worsening of behavior problems. | | | | to function within the confines of the disorder |
| The majority of children with autism are slow to | | | | especially if treatment begins early. |
| acquire new knowledge or skills. However, there is | | | | Review the following tips to help you cope with |
| an extremely small number of children with autism | | | | raising a child who has autism:o Find a team of |
| who have exceptional skills in a specific are such | | | | trusted professionalso Take time for yourself and |
| as art or math. | | | | other family memberso Seek out other families |
| There is no identifiable cause for autism. | | | | of autistic childreno Learn about the disorder |
| Researchers believe the disorder is related to | | | | Source: Mayo Clinic |
| abnormalities in several regions of the brain. | | | | Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes |
| Researchers have also identified a number of | | | | only. It is not intended to be a substitute for |
| gene defects associated with autism. | | | | informed medical advice or care. You should not |
| Extensive studies have shown no link between | | | | use the information in this article to diagnose or |
| vaccines, particularly the measles-mumps-rubella | | | | treat any health problems or illnesses without |
| vaccine and other vaccines containing thimerosal | | | | consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please |
| and autism. | | | | consult a doctor with any questions or concerns |
| When should you seek medical advice? Many | | | | you might have regarding your or your child's |
| babies do not follow the exact timelines found in | | | | condition. |
| some parenting books. Children with autism usually | | | | This article is FREE to publish with the resource |
| show some signs of delayed development by 18 | | | | box. |