Archive for the 'autism' Category
Autism has increased manifold since 80s in US affecting 500,000 children which is a serious neurological brain disorder and the reason for this disorder is still a mystery. Previously 1 in 10,000 was autistic in comparison to 1 in 175 today. Research says a new debatable theory that mercury present in the vaccine given to children is the reason for autism.
There have been many incidents where it proves that exposure to methyl mercury causes harm to humans. Some hundred years ago in US a tooth powder came up in the market which has mercury in it. A disease called Pink disease also known as Acrodynia developed which had signs of social detachment and also poor communication skills. Later when the tooth powder supply stopped in the market the disease vanished. Similarly another incident in Japan shows the effect of mercury in human beings. A mercury leak in Japan spoiled the fish in that area and the people who eat the fish came up with a disease called the Minimata disease
People who believe the connection with autism and mercury intake cite the above examples for mercury being the reason for autism in children. They say that genetic disorders along with the mercury are the main causes for autism. The childs incapability of emitting out the excess mercury could be the reason for the problem.
This is a controversial theory as most of the children vaccines include mercury. Earlier it was ethyl mercury included in the infant vaccine called thimerasol which is out of date and later it was methyl mercury. Larger doses of ethyl mercury can harm the central nervous system of the child. The theory says that whatever the type mercury children receive more mercury in the form of vaccines which could be the cause for this autism disorder.
Not all medical scientists agree with this idea and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention formed reports based on this theory and says that thimerasol does not contribute to autism disorder. If this theory holds good then parents will stop vaccinating their children according to the scientists and child specialists.
Finally the root cause for autism remains a mystery ruining the life of the affected children and their families. With more and more scientific research parents hope there will be a solution to the problem of autism.
Autism is a neurological disorder of the brain which begins in infancy before three of old and continues till adulthood which hampers the normal progress in a person. It affects the social interaction, speech and communication skills and brings about many behavior problems. Children with mild autism can look themselves whereas children with severe cases of autism need caregiver to look after needs. Some assumptions say that immunizations cause autism but till date there has been no proof.
Studies carried out to find out the link between the autism and immunizations have no evidence in this matter. The National Childhood Encephalopathy conducted a test in 1997 to find out the connection between measles vaccine and the neurological function of the person. The result showed no neurological disorder caused by the vaccine or any other malfunction.
There were many tests done continuously for nine years to find out if there is any association between the vaccines and autism. But the tests were futile. Another test done in 1998 by Wakefield and his co-workers showed that MMR vaccine resulted in malfunction of intestines and other degenerated growth in children in few weeks after the administration of MMR vaccine. Nevertheless, the test had its own drawbacks. 4 out of 12 children who administered with this vaccine already had behavioral problems before developing problems with bowels.
So the tests conducted became futile and the opinion had to be changed proving that there is no link between the vaccines and autism. Studies are still going to find out the link between the two but there has been no scientific data. At the same time studies say autism is the result of genetic imperfection.
Lately 30,000 Japanese children from Yokohama in 1988 and 1996 underwent tests and the studies proved that there is no link between the vaccines and autism. The dosage of MMR was substituted with single vaccines but still autism prevailed.
Finally studies prove that immunization, MMR had no connection with autism and parents need not fear about it. The reason for autism is still under investigation and so is the cure for this brain disorder.
Studies have shown that autism affects male children four times more then the female children. Autistic children indicate certain specific features like behavior problem in social interaction, communication and speech skills. This autism starts in infancy and develops by the time the child is three years old. The abnormal behavioral traits indicate autism in children right from when they are young.
Every four out of 10,000 children today are autistic and this is persistent throughout adulthood. There are two types of autism – mild and severe. Children affected with mild autism when trained can live independently whereas children with severity need support and regular medications.
Viral Infection causes autism. Rubella virus during the first trimester may result in autism in children. The other reasons for autism in children are mainly genetic, infections and other distressing factors during gestation. There was a belief in the past that parents generated autism bit it has been proved to be incorrect.
Autism occurs in two stages of infancy. Its signs show up within a few months of birth whereas some children appear to be normal till two years of age then the indications crop up all of a sudden. Autistic children show both communicative and non communicative skill with peculiar faces and difficulty in talking. Autism children communicate in a dull and boring fashion and the language looks very artificial. Different children exhibit different traits and no two children have common behavior problem.
Autistic children have very less impulse in the outdoor surroundings. Some children are not in a position to identify their parents in their initial stages. The small child cannot smile or emote which a normal baby does in the first few months. Toilet training is very difficult in autistic children. They show some sort of behavioral problem or the other such as strange poses, rocking, and sudden outbursts and many others which are abnormal.
