Autism (say: aw -tih-zum) causes kids to experience the world differently from the way most other kids do. Kids who have autism usually keep to themselves and many can’t communicate without special help. Although treatment has improved greatly in the past few decades, autism cannot be cured. It’s estimated that three to six of every 1,000 children have autism. It persists throughout life. Some believe this increase is largely due to changed diagnostic criteria and/or societal factors, while others think the reason is environmental. Although the specific causes of autism are unknown, there is a large database of links between autism and genetic loci that span every chromosome. Other ASDs include Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS). Some autistic children and adults are opposed to attempts to cure autism, because they see autism as part of who they are, and in some cases they perceive attempts of a cure to be intensive and unnatural.
Symptoms of Autism
Some Symptoms of Autism :
Avoids cuddling or making eye contact.
Doesn’t respond to voices or other sounds.
Injures himself or herself or is unafraid of danger.
Has a flat facial expression or uses a monotone voice.
Doesn’t understand hand gestures or body language.
Is very concerned with order, routine or ritual.
Treatment of Autism
Therapists use highly structured and intensive skill-oriented training sessions to help children develop social and language skills. Family counseling for the parents and siblings of children with autism often helps families cope with the particular challenges of living with an autistic child.
Doctors often prescribe an antidepressant medication to handle symptoms of anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Anti-psychotic medications are used to treat severe behavioral problems. Seizures can be treated with one or more of the anticonvulsant drugs.
There are a number of controversial therapies or interventions available for autistic children, but few, if any, are supported by scientific studies. Parents should use caution before adopting any of these treatments.
Watch the video related to Rett Syndrome
Rett Syndrome is the most physically disabling of the Autism spectrum disorders. I met a girl named Nikki who has Rett Syndrom and I made a documentary about her and Rett Syndrome. I just finished editing it. This is a trailer for the documentary.
Help answer the question about Rett Syndrome
Can someone please help me understand Rett Syndrome?Please list your source and only reply if you honestly know what you are talking about. I need to understand this and I am having a terrible time figuring it out. Break it down as much as you can please. Thank You!!!!!
Mutation-what is known about the mutation in the DNA that causes it? where is the mutation located? what kind of mutation is it?
Protein-what happens to the protein as a result of the mutation? what is the normal function of that protein, and how is that changed in the disease state?
About Author
Juliet Cohen writes health articles for diseases and disorders. She also writes articles on women beauty tips.
i love seeing the older girls that are walking and at school . my little rett angel is three now , and im praying daily for a cure! hoping that she will walk , talk , ride a horse ,feed herself , or even maybe have her own little girl one day!
Hello…my 3 1/2 year old daughter has Rett Syndrome. Luckily she doesn't have scoliosis yet. From other parents I have talked to, surgery for scoliosis is somewhat common but I think its mostly done when it is affecting their ability to breathe. The other 2 surgeries I have never heard of being done on girls with RS. My daughter has problems with her ankles that we brace. If there is tightening I have heard of parents trying botox with good results. But sleep apnea is pretty common in RS I think also…yet I have never heard of tonsils being taken out. You have to be VERY careful with surgeries because girls with RS have difficulties with pneunomia, the anesthesia, recovery, and seizures tend to increase with the pain from it. Are you on the Rettnet? If not, that is your best source of answers because it is a huge community of parents, therapists, Drs, etc. That is who you should be asking those questions. You can sign up for it at http://www.rettsyndrome.org. Best of luck to you and your sister!