Autism Definition: Understanding Autism And What Causes Autism

Autism is a developmental disorder, usually in children, characterized by social withdrawal and an inability to communicate. Though it is usually diagnosed during the preschool years the disorder begins in infancy. Autism is a disorder at a young age, rather than being a disorder an older child might develop. It is usually detected before the age of three, and many times much earlier.

When a doctor first suggests that your child has autism, your immediate reaction might be disbelief and the urge to seek a second, third, or even fourth opinion. Because autism is so different in every child, it is a tricky disorder to diagnose. However, there are a few key ways in which doctors can efficiently identify autism in children, and if your infant or toddler is showing any of these signs of autism, you should visit an autism specialist or your pediatrician immediately to express your concerns.

What Causes Autism

Many parents hope that in finding a source of autism, this disorder can be cured or prevented. Unfortunately, scientists have yet to find one single reason why children develop autism. It is possible that someday autism will be linked to a specific gene abnormality, but the more likely source is not one thing, but a number of factors in a child’s world. Autism cannot be prevented or cured, so the best we can do to help autistic children and adults is be understanding and willing to compromise to make the world comfortable for them and ourselves.

First off, there are certain things that do not cause autism, and these myths should be laid to rest immediately. Most importantly, bad parenting does not cause autism. In the past, mothers were blamed for traumatizing their children with cold parenting techniques, which was thought to lead to autism. This is simply not true. Autism is also not caused by malnutrition, although food allergies occur in many autistic children and some autistic children do benefit from taking daily vitamins.

Autism Genetic And Developmental Disorders

There are many links between autism and the brain. Most people with autism have larger brains and they are “wired” differently than a typical brain. Differences occur in many parts of the brain, so it cannot be targeted to one specific brain malfunction overall, but rather a brain malfunction in general. Autistic children also show signs of an immune deficiency. Evidence in this study is not yet strong, but research is still being done.

Many autistic individuals have other health problems related to immune deficiencies. Overall, these things all seem to point to genetics. Although autism is not the parents’ fault, it is most likely that autism was found elsewhere on your family tree, and it is not uncommon for parents to raise more than one autistic child. Autism may also be linked to vaccinations, although this is still being highly studied. The benefits of vaccinations greatly outweigh the risks of them causing autism, so you should not deprive your child simply because you are fearful. Talk to you doctor if you have concerns about vaccinations.

However it should be noted that recent medical reports by the medical establishment in the United States confirm that since mercury was removed from childhood vaccines, the alarming increase in reported rates of autism and other neurological disorders (NDs) in children not only stopped, but actually dropped sharply – by as much as 35 percent. This suggest that mercury in immunizations causes autism.

These reports were the results of independent researchers who, using the government’s own databases, analyzed reports of childhood neurological disorders, including autism, before and after removal of mercury-based preservatives.

Signs Of Autism In Infants

The first signs or autism in infants are usually delays or regression in speech communication. Another early sign is abnormal behavior in group play situations and other social situations. The first step to diagnosing autism is a thorough physical examination as well as a review of family history by a specialist. Although your regular pediatrician will be able to spot unusual behavior, you’ll want your child to be examined by an autism specialist to make sure your child is properly diagnosed.

The next step includes hearing tests. Sine language and social skill delays could be due to inadequate auditory sensations. There are two types of auditory tests, one of which records the tones a child can hear and the other of which requires sedation and measures the brain response to certain tones. Of course, the first method is preferred, since it does not require any use of a sedative. After auditory testing, your doctor may encourage testing your child for Fragile X syndrome, which often times goes hand in hand with autism. Metabolism can also be evaluated. To do this, your doctor will need a blood or urine sample to analyze DNA.

An MRI or CAT scan can also be helpful in diagnosing autism. The important thing is to work with doctors you trust. Second opinions can be very helpful, but when your child has been diagnosed, stick with one doctor so that treatment is uniform and so that your child will get used to this person. Autism is difficult to diagnose and even more difficult to treat, so remember that you should begin to learn as much as possible about the disorder as soon as your doctor identifies it. If you have yet to speak with your doctor about abnormal behavior in your child, do so immediately. By detecting autism early, you give your child a better chance at becoming a high-functioning individual with much more opportunities in life.

Autism In Babies: Autistic Children and the Strain on Marriage

Unfortunately, in modern times, many marriages end in divorce or separation. This statistic rises even higher when you mix in an autistic child. No matter how loving and understanding you both may be towards your child, the truth is that autism is a very difficult matter, and strain on the marriage is not uncommon.