Autistic children never get along in a group and mostly stay detached. They have a repetitive behavior which is difficult to modify as they do not accept change. They maintain their own behavioral practice and set up an atmosphere for themselves.
Importance of Keeping a Check on the Signs and Symptoms of Autism
Autism a neurological brain disorder begins in the early stages of the child and continues till adulthood impairing their behaviors. It impairs the development in the child both socially and also in communication level. Some children have mild autism while some are severely autistic.
This brain disorder affects their perception, feeling towards others and also the difficulty to adapt o new surroundings. When noticed autistic people look normal except for their abnormal behavior. A high functioning autistic person has high IQ and is very good at arts, music and mathematics. They can never express their intelligence and have self stimulating behaviors.
An early intervention on spotting autism helps the parents to modify the behavior to a great extent. Children who undergo proper treatment and therapies keep away from severe conditions of this disorder. It is important on the part of the parents to identify this autism and keep a regular check on it. With the symptom checklist maintained it is easier to modify the behavior problem with appropriate development program.
Few symptoms to identify autism in children
Lack of proper verbal and non-verbal communication skills
They find it difficult to accept any change in the surroundings and behavior. They cannot adjust to a new circumstance, have repetitive and typecast behavior.
Autistic children are either calm and passive or very hyperactive.
They have no fear and are unable to handle dangerous situations
Lack of imitational skills like facial expressions or signs are seen in autistic children
They do not respond to their own name.
They have poor eye contact and social interaction.
They are absorbed in self wounding activities like scratching their skin and head banging.
They find it difficult to relate to people and also cannot express their feeling for people in trouble.
All the above mentioned signs and symptoms are obvious by the time the child is three years old which denotes that the child is abnormal and needs treatment. Therapies and treatment at the early stage gives positive results.
Autism is a neurological disorder of the brain which develops in infancy and endured till adulthood which is a matter of concern among all disorders. It causes impairment in behavior of the child resulting in poor communicative and social interactive skills. Though autistic people do not look different from normal people their body language and behavior make them distinct in a crowd.
The signs of autism are usually spotted in the early years of a child and become obvious by three years of age. All autistic children are unique in their behavior and traits. The learning also differs from one child to another. Some autistic people have high functioning while some have very low functions. The high functioning autistic people have good IQ and can excel in math, music and arts. But the low functioning people are the unfortunate as they cannot live on their own and always need the help of an caregiver or escort.
Autistic people have behavioral problem due to insensitivity and are often unhappy. They maintain routine for themselves and never accept any changes in it. They also have repetitive behavior like rocking of the body. They do not have a well coordinated life style. They do not respond impulsively as they find it difficult to adapt to new environments.
The following indications and symptoms determine autism in a child according to The National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities.
1. Lack of definite skills, lack of compassion, inability to handle the suffering.
2. Indifferent to people and so cannot relate to them. All behavior of autistic people relate only to themselves.
3. No eye contact, poor social interactions and so stays aloof.
4. They are not aware of others emotions and do not communicate their feelings.
5. Lack of response when addressed by name and poor attention towards other people.
6. Struggle to convey their requirements.
7. They repeat words in a conversation and have unclear speech.
8. Strange response to sounds, smells and taste.
9. Impairment of the skills they once had.
Parenting is one of the most demanding jobs on earth yet very gratifying. On the other hand bringing up an autistic child is demanding but when you look after them with love like you do to an ordinary child the result is rewarding.
The parents are dejected and scared when they detect that their child is autistic. To get over this feeling you may have go for a counseling yourself. You will try to learn more about autism and their treatments to cope up with the child and its needs and behavior problems.
Consult your pediatrician first who can guide you to the right therapist. Contact the rehabilitation centre in your area and the parents who visit it with autistic children who can give you more information about autism and its needs.
Take the help of a qualified therapist to choose the right program for your child. Make sure the program suits your child according to his/her skill level.
The parents should provide a safe and relaxed environment at home for the autistic child. For example if your child has the habit of creeping out of the house you may need to fix security locks for the doors but one such which can be easily operated during emergency. Fence the courtyard where you child plays for its safety.
Autistic children very sensitive to touch find it very difficult to bath. Such children when made to use sprinklers or spray guns in the lawn will have fun and their touch with water becomes easier which in turn helps you have a daily bath with fun.
Keep your autistic child engaged both indoors and outdoors. Treat them the way like any other member is treated. Take them along when you go for dinner. Prefer a family type eatery so that even if your child does not behave well it does not matter much. When indoors give the child variety of colors and different type of textures which can keep them preoccupied. Later such programs are of great help later when you child may have to interact socially.
