Dealing with Adult Autism

Adults with autism are very special people who require lots of special love and attention. They are very gifted people with extraordinary souls, brilliant minds and hearts made of gold. But oftentimes because of the disease, it's hard to find a clear path through the fog to see the real person hiding behind the autism. Sometimes getting to truly know someone with autism is like trying to find our way through the dark. If you're lucky enough to find your way through the darkness you'll find a way to survive that works for you, if not then you try something else.

Autism is an illness and adults who must battle the symptoms of autism on a daily basis must adhere to new ideas of the 'normal' way of doing things. Autism is an illness that not only effects those who suffer from it but also their family. It presents a whole unique set of challenges for everyone, challenges that must be overcome. Adult autism isn't something that is suddenly thrust upon you when you turn 18, oftentimes the signs have been there since you were a little child. So hopefully by the time you become an adult your autism has been diagnosed and is being treated. Every person who has autism is unique, each one dealing with their own unique set of conditions. This is because autism is a spectrum disease and there are varying degrees of autism, you can be a little autistic or extremely autistic. However, there is an array of problems that are common among those who suffer from autism. Such as seizures, mental illness, retardation and gastrointestinal problems. Doctors aren't really sure why these conditions seem to plague those who suffer from autism. But they do suggest that they may be indicators of different kinds of autism.

A common factor among those who suffer from autism are very advanced delays in social skills. They are seldom able to have a conversation with anyone and avoid eye contact at all times. They also have a very low level of emotional understanding or empathy with others. Oftentimes, this leads to them having many problems relating to other people just because they cannot connect on certain levels. Because they do not know how to relate their feelings to others, their activities and interests are severely limited. They also experience increased delays in their gross motor skills.Many of those who suffer from adult autism are extremely sensitive to bright light, loud sounds, crowds of people and many other forms of external stimuli. Sometimes you may notice them covering their ears, yelling and rocking as if they are frightened, especially during circumstances where they are over stimulated. This is a defense mechanism that they use to block out the offending stimulation and comforts themselves. People who suffer from autism have also been known to show many forms of compulsive or repetitive behaviors. They are very withdrawn and do not like verbal communication so they tend to avoid those situations where talk is needed or required, hence they have very few friends. Most cases of autism are spotted at a very young age. Only a specialist can make the diagnosis, and that is only after a series of tests are done.

Fragile X syndrome or Martin Bell syndrome has been known to be the most common cause of autism. It occurs in 1 in 4000 males and 1 in 6 to 8000 females. Fragile X is caused by a mutation in the gene on the X chromosome that interferes with the proteins needed for brain development during the gestational period. Which then causes changes in every cell in the effected persons body, which can lead to a number of developmental delays. Fragile X is a hereditary genetic disorder but often doesn't manifest itself in many generations and in others may show up as a full mutation. There are many tests that physicians may do in order to determine if someone suffers from autism. The first step in having someone diagnosed with autism is contacting the primary care physician of your loved one. Or communicating with them and deciding on a course of action together. A licensed professional is able to administer a test which consists of 93 items that delve into the behaviors of the patient in 3 critical areas:

1. Communication and language
2. Social interaction
3. Repetitive and obsessive behaviors

After the tests are completed the physician will use a scoring system to determine the appropriate autism disorder diagnosis. Autism treatments are very complex and the treatment methods chosen depends entirely on the patient and the extent of their autism behaviors. One of the most popular approaches is applied behavioral analysis. This consists of the fundamental elements of breaking tasks down into small steps and rewarding each one at its completion. This has been shown to work well in kids as well as adults. Sensory Integration is another chosen method used by physicians to treat autism. Self stimulating behaviors, or engaging in activities where there various senses are used for extended periods of time, helps the individual to regulate themselves. This enables the person who suffers from adult autism to engage in many activities with fewer distractions. There are also other, more controversial treatment methods available. You will need to discuss all of your options with your physician before deciding on what is right for you.

Chelation therapy is a very controversial, not proven method of treating autism. Chelation treatments remove mercury from the body. Some people believe that mercury exposure, such as received from vaccinations during childhood, can cause autism, however there has been no scientific proof of that. The percentages of adults with autism are staggering. We are all willing to fight for those we love. To make sure that they have access to every possible benefit, every intervention, every resource available to them, so that they are able to lead productive lives in society. There are many celebrities and famous people who have lived with and joined the fight for autism. Jane Austen is one of those people. An 18th century novelist, she lived with autism and in spite of that, went on to write many famous novels throughout her lifetime. Emily Dickenson also suffered from autism and wrote many beautiful poems that are famous even today. Some other celebrities who suffered from autism, Bill Gates, Vice President Al Gore and the late Michael Jackson. There are many resources available to support those who suffer from autism, www.autismsociety.org/,www.autismsupportnetwork.com and www.autismlink.com/services/index/state:sc/service_support_type_id:142, are just a few. Search any of these sites for information and resources which support those adults who suffer from autism.