Autism In Children
Article Source: HealthSnare.com
Your child doesn't seem to be developing as well as other children his age. When you speak his name, he doesn't respond. He might not be learning to talk, or make any gestures. He may refuse to make eye contact with anyone. He may pick a certain object and become fixated on it. Temper tantrums become a common occurrence in your home. Does any of this sound familiar? These are some of the symptoms of autism. While it may not be the case, your child is displaying autistic tendencies and it is best to speak with a medical professional if you have concerns.
Autism is a disorder that appears in the first 1 to 3 years of age. It affects the brain's ability to develop certain social and communication skills. What is called regressive autism may develop after 1 to 2 years of normal growth. Suddenly the child will appear to step back, or regress in development, often reverting to earlier years. He or she may stop communicating or interacting with others. They may suddenly become aggressive towards themselves or other people.
Autistic children are often more sensitive to certain things such as sights, sounds, and smells. They get very upset if any normal routine is changed. They may become unusually attached to certain objects. Repetitive body movement is another sign that behavior is not normal. Children who begin to exhibit these tendencies after a period of normal development should be examined by a specialist. You, as the parent, will be able to observe your child and fully explain to the doctor what it is that your child is doing that is causing you concern.
Many years ago, a child with a diagnosis of autism was left alone to develop as best as he or she could. The parents bore the brunt of the burden, and were often ashamed of the child. Unusual behavior was looked upon as a sign of mental retardation. Couples often blamed one another for the child being less than perfect, or refused to seek treatment, hoping the child would "grow" out of it. Left alone, autism only gets worse. If you suspect something is not right with your child, seek medical help as early as possible, because the sooner treatment begins, the better the outlook for a normal future.
Children with autism often have violent temper tantrums, a short or nonexistent attention span, and are either overactive or passive. They often have no empathy for others, and tend to view people as objects. They are susceptible to outbursts, and suffer from anxiety, compulsions, and irritability. See if there is any particular reason for the tantrum, or whether or not it just comes out of nowhere for no particular reason. These are things that you need to watch out for so that you can better communicate your concerns to the child's doctor.
Autism affects more children than statistics actually show. The number of children in therapy programs are unusually high, and professionals are actively seeking a reason for this. Some forms of autism are much milder than others, while some children are incapable of any normal functions. Your child will be evaluated on his or her individual capabilities. It's also interesting to know that boys develop autism more than girls. Again, no one actually knows why this is. Research continues into the causes of autism, and great strides are being made in treatment.
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Brent McNutt
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Date: Wed, 7 Jul 2010 Time: 3:16 AM
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