Autism is a spectrum disorder which means that there are varying degrees of autism. One person can be mildly affected and may be able to function in society while another individual may be profoundly affected to such a degree that there is no hope of independent living. With such varying degrees of this disorder, one might expect that there are several underlying causes which increase the chance and severity of autism.
The causes of autism have not been determined. Physicians will use symptoms noted by parents, family medical history, standardized tests and clinical observations to diagnose autism. A few of the tests used to diagnose autism include the Pervasive Developmental Disorders Screening Test -2, CHAT (Checklist for Autism in Toddlers), M-CHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers) and ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale, CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale). When a certain number of characteristics listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) are present, a physician will have more evidence of autism.
The presence of Thimerosal in vaccinations, particularly in the Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine, has long been thought to cause some cases of autism. The preservative has been removed from the vaccine due to this belief but many parents remain unconvinced that the vaccine is safe. Parents have the right to choose not to vaccinate their children--if they feel their children may suffer a serious health risk. Other parents argue that autism may be caused by the overload on the immune system by the current vaccine schedule. Many children with autism suffer from asthma, other respiratory ailments and impaired immune systems. It is now hypothesized that exposure to a virus either as a fetus or as an infant might also cause the damage to the immune system which results in autism; of course, this is only a mere theory which tries to search at the core cause of autism.
More conventional treatments of autism involve therapy that targets impaired social interaction, communication and repetitive routines. Treatments in the first years of development prove the most beneficial. Family counseling will help with coping skills in parents and siblings of an autistic person. Antidepressants can be prescribed in the treatment of anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression. Behavioral problems may require anti-psychotic medicines and stimulants may help decrease hyperactivity.
Living with an autistic child is certainly not an easy task, but it can be easier, armed with knowledge of the disorder and taking advantage of the professional services available. There are many support groups as well. It is thought that 1.5 million people in the U.S. may have some form of autism. And this is a growing figure that may well climb much higher in years to come. How is the current health establishment going to manage all of these new cases of autistic patients with a system which is already overwhelmed?
The causes of autism have not been determined. Physicians will use symptoms noted by parents, family medical history, standardized tests and clinical observations to diagnose autism. A few of the tests used to diagnose autism include the Pervasive Developmental Disorders Screening Test -2, CHAT (Checklist for Autism in Toddlers), M-CHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers) and ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale, CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale). When a certain number of characteristics listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) are present, a physician will have more evidence of autism.
The presence of Thimerosal in vaccinations, particularly in the Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine, has long been thought to cause some cases of autism. The preservative has been removed from the vaccine due to this belief but many parents remain unconvinced that the vaccine is safe. Parents have the right to choose not to vaccinate their children--if they feel their children may suffer a serious health risk. Other parents argue that autism may be caused by the overload on the immune system by the current vaccine schedule. Many children with autism suffer from asthma, other respiratory ailments and impaired immune systems. It is now hypothesized that exposure to a virus either as a fetus or as an infant might also cause the damage to the immune system which results in autism; of course, this is only a mere theory which tries to search at the core cause of autism.
More conventional treatments of autism involve therapy that targets impaired social interaction, communication and repetitive routines. Treatments in the first years of development prove the most beneficial. Family counseling will help with coping skills in parents and siblings of an autistic person. Antidepressants can be prescribed in the treatment of anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression. Behavioral problems may require anti-psychotic medicines and stimulants may help decrease hyperactivity.
Living with an autistic child is certainly not an easy task, but it can be easier, armed with knowledge of the disorder and taking advantage of the professional services available. There are many support groups as well. It is thought that 1.5 million people in the U.S. may have some form of autism. And this is a growing figure that may well climb much higher in years to come. How is the current health establishment going to manage all of these new cases of autistic patients with a system which is already overwhelmed?
About the Author:
Learn a lot on autism: http://www.autismtoday.com/can%20clay%20baths%20cure%20autism.htm
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment