Autism affects approximately 3-5 children out of every 1,000. It is more likely to affect boys than girls. It is unknown what exactly causes autism in children but it does seem to be genetic. Children who are born with autism usually show signs by the time they turn three years old. Characteristics of this disorder include lack of communication and social skills, and repetitive behaviors. Autistic children usually have a delay in speech which can cause them frustration when trying to communicate. They also have a lack of interest in their surroundings and are unresponsive. They prefer to play by themselves and do not make friends easily. These children like to have a routine and do not readily adapt to change. Repetitive behaviors, head banging, hair twirling, and resisting change are just some of the behavioral issues that are seen with autistic children.

Diagnosing Autism

If a child shows signs of autism, their family doctor will refer them to a specialist. A hearing test is usually done to rule out deafness. Autism is usually diagnosed by watching the child and listening to the parents description of the child’s behaviors. Extensive testing is usually done to try and ensure an accurate diagnosis. These tests include psychological, neurological and speech screenings.

Treatment of Autism

Autism does not have a cure, but there are some things that can help. It is believed that the sooner treatment is introduced, the better the outcome will be. Speech therapists can help with speech problems to improve communication skills. Structured educational sessions may help with behavioral and social skills. These skills do not only apply to the child, but to the family as well. These methods can be used at home also. The exact type of treatment plan will vary from child to child dependent upon several factors.Medication is sometimes used to help treat certain behaviors, such as anxiety or hype

ASPERGER’S SYNDROME
Asperger’s syndrome also commonly known as Asperger disorder or autistic psychopathy is characterized under a group of childhood disorders called pervasive developmental disorders. Children with this type of autism have problems with social interaction. One of the main symptoms is an inability to show reciprocating emotion towards the feeling of other people. These children may also exhibit flat unchanging speech patterns. Sometimes, they may repeat words or phrases and lack in form of common sense perceptions.

In physical appearance, children with AS may appear clumsy or have awkward movements which include swaying or repetitive moving. They find fascination in things like spinning objects, door knobs, and shiny objects. However, children that have Asperger’s often have a superior intelligence lending to vast creativity in math, music, and computers.

RETT SYNDROME
One of the more severe forms of autism spectrum disorders, Rett Syndrome attacks primarily females. The neurological system is highly affected during early development status. Children exhibit loss of use in hand movement, slowed head and brain growth, gait abnormalities, mental retardation, and seizures.

There are typically four stages that encompass Rett syndrome. Stage 1 (early onset)happens between 6-18 months with delays in major motor skills like sitting or crawling. In stage 2 (rapid destruction), children between the age of 1 and 4 loose purposeful hand function, daytime apnea, slowing in head development, and infatuation with hand movement involving wringing, clasping, and tapping.

As stage 3 (plateau) sets in between the ages of 2-10, a severity in motor skills diminishes most function and seizures begin to surface. Stage 4 (late motor deterioration) can last for several years causing increased stiffness or rigidity in muscles.

CHILDHOOD DISINTEGRATIVE DISORDER
This condition usually develops in children who have basically had normal childhood development which makes it a difficult disorder to detect during early stages of children. It typically strikes at the ages of 2 to 7. They will almost suddenly lose self caring abilities like going to the toilet. They will also show a lack of interest in speech and social interactions.

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder affects boys more so than girls. Testing is very extensive because this disorder is not apparent right away. CDD children will have seizures as well.