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Autism

FACTS:

• Autism is a developmental disability that is noticed within the first three years of life.
  
• A small number of autism cases may be caused by genetics or a known environmental toxin, but most cases- 90 to 95%- have no known cause and may be the result of a combination of genetics and social environment.
  
• There are different degrees of autistic behavior from mild to severe.
  
• Sometimes institutional issues mimic autism.
  
• Children with autism may have trouble using and understanding other children's and adult’s behavior and gestures, including facial expressions, motioning them to come to you, etc.
  
• They may have difficulty participating in make-believe play (creating buildings with blocks, pretending to cook a meal or drive a car).
  
• They may seem unaffectionate and unfriendly.
  
• They may have delayed or no speech, or speech may be lost after it is learned.
  
• They may have difficulty understanding what they hear.
  
• They may repeat words they hear or use words inappropriately.
  
• They may use an unusual inflection or tone of voice.
  
• They have difficulty expressing needs and wants with words, gestures, and facial expressions.
  
• They may have repetitive/stereotypic behaviors that may include rocking, spinning, flapping of hands or fingers, or interest in only one or two things.
  
• Children with autism may also have increased or decreased sensitivity to sounds, light and touch/textures.
  
• Changes in routine may bring about aggressive behavior or injuries to self. They may not understand dangerous situations, placing them at risk for serious harm in areas such as water or with fire.
  
• The behaviors can become worse if affected children do not have opportunity to be with normally developing children and adults.
  

TREATMENT:

• There is no medication or surgery that cures autism.
  
• One-on-one attention may decrease or stop many of the behaviors.  
  
• Touch is very important to an infant’s development and prevention of autistic type behaviors.
  
• A set routine of daily activities and tasks, leading them through the steps as necessary; with frequent eye contact and touch is important.
  
• Provide times of stimulation in the form of music or movement the child likes (such as swinging, bouncing, etc.).
  
• Use clear, simple communication.
  
• Provide a safe environment in which to play.
  
• Many children with autism will develop normal communication and normal behavior. This can be achieved in these children through early and ongoing intervention. The more human interaction the child receives, the better.