Imagine living in a world that doesn’t completely reach you, and to which you can’t always respond. For many people who have autism, this great divide exists between their world and the reality outside of them.
Autism affects about 1 in 66 children. Children with autism usually display signs before the age of 2.
Autism is part of a group of developmental disorders called autism spectrum disorders (ASD), which includes 4 other disorders:
Autism is 3 to 4 times more likely to be diagnosed in boys than girls. People with autism may have learning disorders or some degree of intellectual disability.
Many factors may be connected to autism, but no conclusive causes have been found.
There is some evidence that some people with autism have structural and chemical differences in their brain.
Genetics may also be a factor. In studies of identical twins, if one has autism, there’s up to a 95% chance the other twin will have it as well. For siblings of a person with autism, chances of having the condition are higher than for the general population. Research has discovered autism risk genes.
Exposure to pollutants and toxins during fetal development may put the child at higher risk of developing ASD. As well as, other events that may occur before and during birth, such as low birth weight, maternal illness, birthing difficulties, and age of parents at conception.
Although the causes of autism are not fully understood, it is clear that vaccinations do not cause autism.
There’s no cure for autism. Medication may be used to reduce some of the symptoms, such as severe aggression or self-destructive behaviour. Because so little is understood about the causes of this disease, it’s not yet possible to develop specific medication treatments.
The most effective treatment available is behavioural intervention and modification. Programs are usually highly structured and focus on developing the child’s language and social skills. Therapy is most effective if it’s started at an early age. Along with psychiatric care, children with autism benefit from working with a multidisciplinary team consisting of parents, teachers, psychologists, speech pathologists, and occupational therapists. Individualized treatment based on each child’s needs is essential, along with sufficient access to a health care team.
Early treatment that’s maintained over a long period of time may prove beneficial and some children will improve their language and social skills as they progress to adulthood. The quality of life for individuals with autism can improve as communication is enhanced and daily experiences become more meaningful.
People with ASDs are often treated with medications, including stimulants and medications designed to treat depression, mood disorders, epilepsy, and other disorders of the brain. These drugs are used to help manage specific symptoms or behavioural problems.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2026. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Autism
Pharmasave uses cookies to provide a personalized experience, analyze traffic, improve site performance, and provide social media features. By using our site, you agree to our privacy policy.