Archive for March, 2007

Common Signs Of Autism

There are about three distinctive behaviors that identify autism. Autistic children have most difficulties with social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors or narrow, obsessive interests. These behaviors can range in impact from mild to disabling conditions.

Treating With Medication

One of the most common ways of treating children with autism is by using medication. Like many other chronic medical conditions, autism has given rise to a parade of so-called miracle cures. Up to this date no cure has been found for the underlying biological cause or causes of autism. Many medications have appeared to have dramatic effects in small numbers of children, only to be proven ineffective in larger, more objective trials.

Autism May Be Genetic

There are many parents who have children that have been diagosed with autism and it is a hard thing to deal with. There is one question that is on the minds of every single one of these parents, what causes autism? Unfortunately there are so many possible reasons, but doctors and researchers have not been able to determine exactly what the cause is.

What Is Autism?

Autism is a complex and 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, which impacts 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. One should keep in mind however, that autism is a spectrum disorder and it affects each individual differently and at varying degrees, this is why early diagnosis is so crucial. By learning the signs, a child can begin benefiting from one of the many specialized intervention programs.