Child autism is a brain disorder that often results in a lifetime of impaired thinking, feeling, and social functioning -- our most uniquely human attributes. Typically, autism affects a child's ability to communicate, form relationships with others, and respond appropriately to the external world. The disorder becomes apparent in children generally by the age of three.
Child autism (sometimes called "classical autism") is the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as autism spectrum disorders.
Other autism spectrum disorders include:
Asperger syndrome
Rett syndrome
Childhood disintegrative disorder
Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS).
Experts estimate that three to six children out of every 1,000 will have child autism. Males are four times more likely to have autism than females. Girls with autism tend to have more severe symptoms and greater cognitive impairment.
Common Behaviors Seen With Child Autism
Child autism is characterized by three distinctive behaviors. Autistic children:
Display problems with verbal and nonverbal communication
Have difficulties with social interaction
Exhibit repetitive behaviors or narrow, obsessive interests.
Some children with autism can function at a relatively high level, with speech and intelligence intact. Others have serious cognitive impairments and language delays, and some never speak.
In addition, individuals with child autism may seem closed off and shut down, or locked into repetitive behaviors and rigid patterns of thinking. An infant with autism may avoid eye contact, seem deaf, and abruptly stop developing language. The child may act as if unaware of the coming and going of others, or physically attack and injure others without provocation. These infants often remain fixated on a single item or activity, rock or flap their hands, seem insensitive to burns and bruises, and may even mutilate themselves.
What Causes Child Autism?
Scientists aren't certain of the autism causes, but it's likely that both genetics and environment play a role.
There is no cure for child autism. Therapies and behavioral interventions are designed to remedy specific symptoms and can bring about substantial improvement.
:
Impaired social interaction
Obsessive or repetitive routines and interests
Problems with verbal and nonverbal communication.
Most professionals agree that the earlier the intervention, the better.
Prognosis for Child Autism
For many, child autism symptoms improve with treatment and with age. Some people with the condition grow up to lead normal or near-normal lives. Children whose language skills regress early in life, usually before the age of three, appear to be at risk of developing epilepsy or seizure-like brain activity.
During adolescence, some people with child autism may become depressed or experience behavioral problems. Parents of these children should be ready to adjust treatment for their child as needed.
Statistics for Child Autism
Child autism is one of the most common developmental disabilities. Individuals with the disorder are of all races and ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Current estimates suggest that approximately 400,000 individuals in the United States have autism.
Child autism is three to four times more likely to affect boys than girls. It occurs in individuals of all levels of intelligence. Approximately 75 percent are of low intelligence, while 10 percent may demonstrate high intelligence in specific areas, such as math.
If your child has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, the first thing to know is…
There IS Hope! But You Must Begin Taking The Right Steps IMMEDIATELY To Effectively Support Your Child With Autism
