Autism

Autism is not a disease but a brain disorder that typically affects a person's ability to communicate, impairs social interaction, and severely limits activities and interests. Some people with autism are relatively high functioning, with speech and intelligence intact. Others are mentally retarded, mute, or have serious language delays. Over one half million people in the U.S. today have autism or a related disorder. Its prevalence rate makes autism one of the most common developmental disabilities. Symptoms of autism usually appear within the first three years of childhood and continue throughout life. It affects about five children per 10,000. Autism strikes males about four times as often as females, and has been found throughout the world in people of all racial and social backgrounds. Autism varies a great deal in severity. The most severe cases are marked by extremely repetitive, unusual, self-injurious, and aggressive behavior. This behavior may persist over time and prove very difficult to change, posing a tremendous challenge to those who must live with, treat, and teach these individuals. The mildest forms of autism resemble a personality disorder associated with a perceived learning disability.

People with autism have difficulties with all three areas outlined below. The number and intensity of the symptoms may change with time and will also differ in each individual. 

Communication :

There is no known prevention of autism.

The causes of autism are still not clearly understood, although it is known that autism is a biological brain disorder. Researchers believe several genes, as well as environmental factors such as viruses or chemicals, contribute to the disorder. Recent studies strongly suggest that some people have a genetic predisposition to autism. For example, there is a greater likelihood that two monozygotic twins will have autism than two dizygotic twins. In families with one autistic child, the risk of having a second child with the disorder is approximately five percent, which is greater than the risk for the general population. Some researchers speculate that three to five genes will likely be associated with autism. There is also evidence that the genetic link to autism may be a weakened or compromised immune system. Other research has shown that depression and/or dyslexia are quite common in one or both sides of the family when autism is present. Researchers have located several brain abnormalities in individuals with autism. These abnormalities can be classified into two types__dysfunctions in the neural structure of the brain and abnormal biochemistry of the brain. The abnormalities in the brain include the cerebellum, amygdala, hippocampus, septum, and mamillary bodies. Neurons in these regions appear smaller than normal and have stunted nerve fibers, which may interfere with nerve signaling. These abnormalities suggest that autism results from disruption of normal brain development early in fetal development. With respect to biochemistry, many autistic individuals have elevated levels of serotonin in their blood and cerebral spinal fluid, whereas others have relatively low levels of serotonin. It should be mentioned that other disorders, such as Down’s Syndrome, Attention Deficit/hyperactivity Disorder, and unipolar depression are also associated with abnormal levels of serotonin. There is also evidence that some autistic individuals have elevated levels of beta-endorphins, an endogenous opiate-like substance in the body. It is felt that those individuals who have an increased pain tolerance may likely be due to elevated levels of beta-endorphins. A dysfunctional immune system has also been associated with autism. It is thought that a viral infection or an environmental toxin may be responsible for damaging the immune system. As mentioned above, there is also evidence of a genetic association to a compromised immune system. Researchers have found that many autistic individuals have a decreased number of helper t-cells which help the immune system fight infection. There is also evidence that a virus can cause autism. There is an increased risk in having an autistic child after exposure to rubella during the first trimester of the pregnancy. Additionally, there is also a growing concern that viruses associated with vaccinations, such as the measles component of the MMR vaccine and the pertussis component of the DPT shot, may cause autism. There is growing concern that toxins and pollution in the environment can also lead to autism. There is a high prevalence of autism in the small town of Leomenster, Massachusetts, where a factory manufacturing sunglasses was once located. Interestingly, the highest proportion of autism cases were found in the areas down-wind from the factory smokestacks.

The diagnosis of autism is done through its symptoms.

There is some evidence to suggest some link between food additives/preservatives and mental function. Any food sensitivities should be investigated. Avoiding culprit foods like dairy products, nuts, wheat, eggs, etc. is recommended.

• Make sure regular exercise is a part of daily activities, not only for physical stamina, but also to release stress and to boost brain cell oxygenation.
• Try to provide small meals to the body throughout the day to keep the blood pressure level steady.
• Creating and maintaining a standardized schedule of daily activities helps to create a sense of security and calmness.
• Find something that interests this individual and try to develop it as much as possible. Puzzles, mechanical put-togethers, or activities with repetitive tasks may be helpful.
• Computers can be lifesavers for autistic children. Various programs can help to channelize energy and teach focusing skills.
• If capable, giving the child a pet to take care of can teach responsibility, increased affection and the ability to focus.

Autism can be one of the most heartbreaking conditions a parent may have to face. All of the natural parental instincts which can center on physical touch, expression of affection, communication, teaching etc. must be modified with an autistic child. The unique way in which your child relates to you must not be taken as rejection. The power of love and prayer should not be minimized when it comes to disorders like autism.