Autism is a developmental disorder that has been highly publicized in the press recently, owing to the emergence of a subculture who attributes the disorder to having been caused by vaccinations in childhood. We will, likely, never know whether or not vaccinations do cause autism. The term ‘autism’ was first coined around the year nineteen-eleven, and until recently, very little was known about it. It was only toward the late 20th century that discoveries and developments were made into the disorder. Advancements are being regularly made in the field of autism research to help those suffering from the condition to live healthy and regular lives. Many people who suffer from autism can go on to live very healthy and productive lives, with many starting families and settling down. This page will tell you a few facts about autism so that you can truly understand the condition.
Here is what you need to know about autism.
Management
Autism can be managed, despite what some doomsayers may suggest. The professional behavioral therapists of abaconnect.com say that early intervention therapy can have a profound effect on the lives of those children suffering from autism. Autism is not a disorder that hinders the quality of your child’s life unless you allow it to. If you start at a young age, you can successfully treat autism, and while its symptoms will always remain prevalent, it is not something that can completely debilitate, nor oppress your child and their life. Many, as was mentioned in the introduction, autistic children go on to lead long, healthy, and successful lives. Often is the case that those children who suffer from autism are very intelligent in one specific field of interest, and therefore, depending on that field of interest can be very successful in it.
Diagnosis
It is said that autism affects one in sixty-eight children; there is a larger number of boys than girls, and boys are said to be five times more likely to be diagnosed with autism or to be on the autism scale. The condition makes itself known before the child reaches the age of three, and it is said to be the fastest-growing developmental disorder in the entire world. It is said to be more common than childhood cancer, diabetes, and HIV all combined. The word autism originates in the Greek word autos (‘self’) and translates to, quite simply, ‘alone’. The condition favors nobody of any religion, race, or creed, and is diverse. It can affect anybody from anywhere, despite what some may say.
Intervention
As was mentioned previously, addressing autism at a very young age can be very positive for those suffering from it, and can make autism less prevalent and pronounced in children. The early intervention services must be designed around individuals and is not a wide-ranging and all-encompassing field of treatment. The cases must be individualized. There is no cure for autism, other than managing it day by day. Autism is not caused by the parents, as some may suggest. Some people believe it to occur as a result of parents drinking alcohol or taking drugs during pregnancy, but that has been disproven.
Communication
The most pronounced symptom of autism is a lack of communication, or none thereof. It is said the most telling ways to determine if a young child suffers from autism is a delay in their speech. Children and adults with autism have communicative deficits. It is important, however, that one distinguishes between spoken and social-communicative deficits. The condition is not degenerative and can be improved, providing they are communicated with regularly through individualized and specialized treatment.
Consideration
It is or was thought, that children and adults with autism do not care for those around them, but this is untrue and a grave misconception. Children and adults with autism often care very deeply, but cannot simply express their consideration or care. They want to interact, but cannot.
Nonverbal
Just because a child with autism has not yet spoken by, let’s say, the age of five, it does not mean the child will not ever speak. Many parents panic and fret, worrying their child will be mute, but this is often not the case. Autistic children can take many years before they begin to verbally express themselves and they likely understand what you are saying and have an understanding of what the words mean, but just simply do not, or cannot, express themselves verbally yet. They often do, however, but with time.
Now you know several facts about autism and its management. Autism is completely manageable and as stressed previously, those with autism can lead long, healthy, and productive lives, and even become parents. It is not and has never been, the end.
Compassion, and patience will help the individual out big-time.