Autism is a developmental disorder that appears before the age of three. Though autism can affect any race, gender and socio-economic level, The National Autism Association says that it is diagnosed in boys four times more than girls. This illness impacts social interaction, communication skills and cognitive function. Many children with autism are extremely restricted in their ability to communicate; they're often socially limited and have difficulty with normal leisure and play.
Symptoms
There is a broad range of autistic symptoms. In the most severe cases, an individual appears to be detached from people, conversations and actions around him. Many autistic people have very limited ability to speak and were delayed in learning speak. Often they are unable to have intimate relationships. The good news about autism is that it is not believed to affect life expectancy. The bad news is that there is no known cure. As professionals begin to understand autism more, they're starting to identify ways to reduce some symptoms and change behavior patterns.
Medical Checkups
Before a person with autism can have her individual needs addressed, like anyone else, she needs to have regular medical checkups. This does not seem to be happening, however. A University of Minnesota Medical School study has shown that compared to other children with special needs, autistic children are not receiving the equivalent quality medical care as determined necessary by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Without this fundamental care, a treatment plan to reduce autistic characteristics is severely affected.
Medical Interventions
An article published in "Psychiatric Times" indicates that kids with autism need interventions that are different from those required by other special-needs children. Medications help improve treatment results. "When cooperative, attentional and social skills improve, children may be ready for more intensive speech and communication therapy, which can include a wide range of goals, from the use of sign language and picture communication to higher levels of verbal interactions."
Medications
Autistic individuals cannot control their behavior with the same therapies that healthy people use, like cognitive talk therapy. Anger and anxiety can be dangerous to someone with autism, as well as the people around him. Antidepressants are used to help patients who have obsessive-compulsive disorder or anxiety. Doctors prescribe anti-psychotic medications for those who cannot control outbursts of anger. For those who are impulsive and hyperactive, doctors use the same stimulant drugs prescribed to people with attention deficit disorder.
Treatment Options
Parents must realize that not one treatment works for every child. And most children need a combination of different therapies to address different manifestations of their disorder. While some kids respond well to diet changes, others do not. Some individuals will do well with speech therapy while other kids prefer signing. Psychiatrists, social workers, neurologists and your child's pediatrician can work together to decide what is best for your child. Some therapies that the National Autism Association recommends are behavior modification; occupational, speech and physical therapy; dietary intervention; and canine companions.
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