Autism: What You Should Know

Today, it seems that more and more children are being diagnosed with autism. Currently, "three to six out of every 1,000" American children are diagnosed with autism. Though the cause of this brain condition remains unclear, scientific studies continue to determine which factors contribute to the development of autism. Early detection of symptoms associated with autism is vital to developing and implementing the most effective and appropriate program for children with autism.

What is Autism?

Autism is a brain condition which prevents the various areas of the brain from working in conjunction with one another. Often, the condition impairs an individual's ability to relate with others, regulate emotional and physical responses, and understand social cues.

The symptoms of autism

A diagnosis can be made early, even before age three, if parents are aware of the symptoms of the condition. Delayed speech, failure to respond to surroundings and other people, solitary play, and engaging in the same activity repeatedly are symptoms that warrant a doctor's visit. The symptoms of autism are many and vary in severity. Therefore, it is essential that parents become educated on autism and other brain conditions which may affect their child's development.

Diagnosing autism

Getting an early diagnosis of Autism is vital to developing the most appropriate treatment or management program. Early diagnosis can lead to better social inclusion, academic achievement, and self-management abilities. When visiting your child's doctor with concerns of autism, your doctor will consider and investigate other possible medical conditions which may also have the symptoms presented and these three major categories of development: responses to social situations and interactions in social situations, communication abilities, and how varied your child's interests are.

The cause of Autism

The cause of autism is unclear and the dialogue concerning the cause of the condition is controversial. Some scientific studies suggest that there is a genetic component since autism seems to run in families. Studies are ongoing to determine which genes might be responsible for the development of autism. Some people hold fast to the belief that autism is caused by chemical ingredients in vaccinations. Studies do not show that there is a viable correlation between vaccinations administered during childhood and a diagnosis of autism. Other possible medical and environmental connections with autism are currently being studied.

Treating autism

Autism can severely impact a person's ability to function socially. Therefore, treatment programs for autism include social skills education, behavioral intervention based on positive reinforcement, speech and language therapy, and depending on the severity and extent to which development is inhibited, medications may be prescribed.

Support for families affected by autism

There is a wealth of resources available to individuals with questions regarding autism. If you, your family member, or friend is affected by autism, it is advisable to reach out for support. Search the internet for social groups and websites directed at bringing the autism community together to discuss news and information relevant to the condition. Consult with your child's physician for support groups. Talk with your child's school psychologist for more information about a program specific to your child. Special education programs catering to your child will be all the more effective and appropriate with your regular communication and involvement. As someone who currently works with children having autism and autistic like behaviors, you help your child's chances of success if you and your child's teacher are on the same page. Utilizing techniques that your child's teacher or interventionist uses will help your child generalize and apply social, behavioral and language lessons in a wider range of settings.

Resources:

Autism. WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/autism-topic-overview

Autism. MayoClinic. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/autism/DS00348