Autism

Definition
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is observable in early childhood with symptoms
of abnormal self-absorption, characterised by lack of response to other humans and by limited ability or
disinclination to communicate and socialize.

Symptoms
There is no medical test for diagnosing autism. Diagnosis is made after careful observation and
screening by parents, caregivers, and physicians. Early diagnosis is beneficial in treating the
symptoms of autism. Some early warning signs are:

1.

avoiding eye contact

avoiding physical contact such as hugs

inability to play make-believe

not pointing out interesting objects

not responding to conversation directed at him/her

practicing excessively repetitive behaviors

repeating words or phrases

loosing skills and/or language after learning them

Impairment in social interaction domain

marked impairment in the use of multiple non-verbal behaviours such as eye-to-eye gaze,
facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction
failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other
people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest)
lack of social or emotional reciprocity

2.
Impairment in Communication domain as manifested by at least one of the
following:
1

 delay in, or total lack of, the development of spoken language (not accompanied by an
attempt to compensate through alternative modes of communication such as gesture or
mime)
in individuals with adequate speech, marked impairment in the ability to initiate or
sustain a conversation with others.
stereotyped and repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic language
lack of varied, spontaneous make-believe play or social imitative play appropriate to
developmental level

Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and

activities, with at least one of the following
3.

An encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of

interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus
An apparently inflexible adherence to specific, non-functional routines or rituals
Stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting, or
complex whole-body movements)
Persistent preoccupation with parts of objects
4.

Delays or abnormal functioning in at least one of the following areas, with onset
prior to age 3 years:
social interaction,
language as used in social communication, or
symbolic or imaginative play (role playing or pretending

Causes
It has long been presumed that there is a common cause at the genetic, cognitive, and neural
levels for autism's characteristic triad of symptoms. However, there is increasing suspicion that autism is
instead a complex disorder whose core aspects have distinct causes that often co-occur. Environmental
factors that have been claimed to contribute to or exacerbate autism, or may be important in future
research, include certain foods, infectious disease, heavy metals, solvents, diesel exhaust, PCBs,
phthalates and phenols used in plastic products, pesticides, brominated flame retardants, alcohol,
smoking, illicit drugs, vaccines, and prenatal stress, although no links have been found, and some have
been completely disproven.

Treatment

There is no known cure for autism, but it is treatable. Many people with autism become more
responsive as they come to better understand the world. In most cases, treatment is provided in an
individualized program that focuses on behavior modification and skills development. Treatment also
may include medication to help control specific symptoms such as hyperactivity. Usually, a team of
specialists -- a psychologist, a special education teacher, a speech therapist, an occupational therapist, a
child development specialist, and trained aides -- is involved in treatment for an individual child.The
earlier treatment for autism begins, the better the child's chance of developing important skills.
Educational and behavioral treatment
Several educational and behavioral treatments are:

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

speech therapy

occupational therapy, including sensory integration therapy

social skills therapy, including play therapy

Typically, behavioral techniques are used to help the child respond and
decrease symptoms. This might include positive reinforcement to boost language
and social skills. This training includes structured, skill-oriented instruction designed
to improve social and language abilities. Training needs to begin as early as
possible, since early intervention appears to positively influence brain development.
Most autistic children respond to intervention at home as well as at school. Schools
focus on areas where the child may be delayed, such as in speech or socialization.
As autistic children grow and move to different phases of childhood and
adolescence, parents in collaboration with educators and physicians need to adapt
the treatment to best suit the needs of their autistic child.
No single medication treats symptoms of autism; however, some medications
have been used to combat specific needs in autistic children. Drugs can control
epilepsy, which afflicts up to 20% of people with autism. Medication can also treat
anxiety,
depression,
and
hyperactivity.
Five types of drugs are sometimes prescribed to help the behavior problems of
people with autism are:

stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin)

antidepressants, such as fluroxamine (Luvox)

opiate blockers, such as naltrexone (ReVia)

antipsychotics
3

tranquilizers

Alternative treatment
Many parents report success with megavitamin therapy. Some studies have
shown that vitamin B6 with magnesium improves eye contact and speech and
lessens tantrum behavior. Vitamin B6 causes fewer side effects than other
medications and is considered safe when used in appropriate doses. However, not
many health practitioners advocate its use in the treatment of autism, citing that
the studies showing its benefit were flawed.
DMG (dimethylglycine)
This compound, available in many health food stores, is legally classified as a
food, not a vitamin or drug. Some researchers claim that it improves speech in
children with autism. Those who respond to this treatment will usually do so within a
week. Again, many doctors do not feel that the studies are adequate to promote
this treatment.
Diet
Many parents have seen beneficial affects from a gluten-free and casein-free
diet. Gluten is a substance found in the seeds of cereal plants such as wheat,
barley, oats, and rye. Casein is a protein found in milk. Often people have allergies
to these substances without realizing it. Many foods have these substances as an
ingredient; however, there is a growing number of gluten-free and casein-free foods
available for people that would like to eliminate them from their diets.
Exercise
One researcher found that vigorous exercise (20 minutes or longer, three or
four days a week) seems to decrease hyperactivity, aggression, self-injury and other
autistic symptoms.

Key Terms
Antidepressants
A type of medication that is used to treat depression; it is also sometimes
used to treat autism.
4

Asperger syndrome
Children who have autistic behavior but no problems with language and no
clinically significant cognitive delay.

Encephalitis
A rare inflammation of the brain caused by a viral infection. It has been linked
to the development of autism.

Fragile X syndrome
A genetic condition related to the X chromosome that affects mental, physical
and sensory development.

Major tranquilizers
The family of drugs that includes the psychotropic or neuroleptic drugs,
sometimes used to help autistic people. They carry significant risk of side
effects, including Parkinsonism and movement disorders, and should be
prescribed with caution.

Opiate blockers
A type of drug that blocks the effects of natural opiates in the system. This
makes some people, including some people with autism, appear more
responsive to their environment.

Phenylketonuria (PKU)
An enzyme deficiency present at birth that disrupts metabolism and causes
brain damage. This rare inherited defect may be linked to the development of
autism.

Rubella

Also known as German measles. When a woman contracts rubella during

pregnancy, her developing infant may be damaged. One of the problems that
may result is autism.

Stimulants
A class of drugs, including Ritalin, used to treat people with autism. They may
make children calmer and better able to concentrate, but they also may limit
growth or have other side effects.

Tuberous sclerosis
A genetic disease that causes skin problems, seizures, and mental
retardation. Autism occurs more often in individuals with tuberous sclerosis.