According to the National Autism Association, Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social impairments, cognitive impairments, communication difficulties, and repetitive behaviors. Autism is can be linked to abnormal physical condition in the brain, however abnormalities remain unknown. The cortex and the cerebellum in the brain have been implicated in autism, according to a report on NBCNews.com. This report also stated these areas of the brain are possibly responsible for concentration, movement and mood regulation. Irregularities in the levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, have also been tied to autism. The term autism spectrum disorder and autism are a group of complex term associated with disorders of brain development. According to Autism Speaks, the most obvious signs of autism and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between 2 and 3 years of age. According the Center for Disease Control, Some doctors believe the increased incidence in autism is due to newer definitions of autism. The term "autism" now includes a wider spectrum of children. These groups of disorders are often characterized, varying degrees by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. Some of the disorders include autistic disorder, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified and Asperger syndrome. (Medscape Reference)
Rett Syndrome
Childhood disintegrative disorder is a disorder that resembles autistic disorder and is characterized by loss of acquired language and social skills. Symptoms include, change is language skills can happen gradually or abruptly, social and emotional developments often regress, and an impaired inability to relate to others. According to Austism speaks language abnormalities are more common in relatives of autistic children. Austism Speaks also noted Chromosomal abnormalities and other nervous system problems are also more common in families with autism. However this condition is much rarer than most autistic disorder because it occurs in about 2 per 100,000 children.
Pervaisive development disorder not otherwise specified is one of the three autism spectrum disorder (ASD) which is sometimes called atypical autism. This disordered is often characterized by social functioning skills and communication skills. (Wikipedia)
Asperger Syndrome
ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art.
Autism Speaks continues to fund research on effective methods for earlier diagnosis, as early intervention with proven behavioral therapies can improve outcomes. Increasing autism
Listed below are some of the suspected causes that are involved.
They involve:
1. Diet
2. Digestive tract changes
3. Mercury poisoning
4. The body's inability to properly use vitamins and minerals
5. Vaccine sensitivity
Listed below are some of the Signs of autism:
1. No smiling or other warm expression by six months or thereafter
2. No babbling by 12 months
3. No Gesturing (pointing, waving bye-bye) by 12 months
4. No words by 16 months
5. No two-word meaningful phrases by 24 months
Some early signs of autism are listed below:
1. Loss of speech or babbling or social skills at any age
2. Child doesn’t make eye contact (e.g. look at you