Autism Symptoms and Autism Signs
Definition:
Autism is the name given to a set of disorders called Pervasive Development Disorders. The disorders are neural development disorders (brain disorders). There is no known cure for autism however it can be treated. Once diagnosed there are many services and supports available to ensure that people with autism can lead full and healthy lives.
There are five recognized disorders on the autism spectrum (ASD)
- Autism
- Asperger’s Syndrome
- Pervasive Development Disorder – Not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)
- Rett Syndrome
- Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
Causes:
The cause of autism is unknown. Plenty of research is being carried out into the possible causes but there is no concrete evidence on any front as yet. The majority of cases of autism are classified as case unknown (idiopathic).
Symptoms :
Signs of autism can start to present anywhere from the age of 6 months old to about 2 years age. Initially an infant can appear to be developing normally but will then regress.
Every diagnosis on the autism scale is unique. The disorders all have elements in common that fall under 3 umbrella categories but no one person presents in exactly the same manner. The main categories are:
FAQ:
Does my child have autism?
If your child displays some or all of the following symptoms then you should contact your doctor immediately so that a proper diagnosis can be made:
- A lack of language or a delay in starting to speak
- Repetitive mannerisms and/or the repetitive use of language
- Little or no eye contact
- No interest or very little in interacting with other children
- Fixation on particular objects
There are other medical conditions which can accompany autism:
- Epilepsy
- Genetic Disorders – Fragile X Syndrome, Angelman’s Syndrome, Tuberous Sclerosis, Chromosome 15 Duplication Syndrome
- Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Sleep Dysfunction
- Sensory Integration Dysfunction – hyposensitivity of any of the senses
- Pica – the eating of non-food items
- Anxiety disorders
Can homeopathy reverse autism?
There is no scientific proof that homeopathy can reverse autism. There is no known cure for autism. It is treatable and with the right support and services in place quality of life can be greatly enhanced. There are debates over the use of special diets. The exclusion of Gluten and Casein from a child’s diet together with the use of vitamin and mineral supplements (Vitamin B6 and Magnesium) has been shown to help in some cases. Research is ongoing in this area as some there is some doubt over the benefits of removing Casein from the diet as it affects bone structure.
How to detect autism in an infant?
It is not easy to detect autism in an infant because in most cases the symptoms are not apparent until the ages of between 6-24 months. In fact it is not unheard of for the child to appear to develop normally and then regress.
Every child develops at different paces in in different orders so it can be very difficult to determine what is natural progression or lack of it versus a development disorder.
You should generally be concerned and seek immediate medical if any of the following conditions arise:
- No gabbling by 12 months.
- No pointing, waving goodbye and so on by 12 months.
- No single words by 16 months.
- No two-word spontaneous phrases by 24 months.
- Any regression of language or social skills at any age.
Is autism genetic?
It is believed that there is a genetic element to autism but it is not as simple a single gene mutation or chromosome abnormality. Scientist have yet to discover exactly what the mutations are or which common variants might interact to cause the disorder.
There are also a host of potential environmental issues that are suspected of having an effect on autism but as yet no links between any of them have been proven.
Autism Resources and Organizations:
http://www.autism-society.org/
http://www.autismspeaks.org
http://www.autism.com/
| © 2012