Finally it is the love you give your child helps the child to respond better than any other activity. Even if they do not like to be touched talking can do a great deal. Some autistic children do not respond when you speak to them but it does not matter, they will surely understand the language of love even if they are autistic.
When a child is born the parents wish that their child should have good health with a positive future and a happy life. But when they find that their child does not act normal like the other children and give proper response even by three of old they are alarmed and start wondering if their child is autistic.
Autism is a common household name you would have heard but it is not an infectious ailment. It is a brain disorder caused by chemical imbalances which results in affecting the communication and social skills of the child
It is very important to keep a regular check on the childs behavior as signs and indications surface in the early stages of a child. Baby boys are more prone to this disorder and 1 out of every 700 people is autistic.
How to identify autism?
A child between 18 months to 3 years shows signs and symptoms of autism
The following behavior problems in a child indicate autism in the child and a professional help at the earliest is good.
Eye contact When the child fails to have eye contact when communicating.
Stays aloof The child not play with other kids and always stays aloof avoiding groups.
Creativity When the child is not imaginative or creative with games and toys.
Communication Problem with uttering some words or has to be repeated again and again.
Duplication When the child have repetitive behavior for no reason.
Alteration Does the child respond normally to any changed routine or action?
Autism in infants
Infants lacking eye contact instead gaze at motored things.
Babies who lie calm without crying for a long time should be taken into consideration for their abnormal behavior.
When the kids stay aloof and do not play or communicate with other babies.
The cause of autism is still a mystery and the parents need not blame themselves for it. Similarly there is no permanent solution and treratment to this problem.
The best the parent can do for an autistic child is to rehabilitate the behavior skills with the help of a professional therapist. It is best of send the child to a special school where the principal and the teacher are informed about the childs autistic condition. Last but not the least love the child like any other normal child and make her/him feel at home as he/she is a special child.
How to Handle Autism in Family with Autism Support Groups
There has been a drastic rise in the autistic children in U.S. and information from the Autism Society of America says that the increase is almost fifty times than before. The number of students served by IDEA has augmented from 5,415 students to 78,749.
Estimation from the Center for Disease Control says that 2 to 6 per 1000 people are autistic. Autism Society of America says that one or the other type of autism has affected around 1.5 million Americans irrespective of status, cultures, races and educational background. So awareness among the families of autistic children is the rule of the day and more therapists and experts need to be trained to train the people through which the family can cope up with the stress of handling these children effectively.
Once the parents detect autism in their child it is necessary that they take proper intervention and appropriate program for their child taking into consideration the learning skill of the autistic child. The parents should have the knowledge and know how to be effective teachers at home. They should educate themselves of the latest different therapies and programs and also know the special education law and other services that the child can avail. Although the multiple roles of teacher, parent, advocate is difficult for the parents, it is their duty to provide needful for the enhancement of the autistic child.
In the year 2000 Nissenbaum, Tollefson, and Reese from The National Autistic Society investigated the influence of autism in the families. Although the parents with autistic children express trauma like any other parent of a disabled child, they still use autism as an excuse for the strange behavior of their child. The National Autistic Society do not approve of this.
Research says that educating an autistic child gives too much of pressure and tension for the parent. Researchers like Holroyd, McArthur and Donovan say that parents of autistic children undergo more stress and strain than the parents of mentally retarded children and Down syndrome. The stress could be due to many factors such as the dysfunctional behavior problem of the child, inability to understand the needs of the autistic child due to the poor expression of wants and needs, the sudden outburst, self-injurious behavior and tantrums which scare others. Their repetitive behavior, poor social and communication skill also creates a pressure on the parents.
Some parents get deprived sleep due to the improper sleeping pattern of the child. These children are also choosy about food and so make the parents to take extra effort to feed them. The parents do not find time for the others in the family and also has to avoid family functions and outing due to the poor social interaction of the child. The parents are also uncomfortable when dealing with the child and other extended family people as their child cannot relate to people.
The next pressure upon the parents with autistic children is in educating the child, finding out proper therapies and methods to teach the child. By being a member of the IEP the parents can find out suitable educational arrangements for their child. The latest approach and methods to teach autistic children are Picture Exchange Communication System, TEACCH, Floortime, RDI, Applied Behavior Analysis, Discrete Trial instruction, Sensory Integration and Social stories. Choose the program according to the childs learning skill and enhance the life of the child and also of the family. The same technique and skill maintained and practiced both in the school and at home can give good results as parents can be excellent teachers for their children.