Indeed raising a child with autism is stressful and a drain on any marriage. The tendency is that when you are stressed, you’d want to snap at another person for the smallest missteps. In order not to allow an autistic situation in the family to become a problem the following tips should be taken into consideration.

1. Keep a positive attitude towards the autistic situation: By trying to stay positive about your situation, and by working to keep your marriage healthy, you and your spouse can avoid marital problems and hopefully survive the trying times of raising an autistic child. Why did you marry your husband or wife? By asking yourself this question often, you can focus on the good things in your marriage. Instead of focusing on the bad qualities, take some time to enjoy one another the way you did at the beginning of the relationship. This may include spending some time apart from your children.


2. Get the support of other family member or any support group: When you find out that your child is autistic, it is beneficial to make sure that you and your spouse are not the only two people with whom your child will respond. A grandparent, aunt or uncle, mature sibling, or nanny are good people to have in your child’s life in the most intimate way possible. This way, alone time with your spouse is possible.


3. Seek ways of cooperating to make things work: Work together with your spouse to help you child, instead of fighting with one another. It is very likely that you will have different ideas about what to do in certain situations, so be prepared to compromise and always seek professional consultations before making any medical decisions for your child. By working together, remember that you are giving your child the best opportunities. Try to set apart time every week to spend together as a family, especially if one parent or the other is the primary caregiver.


4. Lastly, seek help when you need it. Part of any successful marriage is spending some time apart to focus on individual needs, and it is no different when you have an autistic child. However, if you find that you and your spouse are not happy unless you are spending time alone, it is time to reevaluate the situation. A family or marriage counselor can help you and your spouse get back on the right track to a happy life together. It might also be beneficial to meet other couples raising autistic children. You are not alone, and it is never easy. By making an effort to keep your marriage happy, even when you are stressed with the task of raising an autistic child, you and your spouse can ensure that your marriage does not end in a messy divorce.

Autism Book Review: Chicken Soup for the Soul - Children With Special Needs

Chicken Soup for the Soul - Children With Special Needs

Co-authors - Karen Simmons, Heather McNamara, Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen


Most of us are familiar with the Chicken Soup For The Soul series, a seemingly inexhaustible storehouse of short essays and personal experiences designed to lend hope and support to a variety of challenging life situations. Co-authors, Jack Canfield, also in “The Secret”, Mark Victor Hansen, Heather McNamara have all been instrumental in helping make the world an easier more loving place for those seeking safe haven for their hearts and minds in an increasingly demanding world.

Author Karen Simmons, a mother of two special needs children and founder of Autism Today™ joined the “Co-author” team for a brand new Chicken Soup book called “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Children with Special Needs. When the Chicken Soup publishing group decided to do this project they were astonished by the submissions - a record 5000 stories which still continue to roll in despite the expired submission date!

Aphorisms, quotes and cartoons are scattered liberally throughout this collection of tales about living and giving, growing and knowing. The stories came from so many backgrounds and perspectives, dealing with issues such as adjusting, gratitude, breaking barriers, independence, and community. Contributions came from everyone – parents, siblings, teachers and people with disabilities, giving us eloquent and exhilarating insights into their profound lives. The following are a precious few examples from this new book which is so chock full of personal success stories, I wanted to include them all!

Having just given birth, Nelma was distressed to find her arms empty. The hospital staff had whisked her baby boy away before she could see him. The doctor came in and explained there were problems and felt the parents might wish to consider an institution for their newborn. Insisting on seeing him immediately, the child was brought in. Nelma cradled him, smelled his new baby smell, and cooed to him. Then she carefully unwrapped the blanket revealing his tiny body with no legs and underdeveloped arms and hands. She caressed his skin, smiled into his alert trusting eyes, smiled softly and said, “Oh. Is that all?” Young Jerry was taken home and treated as equal to his 6 siblings. He grew up, went to college, met his best friend and married her. He and his bride proceeded to have five children. And when their eldest daughter had a school friend over for dinner one night, the young guest looked under the table and then announced ‘Your dad doesn’t have any legs’. The daughter looked under the table, examined the situation, then righted herself and said, ‘Your dad doesn’t have a wheelchair’. What a poignant example of acceptance – from generation to generation.

Reading these heartwarming stories from ‘Chicken Soup For the Soul, Children With Special Needs’ is more than nice idea – it really is grandma’s chicken soup. Who has not been touched or influenced by a child with special needs? You’ve probably been in a public place and witnessed some parent trying to cope with their offspring’s sudden and uncontrollable tantrum, while trying to ignore the stares and rude comments of onlookers. Did you think to yourself that the child may have some sort of developmental challenge or did you think about their terrible parenting skills? I know I have not always been as compassionate as I would like.

