Autism
From Autism Wiki
Autism is a neurological developmental disability, the causes of which are unknown, but genetics are thought to be a factor of causation. It is diagnosed using specific criteria for impairments to social interaction, communication, interests, imagination and activities. [1] According to the Autism Society of America, "Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities."
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[edit] Signs and symptoms
According to Mayo Clinic, "In general, children with autism have problems in three crucial areas of development — social skills, language and behavior. The most severe autism is marked by a complete inability to communicate or interact with other people...Because the symptoms of autism vary widely, two children with the same diagnosis may act quite differently and have strikingly different skills."[2] These signs and symptoms may be grouped in three categories: disorders related to social skills, language skills, and behavior patterns.
[edit] Cause of Autism
Scientists have newly identified a gene which they call CACNA1G. It is more common in boys than girls although researchers have no idea why yet.
[edit] Types
Autism is classified under a spectrum disorder. As such, it affects each person in a different way and with a varying degree of intensity. Generally, autism is classified into the following five types:
- Classic autism: This type of autism is considered the most severe type of autism (hence it is also called severe autism). Children with classic autism may have strong symptoms in the areas of communication, social development and behavior. The main distinction between classic autism and Asperger syndrome is that children with classic autism develop language late, or not at all. Persons affected with classic autism have difficulties talking with other people and relating to other persons.
- Rett syndrome: It is classified under the Pervasive Developmental Disorders, but Rett syndrome has identifiable physical differences such as reduced muscle tone (causing the child to seem "floppy") and stereotyped hand movements such as wringing and waving. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes severe disability in young children, mostly girls. After a period of relatively normal development, children with Rett syndrome lose skills such as language, play and hand use.
- Childhood Disintegrative Disorder: It is a rare condition characterized by late onset of developmental delays in language, social development, and motor skills. Researchers have not been successful in finding any cause for the disorder. Children with childhood disintegrative disorder develop normally until they reach 3 or 4 years of age. There are some cases in which the disorder strikes at an older age, as late as 10 years. Regression can be very sudden, and the child may even voice concern about what is happening, much to the parent's surprise. Some children describe or appear to be reacting to hallucinations, but the most obvious symptom is that skills apparently attained are lost.
- Asperger syndrome: It is also a Pervasive Developmental Disorder related to autism. Some of its characteristics are: Narrow interests, Repetitive routines or rituals, speaking in an overly formal manner or in a monotone, or taking things literally, Socially inappropriate behavior and a limited ability to interact with peers, problems with non-verbal communication, including the restricted use of gestures, limited or inappropriate facial expressions, or a peculiar, stiff gaze and Clumsy motor skills.
- PDD-NOS: It is a pervasive developmental disorder diagnosis for people with most, but not all, of the characteristics of autism. PDD-NOS is usually milder than autism, with some symptoms present, and others absent. Usually, the issues focus more on social interaction.
[edit] Diagnosis
There isn't a specific medical test for autism, as the symptoms are varied, and the milder instances of autism may go unnoticed for years. Sometimes, it is mistaken for other diseases like fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, and untreated phenylketonuria.
Autism is discovered only when the child begins to show certain unusual behavior patterns, for example:
- Endlessly repeating the same word or a string of words
- An unusual level of infatuation with certain objects
- Almost total inability to converse, or difficulty in conversing
- Inability to establish friendships, or very fragile friendship is established
- A high level of obsession with rituals and repetitive actions
All the above symptoms may not be present in all cases identified as autism.
[edit] Treatment
There is no treatment for autism that may cure this condition completely. Further, as all children with autism are unique, no single course of treatment may apply to children affected with autism - each child's condition should be evaluated independently, and a set of treatments and interventions. Generally, these treatments and interventions involve the following:
- Therapy involving behavior and communications: A number of programs are available to manage the problems associated with autism. Such programs focus on managing and reducing behavioral problems and improving the learning skills. Some programs address the problems pertaining to social and communication skills.
- Drug therapies: Currently there is no medications that can cure autism or can improve the significantly the condition as such. However, certain medications can control signs and symptoms of autism. For example, stimulants can help with hyperactivity and antipsychotic drugs may sometimes control repetitive and aggressive pattern of behaviors.
- Complementary therapies: In a number of cases, some sort of complementary approaches are also applied with above two types of treatments. Such complementary approaches "include art therapy, music therapy, special diets, vitamin and mineral supplements, and sensory integration — which focuses on reducing a child's hypersensitivity to touch or sound." However, these therapies are still in experimental stage, and their affect on autism has not been conclusively proved.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Autism Information Page
- Autism Society of America (ASA)
- Autism speaks
- Opposing Views: Are Autism and Vaccines Linked?
[edit] References
- ↑ Diagnostic Criteria for Autistic Disorder Indiana Resource Center for Autism, Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, Indiana University. Retrieved Feb. 27, 2007
- ↑ Autism - Signs and symptoms
