Understanding autism and the signs.
Understanding Autism – The Signs & Symptoms
Most Americans know little or nothing about autism and Asperger Syndrome, but almost 17% of young people in the country suffer from these, or a similar condition. Not only is it important for parents to know about the condition, but many adults with the condition have yet to be diagnosed.
For many years, very little was know about either condition, and young people were forever being misdiagnosed, and written off as having behavioural problems instead. It's now being discovered that more and more adults are being diagnosed with either autism or Asperger Syndrome, which doctors had missed during their childhood years. Read on to find our more about autism, the importance of a diagnosis, and how to spot it's main signs and symptoms.
About Autism...
With autism, you will find that the severity of the condition will vary from person to person. In more mild autistic cases, the sufferers are able to function well in everyday life, making it far harder to diagnose. Those who suffer with more server cases of autism and Asperger Syndrome may find coping with everyday life extremely difficult, and they may need additional specialist help.
The condition doesn't only affect the sufferers, as both parents and close family members can often find the condition overwhelming and difficult to cope with. Dealing with the most severe forms of autism can be especially hard, and the main signs (see below), can make normal social interaction particularly difficult for the sufferer.
Doctors are still unsure of the main cause for these conditions, but research strongly suggests that autism is hereditary. Unfortunately, no treatments for either condition have yet been found. But, there are certain steps parents can take to ensure that their children's condition is properly managed. Specialist education may be needed for the more serve cases, and certain therapy types can also help. [1]
Autism diagnosis...
Before, Autism and Asperger Syndrome were extremely difficult for doctors and health professionals to diagnose, as little was know about either. Over the years, more has become known about autism and the related conditions, and they are now far easier for doctors to diagnose. There is no one single test that can be taken to identify the conditions. Instead, the diagnosis is based on the number of signs and symptoms that are present with each individual.
The common signs and symptoms of Autism...
There are a wide variety of symptoms, and different signs that will manifest as a child reaches different ages. Older children are more likely to display some of the following signs -
- A lack of imagination when playing games
- Difficulties with speech and understanding the facial expressions of others
- A preference to being and playing alone
- Problems interacting and communicating with others
- Obsessive and repetitive behaviour patterns
- Fearlessness and the inability to feel pain
- Being unable to maintain eye contact with others [2]
Why it's so important to get an early autism diagnosis....
Getting a diagnosis for autism is essential. It will ensure that you and your child (or those affected) get the proper help and support needed. Many adults have had to struggle through life alone, never benefiting from the specialist help on offer. A diagnosis will put your mind at ease and help you to better understand, and properly deal with your child's behaviour. [3]
References -
1 - Autism 'affects all of the brain' - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4794085.stm. Accessed Sept 08, 2009.
2 - Autism and Asperger syndrome – http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/autism1.shtml. Accessed Sept 08, 2009.
3 - Getting a diagnosis – http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Autism/Pages/Thediagnosisofautism.aspx. Accessed Sept 08, 2009.
