What is Autism?
Autism is one of the mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders
that appears in early childhood. Autistic children may have a serious
lifelong disability. However, with appropriate treatment and training,
some autistic children can develop certain aspects of independence in
their lives. Parents should support their autistic children in
developing those skills that use their strengths so they will feel
good about themselves.
What Are the Signs Of Autism?
When an infant or toddler:
- does not cuddle or respond to
affection and touching.
- does not make eye contact.
- appears to be unable to communicate.
- displays persistent failure to
develop two-way social relationships in any situation.
- does not show a preference for
parents over other adults.
- does not develop friendships with
other children.
- has poor language skills; or
nonexistent ones.
- shows unusual, extreme responses to
objects Ð either avoidance or preoccupation.
- finds moving objects, such as a fan,
hold great fascination.
- may form an unusual attachment to
odd objects such as a paper or rubberband.
- displays repetitive activities of a
restrictive range.
- spins and repeats body movements,
such as arm flapping.
- may repeat television commercials.
- may indulge in complex bedtime
rituals.
The symptoms of autism range from mild
to severe. Although symptoms of the disorder sometimes can be seen in
early infancy, the condition may appear after months of normal
development. About 7 in every 10 children and adolescents with autism
also have mental retardation or other problems with their brain
function or structure.
How Common Is Autism?
Recent studies estimate that as many as 14 children out of 10,000
may have autism or a related condition. About 125,000 Americans are
affected by these disorders, and nearly 4,000 families across the
country have two or more children with autism. Three times as many
boys as girls have autism.
What Causes Autism?
Researchers are unsure about what causes autism. Several studies
suggest that autistic disorder might be caused by a combination of
biological factors, including exposure to a virus before birth, a
problem with the immune system, or genetics.
Treatments
Parents who suspect autism in their child should ask their family
doctor or pediatrician to refer them to a child and adolescent
psychiatrist, who can accurately diagnose the autism and the degree of
severity, and determine the appropriate educational measures.
Drugs are of minor importance in the
treatment of autism. Antidepressants occasionally help a little.
Standard antiviolence agents, especially antipsychotic drugs, lithium,
and beta-blockers, may be needed for autistic persons who strike out
at themselves or others. Conventional anti-psychotic drugs are often
highly sedative and have serious side effects, including body movement
disorders. Anticonvulsants may be useful; some researchers have
suggested that unrecognized partial complex epileptic seizures, which
cause changes in consciousness but not physical convulsions, are one
source of autistic behavior problems.
Little is known about the long-term
effects of drugs on autistic persons. They should be used only for
specific symptoms, not merely to keep a child docile or quiet the
anxiety of a parent or doctor.
Autism Effects the Whole Family
In addition to working with autistic child, the child and
adolescent psychiatrist can help the family resolve stress Ð for
example, a feeling among the siblings that they are being neglected in
favor of the autistic child, or embarrassment about bringing their
friends home. The child and adolescent psychiatrist can help parents
with the emotional problems that may arise as a result of living with
an autistic child and also help them provide the best possible
nurturing and learning environment for the child.
Resources for the Parents
The parents of an autistic child bear a heavy burden. They are
frustrated by the child's inability to communicate; impulsiveness;
emotional unresponsiveness; self-destructive behavior; and eating and
toileting problems. Some parents find it difficult to accept the
diagnosis and constantly look for other explanations. Many cope well
enough, but all can benefit from some guidance and services, including
counseling or supportive psychotherapy. An important resource for
parents is the Autism Society of America, a mutual aid group founded
in 1965, which provides information and referral services and supports
initiatives in research, education, and treatment.
Source: National Mental Health
Association
