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What is Autism: Overview
 Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder (immunological, gastro-intestinal and neurological dysfunction), resulting in developmental disability. It typically appears in the first two to three years of life.
Also known as a pervasive developmental or spectrum disorder, the symptoms and characteristics of autism can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations, from mild to severe.
Characteristics of Autism
Although autism is defined by the presence of a certain set of behaviors, it typically presents as the lack of communication, repetitive behavior and lack of socialization. Children and adults can exhibit any combination of the behaviors in any degree of severity. Two children, both with the same diagnosis, can act very differently from one another and have varying skills.
- People with autism process and respond to information in unique ways.
In some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior may be present.
- Forty percent of individuals with autism do not have speech.
They may have difficulty expressing their needs, using gestures, or pointing instead of words.
They may laugh or cry, showing distress for no reason apparent to others.
- Persons with autism may be resistant to change.
- Persons with autism often prefer to be alone.
- They may display tantrums.
- They often have difficulty interacting with others, especially their peers.
- Children with autism may not want to cuddle or be cuddled.
Imagine having a child who does not want you to hug him.
Imagine a child who never spontaneously tells you that he loves you.
- Persons with autism frequently make little or no eye contact.
- They will not respond to normal teaching methods, they may have odd play habits, and frequently spin objects.
- Many have sensory integration issues-over or under sensitivity to pain.
They may not understand the need to fear danger.
Imagine your child wandering away from school and walking out on a highway.
This happened recently in the Washington area.
- Children with autism may often first appear to be deaf because they do not respond to verbal cues.
In fact, the first diagnosis a child with autism receives is generally a speech or language delay.
Onset of Autism
There are certainly children who have symptoms autism early. They have what can be called "classical autism." There are, however, a number of children who are growing normally and then acquire autism. It is sometimes called "atypical autism" or "late-onset" autism.
Causes of Autism
There are those who believe that there is a genetic component to autism, but genetics is not the only issue.
- Many children seem to have severe food sensitivities, particularly to gluten and casein, ingredients in the most common foods, dairy and wheat.
- Many of these children show signs of autism shortly after receiving their immunizations.
- Some of these children suffer from heavy metal toxicities. When tested they have abnormally high amounts of aluminum and in particular, mercury. How did they get this overload of mercury in their body? Is it vaccines? Environment?
Treatment(s) of Autism
Currently there is no consensus on the treatment or causes.
However, there are a number of strategies that are employed to enhance the ability of the child to communicate with the world around them. The current strategies include behavioral intervention programs and biomedical strategies.
The behavioral intervention programs include Applied Behavioral Analysis program, occupational, speech and physical therapies, among others. The biomedical strategies include dietary modification, nutritional supplementation, and pharmacological therapies (such medications for psychiatric behaviors, gastrointestinal, immunological and neurological symptoms).
While there is no consensus, the use of both the behavioral and biomedical intervention allows the restoration of body function of the child. There are a number of children who have lost their diagnosis as a result.
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