They are able to earn degrees and to maintain gainful employment. Others never develop the communication and self-help skills necessary to live independently. Autism spectrum of disorders are difficult to recognize because of their insidious nature. Symptoms come on slowly and gradually and parents are seldom motivated to assume the worst about their children's atypical behavior and symptoms until they become impossible to ignore. People with autism have found abnormalities in several regions of the brain which suggest that autism results from a disruption of early fetal brain development. Though symptoms might be visible early on to an experienced eye, most parents do not bring their children in for formal diagnosis until they are between eighteen months and three years of age. As awareness of pervasive developmental disorders grows, however, more parents and physicians learn what to look for, more children are diagnosed at earlier ages, and the methods and techniques for identifying pervasive developmental disorders early continue to be refined. Autism affects an estimated 10 to 20 of every 10,000 people, depending on diagnostic criteria used, and strikes males about four times more often than females.

Causes of Autisim

Common causes and risk factors of Autisim

Genetic and environmental factors.

Bad Parenting.

Atypical Brain Development.

Immune Deficiency Problem.

Food Allergies.

Poor Nutrition.

Enlarged brain size.

Signs and Symptoms of Autisim

Common sign and symptoms of Autisim

Delayed or unusual speech patterns.

High pitched or flat intonation

Lack of slang or "kidspeak.

Difficulty understanding tone of voice and body language as a way of expressing sarcasm, humor, irony, etc.

Lack of eye contact.

Avoids cuddling or touching

Frequent behavioral outbursts, tantrums

Inability to take another's perspective (to imagine oneself in someone else's shoes.

Treatment of Autisim

Common treatment of Autisim

Parents should be educated in behavioral techniques so they can participate in all aspects of the child's care and treatment.

The autistic child requires much of the parents' attention, often affecting the other children in the family.

Special education classes are available for autistic children.

Treatment of Mercury Toxicity.

Bibliography.