Autism is classified as a neural disorder development which leaves a person with impaired social interaction capabilities as well as communication abilities. In many cases, these people are also seen with repetitive behaviors such as stacking or lining items up in columns and rows. This conditions changes how nerve cells in the brain and the synapses connect and organize themselves but it is not yet understood why this happens.
Autism is varies widely in the severity of this disorder among its victims but there are usually some signs that start showing by the age of two. These signs start to worsen if not diagnosed and treated. Many times there are signs such as preferring to play by themselves, awkward behavior to that normally shown from a young child towards others, an interruption in the development in speech, an abnormally harsh reaction to changes in routine or environment, limited amount of interests such as the toys that they play with, and repetitive behavior. Because these signs and symptoms are classified very differently such as the social development, and communication, and so on, there are difficulties in sometimes telling how severe the case is and whether or not there are other influences on this development.
With the category of repetitive behavior, there are a number of things that can be included such as self injury when the child bites, scratches or gives themselves other injuries constantly; when the child has a preoccupation with a certain toy, television show, or other activity; when the child always does something such as getting dressed in the same way every time; and there are many more.
There are other signs and symptoms to look for in a child that may be autistic. These individuals often have unique abilities such as quick memorization, musical talent, superior perception skills, amongst others. They also show a super sensitivity to things such as high levels of noise and may become confused or disoriented. They may have poor motor planning, muscle tone and may tend to walk on their toes instead of the whole foot. Unusual eating patterns or habits may also show themselves but not that would cause any particular distress or malnutrition.
The causes of this disorder are thought to come from genetic, cognitive and neural factors. They may be due to birth defects, family history, exposure to chemicals, and many others. Even vaccines are thought to contribute but there are no concrete results for this study yet. Testing for this condition is through consultations that are made over time, in which compare the individual’s behavior to the average behavior at certain ages, and is usually done by a pediatrician. They have a number of different things that they use including an observation schedule, interviews and so on.
Treatment varies according to child. This may have medication, behavioral and communication therapy, special education, restrictive diets and more. Music therapies and other things related to the arts are also used. There are adverse affects to the medications at times, which is the reason why some parents don’t allow their child to take them, and other routes are then taken to manage the condition.
