The Basics of Autism
Autism is an individual's inability to communicate and relate with others and is considered to be a brain disorder.
Sometimes, autism is not diagnosed until later in a child's life, but it typically is seen or develops before a child is three years old. In most cases, parents often noticed that their child is not developing this speech or interaction as children of the same age, prompting concern. Children with autism often seem deaf, and do not develop normal speech.
How a child perceives and processes, every day sensory information is affected by autism.
Autism and What Causes It
Although there are individuals who are able to attend school and function in everyday life as normal individuals, there are also individuals who require assistance in all aspects of daily activities. Autism affects different individuals with varying severity. Individuals who have autism typically are affected to some degree by social isolation. However, through treatment, this lifelong condition can result in major improvements in an individual's life. Early detection, coupled with a comprehensive treatment plan has allowed individuals to integrate into society as adults.
Although not fully understood there are two factors in which experts believe contribute to autism. Some experts, due to autism being in families suggest that there may be a genetic link. There is currently ongoing research, and it can to target and pinpoint the genes that may be responsible. There is on the other hand, a consensus of experts that believe that there may be environmental factors that are causing autism. Some of these environmental factors are pointing to vaccines as a possible cause. Although in either case, there is currently no identifiable cause.
How to Identify the Symptoms
People with autism typically have difficulty with relationships and social interaction. Often times parents whose children have autism will describe their child is not playing with others and avoiding eye contact. Additional symptoms of autism may include:
- The late development of language skills, little to no verbal communication.
- The need for solid and consistent routines, attachment in an almost emotional way to objects, repetitive or limited behavior, interests or play.
There is no hard and fast “typical” autism individual. Each individual will have a combination of behaviors and these behaviors will vary in severity.
In Diagnosing Autism
The AACAP has established a set of guidelines that your healthcare professional will use in order to determine if your child is showing core symptoms. Children may also have to have other tests such as hearing to determine if they have any other developmental delays. Early diagnosis of autism is essential in developing a treatment plan that will benefit the child the most.
Treating Autism
Through behavioral occupational and speech therapy and with the help children have shown remarkable improvements. In some cases, there are medications, which have proven helpful. Treatment is an individual specialized process for each individual autism patient. There is no “typical” autism patient and therefore there is no “typical” treatment. Parents will need to be involved and so will members of the family, their health care providers, as well as school staff in developing a treatment plan for a child. |
