| Autism is a disease thought to be primarily genetic. It | | | | communication and average speech progression as |
| is a highly researched disorder, however not much is | | | | early as one year. Regressive autism will restrict social |
| understood about how it arises. Some theories have | | | | growth where the child may even quit communication |
| concluded that it is mainly genetic with some | | | | altogether. His speech may recede as he ages to |
| environmental factors exacerbating the disorder. | | | | where he no longer socializes with family. |
| Autism is thought to be triggered also by vaccines, | | | | |
| mercury, and other toxins in food or water. Autism is | | | | There is no clear method of managing a child with |
| a brain disorder that affects many parts of the brain, | | | | autism, however proper therapy and medical |
| and it is associated with many different parts of our | | | | assistance is detrimental to the child's development. |
| genetic code. Although the science behind the disease | | | | The goal of mental therapy for autism is to |
| is poorly understood, research has developed | | | | effectively correct certain behaviors and allow him to |
| methods to identify autism and patterns to manage | | | | develop social and communication skills. Certain |
| children. | | | | psychological models have been developed by |
| | | | | research scientists such as applied behavioral analysis, |
| Autism generally presents itself within the first few | | | | structured teaching, and occupational therapy. |
| years of child development. Even early stages of | | | | |
| autism show signs of behavioral and social disabilities. | | | | For some parents, medical treatment is a viable |
| Social interest is practically diminished while repetitive | | | | option to help with managing autistic children. |
| behavior consumes the child's activities. A child's | | | | Medications for certain mood disorders have been |
| behavioral impairments can range from mild to | | | | developed with the most common being |
| severe. Mild cases of autism relate to low social | | | | antidepressants, stimulants, and antipsychotics. These |
| interest, narrow limited interests, and unique | | | | medications are used to control secondary mood |
| communication. Severe forms of autism are more | | | | issues, however they are not recommended for core |
| apparent in early ages. Extreme silence, social | | | | autistic problems such as social and communication |
| unawareness, and in some cases mental retardation | | | | disorders. |
| can arise during early stages. | | | | |
| | | | | Homeopathic remedies have also been introduced. |
| There have been several chemical interactions that | | | | Although they are not recommended by scientists, |
| have been observed in autistic children. High levels of | | | | some parents of autistic children claim that the quality |
| the neurotransmitter serotonin have been common in | | | | of life is increased through holistic forms of therapy. |
| children with the disorder. Other theories suggest | | | | Melatonin is one common form of homeopathic |
| that autism is developed in early embryogenesis | | | | therapy. It is said to increase moods and help with |
| during brain development. Some scientists believe | | | | anxiety. |
| that the immune system plays a part in autism | | | | |
| development by creating an imbalance that | | | | Although autism is a lifelong disease, autistic children |
| destructively interacts with the nervous system. | | | | are not without hope. If autism is suspected in your |
| | | | | child, it is important to have him screened by a |
| In some cases of autism, the child may have | | | | medical professional. |
| regressive behaviors. He may show signs of typical | | | | |