AUTISM

 Basic information

description

Autism is a disorder that involves the way a child develops. It is usually discovered by the time a child is age 2 and a half, but could be later. Parents may notice that an infant or child is not behaving, talking, playing, or learning new skills as expected for their age group. Asperger's syndrome is like autism, but without the disabilities. It can range from mild to severe.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Does not talk or may talk using nonsense words. May use a sing-song voice and repeat what they hear. Unable to carry on a conversation.
• Does not respond to name and avoids eye contact.
• Is over active. Wants to play alone. Does not smile.
• Repeats the same movements over and over such as rocking and flapping or twisting hands.
• Has special routines and does not like change.
• Does not want to be touched, such as being cuddled.
• May injure self by head-banging or biting.
• Is bothered by noises.
• Overly interested in lights or moving objects.

causes

Unknown. It appears to have a genetic basis, but non-genetic factors are also involved. It is known that parents do not cause autism. There is no scientific proof to link childhood vaccines to autism.

risk increases with

Unknown. It does affect boys more than girls.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

None known. Autism cannot currently be detected at birth or through any prenatal tests.

expected outcomes

The future is unknown for most autistic children. A child may be mentally retarded, have normal intelligence, or even have a genius-like ability. As they get older, their symptoms may improve, stay about the same, or worsen. Some children will need supervision for life. Some may be able to live independently.

possible complications

• Parents of an autistic child have an increased risk of having another child with the disorder.
• Stress for the family raising an autistic child.
• Autistic children are at a higher risk for seizures.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Diagnosis is difficult, as the signs and symptoms may appear to be caused by another disorder or problem. There is no specific test for autism. Your health care provider (usually a mental health professional) will perform an exam of your child and ask you about your child's behavior and other signs or symptoms you may have observed. Tests for speech and other skills may be done to see how your child is developing compared to normal levels for his or her age group.
• Treatment for autism should be started as soon as a child is diagnosed. Speech and behavior therapy and social skills training will help children with autism.
• There is no cure for autism. Treatments can help with many of the symptoms. The treatment plan for each child will depend on how mild or severe their symptoms are. Some children may be able to attend regular public schools. Others may require a special classroom.
• The treatment steps take time and patience. Different treatment methods may need to be tried for a child.
• Parents should join an autism family support group.
• Counseling may help some parents cope with the stress involved with raising an autistic child.
• New treatments for autism are being studied and may be recommended for your child in the future. There are certain treatments that parents or others have tried and found to work for one or a few children. These treatments may or may not work for other autistic children. Always talk to your child's health care provider before you try any new type of treatment.
• To learn more: Autism Society of America, 7910 Woodmount Avenue, Suite 300, Bethesda, MD 20814-3015; (800) 328-8476; www.autism-society.org.

medications

There are no drugs that specifically treat autism. Research is ongoing. Drugs may be prescribed for certain symptoms (e.g., self-injury behavior, aggression, hyperactivity, or others).

activity

Help your child to stay as physically active as possible.

diet

Special diets will not improve the symptoms of autism.

 notify our office if

• Your child is not developing as expected for the age.
• After diagnosis, your child develops new symptoms or other symptoms worsen, despite treatment.

Special Notes: