A disorder characterized by marked impairments in social interaction and communication accompanied by a pattern of repetitive, stereotyped behaviors and activities. Developmental delays in social interaction and language surface prior to age 3 years

Symptoms of Autism

The following features are indicative of Autism:
  • troubles with social interaction and communication
  • restricted and repetitive behavior
  • unusual behaviors
  • having overly focused interests
  • having a lasting and intense interest in certain topics
  • getting upset by a slight change in a routine
  • making inconsistent or less eye contact
  • unusual way of communicate
  • unusual way of interaction

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Common Causes of Autism

The following are the most common causes of Autism:
  • family history
  • prenatal and perinatal factors
  • neuroanatomical abnormalities
  • environmental factors

Other Causes of Autism

The following are the less common causes of Autism:
  • deletions, duplications or inversions in genetic material during meiosis
  • exposure to air pollution during pregnancy, especially heavy metals

Risk Factors for Autism

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Autism:
  • infections during pregnancy
  • valproic acid, alcohol or cocaine use during pregnancy

Prevention of Autism

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Autism. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • vaccination against rubella during pregnancy

Occurrence of Autism

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Autism cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very common > 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Autism can occur at any age.

Common Gender

Autism can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Autism

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Autism:
  • Developmental screening: To check if children are learning basic skills according to their age
  • Comprehensive evaluation: To check child’s development and behavior and interviewing the parents

Doctor for Diagnosis of Autism

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Autism:
  • Developmental Pediatrician
  • Child Neurologist
  • Child Psychologist or Psychiatrist

Complications of Autism if untreated

Yes, Autism causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Autism is left untreated:
  • obesity
  • obesity-related metabolic disorders

Procedures for Treatment of Autism

The following procedures are used to treat Autism:
  • Behavior and communication therapies: Strengthen or learn positive behaviors and treat unwanted or problem behaviors
  • Educational therapies: Improve social skills, behavior and communication
  • Family therapies: Learn how to play and interact with children

Self-care for Autism

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Autism:
  • Smoking and Alcohol: Quit smoking and alcohol consumption
  • Eat fish and fish oil supplements: For neurodevelopment and for the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Autism

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Autism:
  • Gluten free diet: May help to improve some autistic behaviors
  • Creative therapies: Reduce a child's sensitivity to touch or sound
  • Sensory-based therapies: Stimulate senses and organize the sensory system
  • Chelation therapy: Remove mercury and other heavy metals from the body
  • Acupuncture: Improve the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder

Patient Support for Treatment of Autism

The following actions may help Autism patients:
  • Seek out other families with same condition: Join communities or get in touch with families facing same conditions for useful advice

Time for Treatment of Autism

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Autism to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • Disease cannot be treated but only maintained or effects reduced

Related Topics

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Autism.

Related Topics

Autism Spectrum Disorder

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