The Autistic Child
What is Autism?
Autism is one of the mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders
that appears in early childhood. Autistic children may have a
serious lifelong disability. However, with appropriate treatment
and training, some autistic children can develop certain aspects of
independence in their lives. Parents should support their autistic
children in developing those skills that use their strengths so
they will feel good about themselves.
What Are the Signs Of Autism?
When an infant or toddler:
The symptoms of autism range from mild to severe. Although
symptoms of the disorder sometimes can be seen in early infancy,
the condition may appear after months of normal development. About
7 in every 10 children and adolescents with autism also have mental
retardation or other problems with their brain function or
structure.
How Common Is Autism?
Recent studies estimate that as many as 14 children out of
10,000 may have autism or a related condition. About 125,000
Americans are affected by these disorders, and nearly 4,000
families across the country have two or more children with autism.
Three times as many boys as girls have autism.
What Causes Autism?
Researchers are unsure about what causes autism. Several studies
suggest that autistic disorder might be caused by a combination of
biological factors, including exposure to a virus before birth, a
problem with the immune system, or genetics.
Treatments
Parents who suspect autism in their child should ask their
family doctor or pediatrician to refer them to a child and
adolescent psychiatrist, who can accurately diagnose the autism and
the degree of severity, and determine the appropriate educational
measures.
Drugs are of minor importance in the treatment of autism.
Antidepressants occasionally help a little. Standard antiviolence
agents, especially antipsychotic drugs, lithium, and beta-blockers,
may be needed for autistic persons who strike out at themselves or
others. Conventional anti-psychotic drugs are often highly sedative
and have serious side effects, including body movement disorders.
Anticonvulsants may be useful; some researchers have suggested that
unrecognized partial complex epileptic seizures, which cause
changes in consciousness but not physical convulsions, are one
source of autistic behavior problems.
Little is known about the long-term effects of drugs on autistic
persons. They should be used only for specific symptoms, not merely
to keep a child docile or quiet the anxiety of a parent or
doctor.
The symptoms of autism range from mild to severe. Although symptoms
of the disorder sometimes can be seen in early infancy, the
condition may appear after months of normal development. About 7 in
every 10 children and adolescents with autism also have mental
retardation or other problems with their brain function or
structure.
Autism Effects the Whole Family
In addition to working with autistic child, the child and
adolescent psychiatrist can help the family resolve stress –
for example, a feeling among the siblings that they are being
neglected in favor of the autistic child, or embarrassment about
bringing their friends home. The child and adolescent psychiatrist
can help parents with the emotional problems that may arise as a
result of living with an autistic child and also help them provide
the best possible nurturing and learning environment for the
child.
Resources for the Parents
The parents of an autistic child bear a heavy burden. They are
frustrated by the child’s inability to communicate;
impulsiveness; emotional unresponsiveness; self-destructive
behavior; and eating and toileting problems. Some parents find it
difficult to accept the diagnosis and constantly look for other
explanations. Many cope well enough, but all can benefit from some
guidance and services, including counseling or supportive
psychotherapy. An important resource for parents is the Autism
Society of America, a mutual aid group founded in 1965, which
provides information and referral services and supports initiatives
in research, education, and treatment.
For More Information:
For additional resources, please contact your local Mental
Health Association or:
National Mental Health Association
2001 N. Beauregard Street, 12th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone 703/684-7722
Fax 703/684-5968
Mental Health Resource Center 800/969-NMHA
TTY Line 800/433-5959
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
3615 Wisconsin Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20016
Autism Society of America
7910 Woodmont Ave
Suite 650
Bethesda, MD 20814-3015
Phone: (800) 3-AUTISM
National Alliance for Autism Research
414 Wall Street
Princeton, NJ 08540
Phone: (888) 777-6227
