Friday, January 25, 2013

Autism Treatment

Autism is defined as a condition which causes serious developmental disorders called autism spectrum disorders (ASD) that occur in early childhood generally before the age three. All autism disorders act on a child's ability to interact and communicate  with others.


The number of children suffering from autism appears to be increasing. It is not obvious whether this is due to better diagnosed and reporting of autism, a real increase in the number of cases, or both.  While there is no proper treatment for autism, early treatment can be beneficent and make a big difference in the lives of many children suffering from the disorder. Kids having autism usually have problems in three crucial areas of development which are social interaction, language and behavior.


But because of the reason autism symptoms alter greatly, two children with the same disorder may behave quite differently and have exceptionally different skills. In most cases severe autism is considered a complete inability to communicate or interact with others.


Few children show symptoms of autism in infancy. Other children may grow up normally for the first few months or years of life, but then suddenly become aloof, become aggressive or reduced language skills which they have already obtained. Even though each child having autism is likely to have a particular pattern of behavior, following are some usual autism symptoms:

Behavior
  • Performs repetitive movements like hand-flapping.
  • Develops particular routines or rituals.
  • Becomes bother even due to the slightest change in routine.
  • Moves persistently.
  • Maybe fascinated by parts of an object like the spinning wheels of a toy car.
  • Maybe uncommonly sensitive to light, sound and touch and yet oblivious to pain.
Language
  • Starts speaking after the age of two, and has other developmental delays by 30 months
  • Loses previously obtained ability to say words.
  • Doesn't make eye contact when talking with others
  • Speaks with an abnormal tone and may use a singsong voice or robot-like speech
  • Can't start a conversation or keep one going
Social skills
  • Fails to respond to their name
  • Has poor eye contact
  • Found not to hear you at times
  • Found unaware of others' feelings
  • Seems to prefer playing alone
  • Autism does not have any single, known cause. Following are the main causes
Environmental factors
Several health problems are due to both genetic and environmental factors autism is also caused by both. Analyzers are currently exploring whether viral infections and air pollutants are playing a role in triggering autism.

Genetic problems
Several no of genes appear to be involved in autism. Some may make a child more exposed to the disorder; others act on the brain development or the way brain cells communicate.

Treatment options
There is no treatment for autism. The series of home-based and school-based treatments for autism can be overwhelming. Treatment options are include the following:

Behavior and communication therapies
Several programs have been established to address the series of social, behavioral and language  difficulties correlated with autism. Some programs aim on decreasing problem behaviors and teaching new skills. Other programs aim on teaching children how to behave in social situations or how to communicate with other people. Even though children do not always outgrow autism, they may determine to function well with the disorder.

Educational therapies
Children suffering from autism mostly respond well to highly structured education programs. Successful programs usually include a team of specialists and a variety of activities to enhance social skills, behavior and communication. Preschool children who get intensive, individualized behavioral activities show well progress.

Medications
There is no medicine which can improve the key signs of autism, but certain medications can help in controlling symptoms. Antidepressants may be advised for anxiety, for instance, and anti-psychotic drugs are sometimes used to cure severe behavioral problems.

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