What Is Autism Disorder? Facts and Fiction

t is hoped by many parents of autistic children that once the causes of autism are discovered, this condition will be curable and perhaps even prevented. Unfortunately medical research has been unable to isolate the primary cause of autism amongst children. Perhaps in the future autism disorder will be associated with a specific gene abnormality or a group of interrelated factors within a child's genetic makeup.As things stand today, autism disorder cannot be prevented nor is there a cure. Given this reality, the very best thing we can do as a society is to be supportive of children and adults with autism and be willing to do what we can to make them feel comfortable and accepted. An important starting point is to identify what is factual information and what are myths about the causes of autism disorder.
Myth 1: Poor parenting causes autism in children. This is totally false. There is no valid research to support this claim about poor parenting skills leading to children developing autism disorder.
Myth 2: Autism is caused by poor eating habits. Once again there is no medical evidence to show that autism disorder is brought about by what you eat. Some autistic children do have food allergies or benefit from vitamin supplements however these are conditions that may be accented by having this disorder and certainly not the cause according to current research and theory.
Myth 3: Vaccinations cause autism. Currently there is on-going research into these claims, however without any concrete evidence to show a clear link between vaccinations and autism, it is still much safer to protect your child against disease and illness with a vaccination than it is to put them at risk by not having vaccinations due to fears it may lead to autism.
The exposing of the above myths surround autism begs the question as to "what is the cause of autism in children and adults"? Here are some facts about autism disorder:

• Current research and theory around autism focuses on strong links between autism disorder and the way the brain operates. For example, there is evidence to support the fact that autistic people have larger brains and their brains appear to be "hard wired" differently than a normal brain. Without getting into specific details, for the purpose of this article, it is sufficient to say that these brain differences exist in many areas of the brain and therefore can be viewed in simplistic terms as an overall brain malfunction is somehow bringing about the autism disorder in the individual.
• Another characteristic of many autistic children and adults are health problems brought on by an immune deficiency. As with vaccinations, this is another area of ongoing research. Cases of autism are often found to exist within the family tree of the parents plus there have been instances of parents having more than one autistic child. Immune deficiency problems combined with the occurrence of autism within family trees have some people thinking that finding a cure of autism may be through genetic research.

Without a doubt, autism disorder is a very complex problem that will require much more research which will hopefully provide us with better treatment alternatives in the future and perhaps one day, even a cure. In the meantime, parents and society in general, need to become better educated about autism disorder. The more we know about autism, the better we can help and support those individuals who are afflicted with this condition.

Take action now to find out more about what is autism disorder and learn to help your child and yourself as a concerned parent or an adult dealing with autism. Visit our website now to learn more about the types of autism and much more. Articles on autism, videos and links to other resources including books on autism.

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By Barisa Wyse

Trying to Understand Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (also referred to as Autism Spectrum Conditions, Autism Spectrum, and Autism) is something that six out of every thousand children in the United States have been diagnosed with. Many times this condition is very misunderstood and some parents don't even truly understand what the signs of it are.
During this article, you'll learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder, its symptoms, and how it's managed. At the time that this article was written, all of the information provided below was scattered around the internet which urged us to bring it into one easy-to-understand article.
What are the different types of Autism Spectrum Disorder?
There are three different primary forms of Autism as well as two uncommon conditions. Over the years it became know that the symptoms aren't always the same and branching it off would help treat Autism Spectrum a lot more efficiently than having one broad diagnosis.
The three main types of Autism are:
Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified
Otherwise referred to as PDD-NOS, this is the moderate form of Autism. It's diagnosed when a patient doesn't have as severe of a case as Autistic Disorder and it's not as severe as Asperger's Syndrome.
Asperger Syndrome
Asperger's Syndrome is the least severe form of Autism. It's also commonly referred to as high functioning Autism since it causes one to talk about their favorite things non-stop. Also, Asperger Syndrome is found three times more often in boys than it's found in girls.
Autistic Disorder
This is the most severe case of Autism which does affect the child with more impairment than the other two forms of Autism that were discussed above.
The two uncommon types of Autism are:
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
This is the most severe form of Autism around. More commonly referred to as CDD by medical professionals, the impairments are extremely severe and could cause seizures. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder is more commonly found in boys than it is girls.
Rett's Syndrome
This type of Autism happens to be one of the rarest forms and is usually caused by genetic mutations. Rett's Syndrome is just about exclusive to girls, meaning that it's very, very rare to find it in boys.The impairments caused by Rett's Syndrome are very severe when compared to the other forms of Autism featured on this page.
What are the signs and symptoms associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism is a disorder which is extremely difficult to diagnose. The reason for this is that the symptoms vary from person-to-person and sometimes the symptoms aren't common ones found in most that are diagnosed with Autism.
Some indicators of Autism include:
No attempts to talk or point before a child turns one year old
Constantly lining up toys and/or other items
No single words spoken by 16 months
No two word phrases by two years old
Lack of response when called by their name
Lack of eye contact or poor eye contact
Not being socially responsive
Lack of a smile
Obsessed with certain topics or things
Lack of social relationships with others
Specific routines that aren't broken
Odd use of language
How is Autism Spectrum Disorder managed?
While there is no real cure for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder there are routes that you can take to help a child deal with Autism. Children with Autism should get treatment at as early of an age as possible.
One of the most common problems among Autistic children is that it can be extremely difficult for them to learn how to talk. To help a child with Autism overcome this, therapists will use sign language and pictures to help the child understand the concept of spoken language.
Therapy can also help children learn things like living skills and interacting with others. These are two more common issues that children with Autism are forced to face and over the years people have been trained to enhance the learning experience when it comes to these things.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Summary
Autism Spectrum isn't the easiest thing for a child or parent to live with, but thankfully there are more options to help manage Autism than there used to be. With it being so common among children, it's critical to know that the treatments are changing to make life better for the child as well as their parents.

