Autism
Autism is a developmental disorder that is usually first diagnosed in the first three years of life. Autism affects boys three to four times more often than girls.
The main signs and symptoms of autism involve communication, social interactions and repetitive behaviors. These include:
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Attention problems
- Delayed language development
- Extreme compulsions
- Heightened or low senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell or taste
- Hyperactivity
- Impulsiveness
- Inability to make friends or play interactive games
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Outbursts
- Repetitive body movements
- Sleep difficulty
- Tantrums
Because people with autism can have very different symptoms, health care providers refer to autism as a "spectrum" disorder.
Autism has been linked to abnormal biology and chemistry in the brain. Although it is believed that a combination of factors lead to autism, the exact causes remain unknown. Genetic factors seem to be important.
Autism lasts throughout a person's lifetime. There is no cure, but treatment can help. An early, intensive, appropriate treatment program will greatly improve the outlook for most young children with autism. Treatments include behavior and communication therapies and medicines to control symptoms.
At Nature's Edge we find that patients with autism generally respond very well to our nonclinical setting. Real-life activities and situations give them a natural context for experiencing self-expression, self-confidence, personal gratification and a sense of achievement.
For more information:
Autism Speaks www.autismspeaks.org
Autism Society www.autism-society.org
Autism Resources www.autism-resources.com