The cause of autism is not known with certainty. Some hypotheses have suggested a connection between thimerosal a mercury based preservative used in the Measles Mumps and Rubella vaccine. However, studies have failed to establish that such a connection exists. Recent advances in brain imaging technology have shown that the brains of autistic persons have significant physical differences. Some areas may be more developed than in a person without autism. This could explain why some autistic people demonstrate extraordinary skills in certain specific areas. For instance some may have exceptional mathematical ability or photographic memories. However, other areas of their brains may be physically smaller or less developed.

Based on the current level of knowledge it is clear that there is much still to be discovered about autism and its causes. However, most experts agree that a patient is best served with early support and treatment customized to his personal needs.

Unfortunately there is no cure for autism. Treatment focuses on improving communication skills and social interaction. Another aspect of treatment is dealing with associated behavioral problems. Selective Seratonin Reuptake Inhibitors may be prescribed to treat anxiety and depression while anti-psychotic medication may be used to control aggression and other severe behavioral issues. Anticonvulsants may be used where seizures are experienced. Dietary changes may be implemented in some cases. There is anecdotal evidence that food allergies may cause some of the symptoms of autism and some success has been reported with Casein and Gluten free diets as well as vitamin B6 supplements. Given the wide spectrum that ASD may cover it is absolutely vital that treatment be tailored to the individual's needs.

Autistic Spectrum disorder occurs in all social, racial and ethnic backgrounds but is more common among boys than girls and is usually diagnosed within the first three years of life. The child will display evidence of developmental delays. Language skills may be delayed or altogether absent and the child may react to people in abnormal ways. Most children will also have some impairment in their senses. Some senses may be over sensitive while others may be less sensitive than normal. This may cause the autistic person to go through life in a blur of sensory information that they have difficulty comprehending. In addition to sensory problems children diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder may also suffer some degree of mental retardation and around one in four may experience seizures.

Image by Norma Desmond via FlickrThe usage of the term "Autism" has changed considerably over time and it currently refers to a range of disorders rather than one specific problem. As such the more appropriate term is "Autistic Spectrum Disorder", since no two cases are exactly the same. All cases of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are characterized by impairment in social interaction, communication and imaginative thought.

Impairment in social interaction may manifest itself as a lack of understanding of others feelings or inability to read others' facial expressions or body language. The patient may also appear aloof or withdrawn or act inappropriately in social situations.

Communication problems may result in a literal interpretation of language and unawareness of the symbolic significance of language.

Impaired imagination means that the patient has great difficulty imagining any situation that has not already been experienced. Changes and new situations are extremely frightening and disorienting. This explains why the autistic person may engage in repetitive or ritualistic behaviors. The autistic person gains comfort from the familiarity of these rituals.

Image via WikipediaEach autistic child has unique needs, but there are some common behaviors associated with children and autism. Many do not respond to their name. They do not make eye contact. They often make repetitive motions to soothe themselves. They have a hard time understanding what other people are thinking or feeling.

Some autistic children resort to head banging or other forms of self-abuse. They will often use a singsong voice when they speak or have little infection in their voice.

Autistic children will often focus on one object and ignore everyone and everything else around them. They also often have an extreme sensitivity to things like light, sound, or touch.

Every child is different and has different things that bother them. Care givers need to pay extra attention to be sure to notice what it is that triggers an episode so that they can avoid them or at least be prepared for them.

When an early diagnosis is made, steps can be taken to help children with autism have an easier and more productive life.

It is important to make a diagnosis of autism early in a child's life. When an accurate diagnosis is made early on, the child can get the help they need at a crucial point in their lives. Autistic children do not perceive things the same way normal children do. Their senses are often heightened and they are very sensitive to stimuli. The trigger is different for each child, but many are sensitive to shrill or loud noises. They hear background noise very loudly and it can quickly overwhelm their delicate nervous systems. This is why they will often cover their ears to help muffle the sounds. Normal sounds are like nails on a chalkboard to an autistic child.

When autism is suspected it is important to take the child to a doctor who specializes in children and autism. You will get better answers. Some children only have a slight case of autism and can easily learn to adapt to the world around them by making some simple adjustments. Other children are diagnosed with a more severe form of autism, and have much more difficulty coping with life.

Image via Wikipedia

Recently, on Malaysian news, was a story about a boy in Kampung Kuala Sanglang, Alor Setar who was caged. Although sad as it sounds, the family did not know what to do and did it to keep the boy safe. Yes, this boy was later found to be autistic. They didn't know and things would have been different if this boy had the opportunity to receive some autism treatments.

Thursday (June 26), is another story in the newspaper of an autistic boy who also did things to jeopardize his safety. He ran away from home and jumped onto an LRT train track. Once, he even went missing for 13 hours and when they found him, he had sustained injuries to his left arm and left heel. Until today, they don't know what happened to him.

The mother of this boy shares this story not to scare other parents of autistic children. But rather to give hope as she relates how autism treatments helped her son improve. Here are some treatments and programs that she sought:

• ABA (applied behavior analysis). This is an intensive one-on-one program. The child is taught basic skills such as eye contact, imitation and compliance. Desirable behaviors are enforced while undesirable behaviors are extinguished. Basic skills are first taught and then later progresses to more complex skills.
  
• Speech therapy. This treatment is more than just learning how to pronounce words. The therapist teaches communicative skills such as non-verbal communication, speech pragmatics (saying the right things at the right time, the right way to the right person), conversational skills and understanding abstract concepts.
• Occupational therapy. This is to build their daily living skills. It helps the autistic child improve on their fine motor skills such as buttoning a shirt, tying their shoelace or handwriting. There is also sensory integration to help them overcome their sensitivity to light, sound and touch. Play activity is used to build the child's intellectual, emotional and physical skills.
• Cassein and gluten free diet.

As you can see, early intervention is important. Here is what that mother has to say about her autistic child:

"Today, he is able to tell us what he wants and where he wants to go, and can obey simple instructions. We taught him self-help skills like going to the toilet on his own, bathing and feeding himself. He is able to fold and iron his clothes with some supervision, and is required to wash his plate after meals."

Unfortunately autism treatments do not come cheap. However, they do give hope. Autistic children can be independent when given the right kind of help.

p.s. If you want to know the six most common autism treatments used today - plus, whether or not it is good to combine treatments, read more in THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO AUTISM