For other great articles and information about autism spectrum disorder you can visit our website www.AutismSpectrum.me where your comments and suggestions as well as any articles or stories you wish to share are always welcome.

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By Cam Whims

How Can Your Life Improve At Home With An Autistic Child?

I am almost positive your life at home can be extremely draining and frustrating, living with an autistic individual. How can you change and improve this? One way for you to improve your life at home is, keep your family strong.

You can do this by supporting and helping each person understand the dynamics of autism within your family.

Explain to your children who are younger and who do not have autism, what the disorder is, what to expect and the various complexities of autism.

Allow your family members to know and understand that there may be unexpected challenges and changes within your home, but it will improve with time. Give explanations of how it will change.

As parent(s), caregiver(s), you may be tempted or think you can improve your life at home by trying to be a strong person and make the changes by yourself, without any help.

You may feel you need to be strong for everyone in your family and you must know what to do and have all of the answers.

If you choose this approach, you will be putting yourself and your family under more pressure and stress. It will not improve your family life at home.

Reach out to support groups, counselors, other families who have individuals with the disorder of autism in their family.

Taking this kind of action, will improve your family life. It will help your family and you to cope with physical, emotional, and financial issues that can affect your whole family in the present and in the future.

I have learned, by having a brother who is autistic, it was imperative for me to gain knowledge and education about autism, and stay current with the new approaches and research. This will bring positive changes for improving your life at home.

In addition, keep communication open with all of your family members. Discuss new therapies, updates, treatments, improvements for your autistic individual and areas where there needs to be progress, or various approaches. Be aware of these options. This will improve your family life at home.

I feel it is crucial to have weekly family meetings. If not weekly, every two weeks or once a month, depending on the schedule of your family. Doing this, keeps the communication open for discussion and keeps your family alert, by bringing their concerns to these meetings.

Family meetings will also bring your family closer together and give a better understanding of how feelings, emotions, facts, concerns, can improve family life at home.

It is crucial not to be afraid to ask for help, or advice, and always stay in touch, connected to each family member.

Remember, you are a valuable person. As parent(s), caregiver(s), you must take time for yourself. Schedule some downtime, or fun activities go give yourself some positive reinforcement of energy and a new look on your life. This will improve your family life at home.

There will be days when you will be angry, exhausted, stressed, sad, but if you choose to take action to have your family improve at home, you will be experiencing more good days than bad days, and they will be healthy ones.

Are you willing to make positive changes to improve your family life at home with an autistic individual?

Remember, you will not be able to take of your family and your child, if you do not take care of yourself.

Bonita Darula's informational web sight==> http://www.autismintoawareness.com. Take action and SIGN up to RECEIVE your FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER on Autistic TOPICS. For example: Are you willing to improve your life at home with an autistic child? Order your E-Books to identify symptoms of Autism.

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Retts Syndrome - Causes, Symptoms, Information with Treatment

Rett syndrome is not a degenerative disorder, but rather is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Rett syndrome affects one in every 10,000 to 15,000 live female births. It occurs in all racial and ethnic groups worldwide. Parents later reflected on how it was nearly impossible to comfort them during their episodes. As many as 75% of all girls with RS had been previously diagnosed with the Autism Spectrum Disorder. Adult women with Rett syndrome show many individual differences in the severity of their disability.All women with Rett syndrome are incapable of living independently and require constant care throughout their lives.

Innovative and flexible living arrangements such as group homes are becoming the norm in many cases. There are several treatments options available treat for rett-sydrome. Occupational therapy , physiotherapy, and hydrotherapy may prolong mobility. Medication may be needed for breathing irregularities and motor difficulties, and antiepileptic drugs may be used to control seizures. Some children may require special equipment and aids such as braces to arrest scoliosis, splints to modify hand movements, and nutritional programs to help them maintain adequate weight. Special academic, social, vocational, and support services may also be required in some cases.

Causes of Retts Syndrome

Common Causes and Risk factors of Retts Syndrome

Spontaneous mutation of the X chromosome.

Gne MECP2.

Signs and Symptoms of Retts Syndrome

Common Sign and Symptoms of Retts Syndrome

Language and growth retardation

Slow head growth.

Seizures.

Bone fractures.

Agitation.

Constipation.

Abnormal Breathing.

Hyperventillation.

Treatment of Retts Syndrome

Common Treatment of Retts Syndrome

Drugs may help control some of the symptoms associated with the disorder - such as epileptic seizures.

Orthopedic surgery may be needed for severe cases of scoliosis.

In some cases, physical therapy can help maintain walking skills, and occupational therapy may improve purposeful use of the hands.

Some children may require special equipment and aids such as braces to arrest scoliosis, splints to modify hand movements, and nutritional programs to help them maintain adequate weight.

Therapy has also included administration of levodopa (L-dopa), a precursor of dopamine, or medications that mimic the effects of dopamine (dopamine agonists).

Physical therapy may help to improve balance and the ability to walk, maintain flexibility, and strengthen muscles

Regular monitoring for scoliosis is important to ensure prompt detection and early.

Juliet Cohen writes articles on diseases and conditions and skin disorders. She also writes articles on herbal home remedies.

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