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[M816]My Child Has Autism

by Jon A, Jon

Recent studies, which have been a major topic on TV shows such as Good Morning America and the Today Show, that autism is more prevalent than was previously thought. One estimate indicated that approximately 1 in every 150 children have autism to some degree, and the majority of those are undiagnosed.

You need to be aware that autism, also known as Autistic Spectrum Disorder, and the milder form of it, Asperger's Syndrome, is not necessarily limited to children. This can affect people of any age, and many older people who have been diagnosed with autism have had the affliction since they were children, but were simply never diagnosed with it.

People who are afflicted with autism show definite signs and symptoms of the affliction. One of the keys to accurate diagnosis is to note the presence of these symptoms and to note whether the symptom was an isolated incident or whether the symptom shows itself over and over again. For example, one of the signs of autism is that the affected person seems to live within their own world, they have clear problems with social interactions and in fact seem to reject any interaction with another person. Some people may say that that symptom would also apply to almost any computer geek, but in all seriousness, this is just one symptom of many possible ones, and it is not a laughing matter.

While there is not a ?cure? for autism in the same sense that taking aspirin will ?cure? a headache, early diagnosis of autism is critical to being able to help the afflicted person cope with it and to minimize the effects of autism over the long term of that person's life. Special teaching skills and methods are required to properly teach and train someone affected with autism, so that they can more readily learn how to exist in today's world. If left untreated and undiagnosed, most autistic people cannot live by themselves because they frequently do not have a good sense of what is right versus what is wrong, even concerning everyday mundane things.

Some of the signs and symptoms of autism would include the following:

* Autistic people frequently have poor language skills and therefore frequently have great problems in speaking and interacting verbally.

* Autistic people do not like to be touched or hugged. Even though a hug is usually seen as a sign of affection from someone who cares, people afflicted with autism are very uncomfortable with a hug or being touched by another person.

* Autistic people have difficulty making direct eye contact with another person and will frequently go out of their way to avoid direct eye contact.

* Autistic people frequently do not enjoy being in a group setting with others, but prefer to be alone in their own world.

* Autistic people frequently have high sensitivity to bright light and loud noises, while at the same time exhibit a significantly reduced sensitivity to pain.

* Autistic people can focus for hours at a time on a single object, with concentration so intense that they may not even react to outside stimuli, like someone calling their name.

One of the biggest problems in detecting autism is that there is not a specific pattern that can be traced or noted. But if you see your child consistently exhibiting one or more of the symptoms listed above, it would be a good idea to schedule a checkout with a trained professional who can perform additional tests to make an accurate diagnosis.

Children with autism sometimes have a difficult time understanding what we say or what our facial and body expressions mean. You should not just stop trying to communicate with them because of this. Try showing them a picture or an object to help them understand things better. For example, if you are talking about the most recent basketball game at school, show them a basketball or a picture of the entire basketball team to help them understand what you are talking about.

To help you understand some of the behaviors common to kids with autism review the following list:

• Some kids with autism may have trouble talking and may make strange sounds, or they may not talk at all
• Some kids with autism may flap their hands, spin, or laugh a lot
• Some kids with autism will behave or play in unusual ways
• They may be very active or be very quiet and like to spend time alone
• They may have trouble looking directly at you
• Some kids with autism may say the same things over and over

Kids with autism, like all people, can get frustrated and angry. The difference is most often they cannot tell us why they are frustrated or angry. They may use actions instead of words to express their feelings.

A child with autism may make noises or spin around when he or she becomes upset, confused, or bored. When they are excited or happy they may flap their hands, jump up and down, or run in circles.

When surroundings or schedules change and/or things become different, many children with autism get upset. They may start to cry, hold their hands over their ears or run away. The reason children with autism react so differently to things that most of us do not even notice is because they have difficulty understanding or dealing with the world around them.

No one knows why some people have autism. There may be many different causes. Researchers continue to study and try to find out just what the causes of autism are and how best to help people with autism.

Kids with autism may be a member of your class or may be in a classroom that was set up especially for them. Some children with autism go to different schools; however, more and more children with autism today can go to regular schools and participate in after-school activities with classmates, friends and neighbors. This is so much better for the child with autism rather than continuing to separate them from the rest of the world.

Special arrangements may be used in classrooms to help a classmate with autism participate in the class. He or she may even have a special coach sit at their desk or table. He or she may use picture symbols to communicate with classmates and the teacher. There is special computer software that can “talk” for a child with autism. The absolute best way for you to deal with a classmate, a friend or sibling with autism is to remain “friendly.”

Autism is not a disease that is contagious. Others cannot catch autism from a classmate, friend or sibling.

Becoming a friend to a child with autism can be a rewarding and learning experience for everyone involved. Review the following ideas to help you be a friend to a child with autism:

• Accept the differences
• Protect your friend from things that bother him or her
• Talk to a child with autism in small sentences and use simple words with lots of gestures
• Use pictures or write down what you want to say to your friend who has autism to help him or her understand you better
• Join your friend who has autism in activities that interest him or her
• Be patient and understand that your friend does not mean to bother you or others
• Invite your friend who has autism to play with you and to join you in group activities
• Sit near your friend who has autism, and help him or her do things if they want you to
• Help other kids learn about autism by telling them about your friend

Source: Autism Society of America

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use the information in this article to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's condition.

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About Author

Both Jon A & Connie Limon are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Jon A has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home, Sports Car and Acid Reflux. Jon is a computer engineer who maintains web sites on a variety of topics based on his knowledge and experience. You can read more about Autism and Autistic Spectrum Disorder at his web site at. Jon A's top article generates over 40500 views. to your Favourites.

Connie Limon has sinced written about articles on various topics from Careers and Job Hunting, Dogs and Colon Cleanse. . Connie Limon's top article generates over 135000 views. to your Favourites.