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