Symptoms of Autism: An Overview

Autism is a kind of disorder found mainly in children. According to various researchers, many factors, including genetic, environmental and even the use of some medicines may cause autism. This article provides certain tips to understand and identify children with autism.

Generally autism means, those children who show a delay in the all round development of intellect and emotions. It is a disorder occurring due to neurological differences. A child with autism can think logically, but it is different from the thought process of the typical child. The major symptoms of autism can be detected by monitoring the communication, behaviour and interpersonal abilities of a child exhibiting the signs of the disorder.

• An child with autism may find it difficult to develop proper hand and eye coordination.
• Children with autism won’t be able to maintain eye contact while communicating. Usually he prefers to keep his eyes dropped as if he lacks confidence.
• They can be either too much interested in physical activity or show the least interest in it.
• They won’t develop an intimate attachment with anybody. Even if they are in the presence of their siblings or parents they may behave as if they are in the company of strangers.
• They may behave as if they are not afraid of danger and isolation. It is not their courage, but their inability to assess a situation.
• Even if you call her by name, she will typically not respond.
• They show unpredictable response to sights and sounds, so their classrooms should be free of distractions if possible.

The causes of autism are not fully known. Some argue that it is the result of bio- chemical problems and some consider it as a psychiatric disorder. Apart from these, wrong diet, use of too many antibiotics and other environmental toxins are also implicated as active causes of autism.

Autism has some hereditary connections. If a family has a history of autism, then the new generation is at high risk. Studies have revealed that an autistic brain grows at an unusual rate between 1 and 2 years. Some areas of the brain grows larger than other parts and this typical brain structure causes autism.

Vaccines and antibiotics contain large qualities of toxins like mercury. Since infants lack immunity, their body won’t be able to handle the toxins in vaccines. This may prevent the brain development of a child. The environmental toxins present in pesticides, floor cleaners and preservatives in fast food may damage the tender brain cells of a child creating possible exposure to possible autistic symptoms.

Autism is caused by combination of several factors. Some children who are genetically allergic to certain medicines and food may develop symptoms of autism on a continuum. Autism is also linked to the dysfunctioning of the immune system. They may develop other physical illnesses due to lack of immunity. In addition, there are many more researched and unresearched causes of autism beyond the immunological and neurological connections.

Children with autism aren't misbehaving intentionally. They may get upset and irritated easily by some external problems that should be recognized and remediated by the teacher, parent or resource person. Normally, it is difficult to handle and manage them, but parents and teachers can play a crucial role in meeting both their behavioral and academic skills with patience and structure at home and in the classroom.

Sources:

http://autism.lovetoknow.com/Category:Diagnosing_Autism

http://autism.about.com/od/whatisautism/p/autismcauses.htm