AUTISM

INTRODUCTION

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. three different types of ASDs: Autistic Disorder - People with autistic disorder usually have significant language delays, social and communication challenges, and unusual behaviors and interests. Asperger Syndrome - People with Asperger syndrome usually have some milder symptoms of autistic disorder. Pervasive Developmental Disorder -People who meet some of the criteria for autistic disorder or Asperger syndrome, but not all, may be diagnosed with PDD.

HISTORY

Eugene Bleuler-considered autism to be another form of schizophrenia. Dr. Leo Kanner- credited with recognizing autism as its own unique mental disorder. Dr. Hans Asperger-best known in the history of autism for defining Asperger Syndrome is a specific type of high functioning autism. Dr. Bruno Bettelhiem -developed his own theories on autism and is best known for his theory of the refrigerator mother.

CAUSES

Genetic problems - A number of genes 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. - Each problem in genes may account for a small number of cases, but taken together, the influence of genes may be substantial. - Some genetic problems seem to be inherited, whereas others happen spontaneously.

Environmental factors - Researchers are currently exploring whether viral infections and air pollutants, for example, play a role in triggering autism. - One of the greatest controversies in autism is centered on whether a link exists between autism and certain childhood vaccines, particularly the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine

SYMPTOMS

An individual with Autism usually has a pattern of several symptoms rather than just one symptom. Symptoms usually occur during childhood and can continue through adulthood.
Some symptoms, for instance : - Showing less attention and reaction to stimuli than other people - Not smiling - Looking at others or using eye contact with others. - Quite often, individuals with autism are quite intelligent but have few ways to show their intelligence. - Have special abilities ranging from memorization of facts, unique use of computers, and even being a prodigy at music, art or in other areas.

At least half of parents notice their childs Autistic symptoms by 18 months and more parents are aware of these symptoms by 24 months of age. Symptoms that a majority of parents have reported include: no babbling or baby talk by age 12 months no pointing or waving such as waving goodbye by 12 months not trying to say single or individual words by 12 months no two-word combinations especially spontaneously by 24 months any loss of language or social skills at any age.

TREATMENT

Specialized therapies include speech, occupational, and physical therapy. speech therapy can help a child with autism improve language and social skills to communicate more effectively. Occupational and physical therapy can help improve any deficiencies in coordination and motor skills.
Medicine to treat related conditions and problem behaviors. Community support and parent training Talk to your doctor or contact an advocacy group for support and training.

Alternative therapies (secretin and auditory integration training) have circulated in the media and other information sources.

CONCLUSION

Although autism is probably present from birth, or very soon after, its nature means that the specific disorders of developmental progression will not necessarily be apparent for many months or even years. About two-thirds have additional learning difficulties and their unusual behaviour patterns may be ascribed to an overall developmental delay. Conversely, autism may be overlooked in children with average and above-average mental ability. Gillberg suggests that the diagnosis of autism should specify additional features such as severity, cognitive level, clinical traits and associated medical conditions. There are many studies that are carried out to examine the dose range and regimen of medications, and their mechanisms of action, safety, efficacy, and effects on cognition, behavior, and development of an autism patient.
Therefore, we should always look out for the symptoms and be aware of the treatments provided.

REFERENCE

1) Simon Baron-Cohen, Patrick Bolton (1993). Autism: the facts 2) Marlene Targ Brill (2008). Autism 3) Michael D. Powers (1989). Children with autism: a parents guide 4) About autism. http://books.google.com/books?id=3JCvMGAjGL4C&pg=PA7&dq=WHAT+IS+AUTIS M&hl=en&ei=i8xlToaUBc_HrQfht9GMCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnu m=10&ved=0CFoQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=WHAT%20IS%20AUTISM&f=false

5) Causes and symptoms of autism http://books.google.com/books?id=3fT8M2KBkL4C&pg=PA139&dq=causes+and+s ymptoms+for+autism&hl=en&ei=Yc1lTu_NM43trQe6r_yfCg&sa=X&oi=book_result &ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CD4Q6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=causes%20and%20sy mptoms%20for%20autism&f=false 6) Mechanism of autism http://www.alternativetherapies.com/resources/web_pdfs/recent/1108_blaylock.pdf

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