Parents who learn useful behavioral intervention programs to manage behavior problem, learn to assess the functional level of the child and also get trained in providing functional communication both verbal and non verbal can handle an autistic child successfully at home. Behavior modification programs are more effective when the familys goal, beliefs and values are borne in mind.
An autistic child is benefited with family oriented educational program although there are the other external supports like that of the therapists, support group, doctors and teachers. Bristol says that parents of autistic children who joined the TEACCH program had an optimistic relationship between the behavior of child, their families and also from the social support which was available in plenty.
Despite the fact that managing an autistic child is stress and strain for the family, proper team work with expert therapists and knowledge of specialized skills and efficient teaching methods can enhance the communication, social, adaptive skill and also reduces the other aggressive behavior in child which in turn lessens the stress of the family. Qualified and skilled therapists when working with autistic children should also include their parents in the IEP process, functional behavior evaluation and also in the intervention programs.
The expert therapists must give opportunities to parents in the teaching methods of the school. The qualified professional should have knowledge about the special education law, scientific inventions and methods of therapy and should support the family with this knowledge. When parents are included in the training and support groups it is very useful for them to handle the autistic children through the acquired knowledge from the professionals and also a chance to share the ideas with other parents of autistic children.
A complete assessment is necessary every three years for students in special education to decide their eligibility for special education. The case study of a seven year old autistic child named Adam gives a detailed educational assessment.
Adam the seven year old autistic child is the student in Special Day class for severely handicapped children. This child has an advocate and parents who are involved in his education. With the evaluation decided the parents desired for additional evaluations like the functional analysis, occupational therapy and also for helpful technology assessment. The signed evaluation plan copy was given to the particular specialists. They were the occupational therapist, speech therapist, nurse, psychologist and the special education teacher.
Adam had a psycho-educational profile revised with simple and clear instructions for which the response expected was non verbal. This test provides details on perception, fine motor, gross motor, eye hand combination, cognitive verbal and performance and also imitating activity. A set of toys and play activity helped in the determination of the skills. The result spread to seven developmental and four behavioral areas. This showed the child ability and weakness in the different areas
The evaluation tools for Adams portfolio were behavior reports, progress reports, work samples, daily reports and comments from parents. The daily report sent by the teacher and returned by the parents duly singed aided in the evaluation.
The functional analysis of Adam done by the psychologist showed unruly behavior like screaming and biting. The school sent a feed back form to the parents to be completed. The teacher in the class also collected the information for the repeated troublesome behavior. The assessment report made consisted of the data given by the psychologist, teacher and the parents.
The occupational therapist and the speech therapist evaluated Adam after working with him for one year and created a report. The nurse tested him with special equipment and said him to be normal in hearing. Adams parents said he had no problems with hearing and sight.
There are other tests used to assess an autistic child which rely on the information given by the parents or directly evaluated by an expert therapist. The other tests along with the parents and specialists provided are Pre-Linguistic Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (PL-ADOS), Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R),
Adams wide and complete assessment provided information about his behavior, development, health, coordination, communication and other cognitive skills. This information provided for the IEP Individualized Education Plan helped them to decide that the position for Adam was appropriate. The Occupational therapist set some goals for Adam. The functional therapist wrote that the unruly behavior occurred during a change. The assistive technology revealed that Adam was very good in that area. The team work help in the correct assessment and showed that Adam was improving excellently in his special day class.
Autism is a brain disorder which starts from infancy and continues till adulthood. It hampers the development of speak skills, social interaction and creativity. The reason for autism is yet to be investigated but it is believed this disorder is caused due to chemical imbalance or genetically.
Research says that 1 out of 166 children in US are autistic in different variations. The national health institute gives a data that 1 out of 1000 children are autistic. Both facts say that autistic is prevalent in US in many children. It is assumed that autism is also hereditary one child in a family runs in generations. Diagnose autism with the help of several psychoanalytical tests and other general tests. A complete physical and neurological assessment reveals autism in a child.
The signs and symptoms of Autism are apparent by the time the child is three years of old and persists till adulthood which is clinically tested both physically and neurologically with the help of ICD-10. The clinical definition defines that ‘autism must manifest delays in “social interaction, language as used in social communication, or symbolic or imaginative play,” with “onset prior to age 3 years”, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder
When detected early we can modify this brain disorder with the help of therapies where their social skill and the communication skill is developed to a great extent which enhances their personality. But some autistic people do not respond to the therapies and would wish to remain as they are because autistic people never accept change easily and so it becomes difficult to modify them.
