Autism

Autism
What is it?
*Disorder of a Young Child- cannot develop normal Social Relationships
-Behavior- Compulsive, Ritualistic ways
-Intelligence- usually fails to develop normal intelligence
*Usually Appears- in the first year of life, always before age 3
Signs and Symptoms:
*Child- prefers to be alone, does not cuddle or form strong relationships,
resists change, avoids eye contact, repeats acts and rituals, becomes attached
to familiar objects, unusual speech patterns
*Often- speaks later than other children, be not speak at all, difficulty
communicating, repeats words, uses YOU when talking about himself or herself
Facts:
*Cause- is unknown, but never by poor parenting, may be partly genetic, tends to
occur in both twins if in one twin
*Speculation- may be from a viral infection as cytomegalic inclusion disease or
congenital rubella, fragile X syndrome or phenylketonuria
*70%- have some type of mental retardation (IQ less than 70)
-IQ < 50- have seizures before reaching adolescence
*Variation of Autism- Atypical or Childhood onset Pervasive Development Disorder
which can begin up to age 12 but may also have Hyperactivity, Obsessive-Compulsive
Disorder or Tourette’s Syndrome
What can I do?
*See your Physician- ask about CT, MRI, Psychotherapy, Special Education
(Occupational and Physical Therapy), Medications/Haloperidol if self destructive or
aggressive behavior, Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (Sertraline, Paroxetine, Fluoxetine)
-Other Medications- Risperidone, Fenfluramine, Buspirone