Facts about Autism

Autism is a brain disorder that affects normal social communication and interactions. The condition is the result of failure of different areas of the brain, simultaneously. Early diagnosis and extensive social intervention does address the malady, helping the innocent victim to achieve full potential.

Facts about Autism:

Autism is primarily a genetic disorder. Research is still being conducted to establish whether or not the condition is related to other medical problems and vaccines such as the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine administered during childhood. In time, the condition triggers depression and anxiety and seizure disorders, like epilepsy.

Symptoms of autism manifest fully by the age of three. Inability to communicate as effectively as other children of the same age is one of the first signs of the condition. There have been cases where the child talks around the same time as other children in the age group, but rapidly loses the assimilated language skills. The condition is also characterized by repetitive behavior like obsessive body rocking. The child shows a distinct fondness for certain objects in the peripheral and a specific routine.

A doctor is able to diagnose the condition through routine investigations about social interactions and relationships (difficulty in maintaining eye contact and insensitivity towards someone else's feelings) and verbal and nonverbal communication. The doctor also looks for limited interest in certain activities, or all, and obsessive fascination with objects or certain topics. The doctor tries to identify the following traits in the child or adolescent:

• Indifference or lack of response to name
• Resistance to a show of affection, like cuddling
• Preference for a solitary existence
• Pronunciation difficulties
• Repetition of phrases, verbatim
• Sensitivity to light

Treatment for autism involves the establishment of special social intervention. Behavioral training, inducing social and communication skills and administration of antidepressants and mild sedatives (under the doctor's guidance) help a lot. The family unit plays a very vital role in the treatment of autism. It is important for the family members to get educated on the condition, to effectively manage the symptoms. This not only reduces family stress, but also speeds up the treatment plan charted for the child or adolescent. Beyond the family, relatives and friends should make an effort to be a part of public agencies and special autism organizations to research and gain additional guidelines on the condition.

Delayed language and social development triggers depression in autistic adolescents. This results in a marked worsening of behavior problems. Quite on the contrary, autistic savants, display exceptional skills in the fine arts, music and math. Since the condition is devastating, many parents seek alternative therapies and dietary changes. The diet plan most opted for includes food components that are devoid of allergens, yeast, gluten and casein. The administration of vitamin A, C, B6, B12, magnesium, folic acid and omega-3 fatty acid supplements is also considered by a number of parents. Managing an autistic child is a real challenge. It is not only physically exhausting, but also tires the family emotionally. It is vital for the immediate family of an autistic child to periodically evaluate federal regulations developed for the disability and seek membership to support groups. It is vital to shed myths and misconceptions about the condition and appreciate every attempt made by the child to communicate and show affection.