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What is Autism?
Autism has no single, known cause. Given the complexity of the disease, the range of autistic disorders and the fact that no two children with autism are alike, it's probable that there are many causes. These may include: Genetic errors. Researchers have discovered a number of genes that appear to be involved in autism. Some may make a child more susceptible to the disorder; others affect brain development or the way brain cells communicate. Still others may determine the severity of symptoms. Each genetic error may account for a small number of cases, but taken together, the influence of genes may be substantial. Some genetic errors seem to be inherited, whereas others occur spontaneously....
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Also known as asd, pdd, autistic spectrum disorder, pervasive developmental disorder, Autistic Disorder, Infantile Autism, Autistic Disorders
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Autism information from trusted sources:
AAP CHILDREN'S HEALTH TOPICS: AUTISM
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of related developmental disabilities, caused by a problem with the brain, that affect a child's behavior , ... Read more on
www.aap.org
Autism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Autism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. ... Read more on
en.wikipedia.org
Autism-Symptoms
May 19, 2008 ... People with autism have some varying core symptoms in the areas of social interactions and relationships. Read more on
www.webmd.com
Autism
Autism is a complex disorder of the central nervous system that has the following 3 defining core features:Problems with social interactionsImpaired verbal and nonverbal communicationA pattern of repetitive behavior with narrow, restricted interests A number of other associated symptoms frequently coexist with autism. Most people with autism have problems using language, forming relationships, and appropriately interpreting and responding to the external world around them. Autism is a behaviorally defined neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in early childhood. Although the diagnosis of autism may not be made until a child reaches preschool or school age, the signs and symptoms of autism may be apparent by the time the child is aged 12-18 months, and the behavioral characteristics of autism are almost always evident by the time the child is aged 3 years. Language delay in the preschool years (younger than 5 years) is typically the presenting problem for more severely affected children with autism. Higher functioning children with autism are generally identified with behavioral problems when they are aged approximately 4-5 years or with social problems later in childhood. Autism persists throughout the person's lifetime, although many people are able to learn to control and modify their behavior to some extent. Read more on
www.emedicinehealth.com
Autism Information
Autism - or more precisely the autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) - represents a broad group of developmental disorders characterized by impaired social ... Read more on
www.hhs.gov
Autism Society of America:
The primary mission of ASAF is to raise and allocate funds to address the many unanswered questions about autism. ASAF sponsors work as diverse as the ... Read more on
www.autism-society.org
Autism: Responding to Parents Questions and Concerns about ...
Vaccine Concerns and Autism web section provides medical professionals with background information and practical resources that will help them discuss ... Read more on
www.immunize.org
Symptoms of Autism - What Are the Symptoms of Autism
Nov 29, 2010 ... What are the symptoms of autism? Autistic people may have a range of symptoms, including physical, intellectual, psychological and emotional ... Read more on
autism.about.com
Autism
Autism is a developmental disorder that affects the brain and can make communicating and interacting with other people difficult. Find out more. Read more on
kidshealth.org
The Child With Autism | American Academy of Child & Adolescent ...
Autism is usually identified by the time a child is 30 months old. It is often discovered when parents become concerned that their child may be deaf, ... Read more on
aacap.org
Contents
Coping and support
Raising a child with autism can be physically exhausting and emotionally draining. These ideas may help: Find a team of trusted professionals. You'll need to make important decisions about your child's education and treatment. Find a team of teachers and therapists who can help evaluate the options in your area and explain the federal regulations regarding children with disabilities. Make certain this team includes a case manager or service coordinator, who can help access financial services and government programs. Take time for yourself and other family members. Caring for a child with autism can be a round-the-clock job that puts stress on your marriage and your whole family. To avoid...
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www.mayoclinic.com
Exams and Tests
All children should have routine developmental exams done by their pediatrician. Further testing may be needed if the doctor or parents are concerned. This is particularly true if a child fails to meet any of the following language milestones:Babbling by 12 months; Gesturing (pointing, waving bye-bye) by 12 months; Saying single words by 16 months; Saying two-word spontaneous phrases by 24 months (not just echoing); Losing any language or social skills at any age; Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised (ADI-R); Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS); Childhood Autism rating Scale (CARS); Gilliam Autism Rating Scale; Pervasive Developmental Disorders Screening Test - Stage 3; Communication; Language; Motor skills; Speech; Success at school; Thinking abilities
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www.nlm.nih.gov
Medical advice
Babies develop at their own pace, and many don't follow exact timelines found in some parenting books. But children with autism usually show some signs of delayed development by 18 months. If you suspect that your child may have autism, discuss your concerns with your doctor. The earlier treatment begins, the more effective it will be.
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www.mayoclinic.com
Outlook (Prognosis)
Autism remains a challenging condition for children and their families, but the outlook today is much better than it was a generation ago. At that time, most people with autism were placed in institutions.
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www.nlm.nih.gov
Possible Complications
Autism can be associated with other disorders that affect the brain, such as: Fragile X syndrome ; Mental retardation ; Tuberous sclerosis
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www.nlm.nih.gov
Risk factors
Autism affects children of all races and nationalities, but certain factors are known to increase a child's risk. They include: Your child's sex. Studies show that boys are three to four times more likely to develop autism than girls are. Family history. Families who have one child with autism have an increased risk of having another child with the disorder. It's also not uncommon for the parents or relatives of an autistic child to have minor problems with social or communication skills themselves or to engage in certain autistic behaviors. Other disorders. Children with certain medical conditions have a higher than normal risk of having autism. These conditions include fragile X syndrome,...
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Support Groups
For organizations that can provide additional information and help on autism, see autism resources.
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www.nlm.nih.gov
Symptoms
Children with autism generally have problems in three crucial areas of development social interaction, language and behavior. But because the symptoms of autism vary greatly, two children with the same diagnosis may act quite differently and have strikingly different skills. In most cases, though, the most severe autism is marked by a complete inability to communicate or interact with other people.
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www.mayoclinic.com
Tests and diagnosis
Your child's doctor will look for signs of developmental delays at regular checkups. If your child shows some signs of autism, you may be referred to a specialist in treating children with autism. This specialist, working with a team of professionals, can perform a formal evaluation for the disorder.
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Treatments and drugs
No cure exists for autism, and there is no "one-size-fits-all" treatment. In fact, the range of home-based and school-based treatments and interventions for autism can be overwhelming.
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www.mayoclinic.com