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