And there lies the true beauty of this book. It’s an opportunity to examine the real world of someone with special needs no matter how far removed you may think your life is from that reality. And if you are a caregiver of a special needs child, then you will truly identify with these snapshots of peoples lives! I defy anyone to read ‘Chicken Soup For the Soul, Children With Special Needs’ and not have their heart opened to a new love for diversity in humankind. Who among us has not felt incapable, confused, misunderstood or unloved? Truly I think we are all special needs in a way. Aren’t we?

You can grab copy of ‘Chicken Soup For the Soul, Children With Special Needs’ by following this link.

Kids With Autism And Sibling Rivalry: How To Cope With Autistic Family Members

When a family member is diagnosed with autism, there is a vast amount of information teaching parents how to cope with the autistic child, and there is also information for parents about dealing with the autistic child’s different behaviors. However, there are fewer learning tools for those who have an autistic sibling, even though this is a very stressful situation for brothers and sisters of an autistic child.

There are situations where parents are so involved in preparing themselves and their autistic child for the transition ahead that they forget that their other children must also deal with the new situation. Often, siblings of an autistic child may feel the new situation acutely. They may feel neglected by parents or jealous of the autistic child who is now receiving more attention.

Besides, an autistic patient’s family members may find their peers constantly teasing them about having an autistic sibling, which can lead to more stress. This may lead to behavioral issues, with the sibling acting out and becoming a “problem child” in order to receive attention. In some cases, the sibling may even try to hurt the autistic brother or sister in an attempt to remove him from the family environment.

The following tips can help children cope with an autistic sibling.

1. Find an autism support group. One way for siblings to cope with their autistic brother or sister is to find autism support groups. There should be resources available at the local chapter of the Autism Society of America in locating these groups. Also searching for national autism association or center for autism and related disorders will yield helpful resources. This is especially important in helping siblings feel that they are not alone and isolated in this unfolding situation—others are dealing with the same sorts of problems.

2. Increase family interaction. Family with autistic patients should learn to schedule regular family days or family nights each week, where all children can spend time with parents or other family members and share their day or week experiences and any problems. The best thing to remember is to be open about how you are feeling. If children feel that their parents are neglecting some aspect of their life, simply asking them for a moment of their time is often the best solution.

It is important that in handling kids with autism on the family parents should be understanding towards the other children’s needs for attention, whether they are autistic or not. Communication is the key to helping the entire family run smoothly.

Autism Today has various tools and resources to help you manage an autistic situation in the family. Visit Autism Today now.

Early Intervention Autism In Infants Could Be Critical To Treatment !

There already exists some evidence of the benefits of early intervention autism programs. Though these benefits are yet to be fully realized, but by detecting the early symptoms of autism at the earliest age possible, children can be treated of autism. Also it will help the families to receive advice and support to help them adjust and respond to the child's difficulties.

For now autism in infants is not as easily recognized as they are when the child is older. Parents worry about their children. When they notice signs and symptoms of autism they may dismiss them thinking that the child is "just a bit slow developing". But a psychologist, Philip Teitelbaum, a Graduate Research Professor at the University of Florida, is already researching early signs of autism in infants with the ultimate goal of enabling children to begin treatment for the disorder early enough to curtail and possibly even reverse its effects.

But What Symptoms Of Autism Should You Look For In Infants And Toddlers?

Parents could help in early detection of autism if they will just take simple guides like checking if the child is hitting all the normal milestones of development. There is an excellent guide from the Centre of Disease Control that gives all these milestones from birth to five years (Learn the Signs). Your doctor or health professional will be able to give you more information. Though the difficulty in using this method in detecting autism in infants is that some children do develop slower than others. This therefore means that a few weeks late reaching one particular milestone is nothing to worry about. When a child is late over a range of these milestones however specialist advice should be sought.

Besides, children with autism and other autism spectrum disorders typically display a range of identifiable symptoms. By being aware of these early signs of autism, parents can help spot the disorder at an earlier age, which greatly improves a child's overall prognosis. There is growing evidence that it is possible to spot autism in infants. It may not be possible to formally diagnose autism at this stage as Autism is usually not diagnosed until the ages of 24-36 months. But by comparing their child to other children and noticing the differences parents can easily recognize the traits of autism in infants.

Checklist of Signs Of Autism In Infants

Listed below is a checklist of the expected development of a normal infant.

By six months old infant we would expect to see the child smiling and reacting to their parent’s presence.

By the age of nine months the same child would reciprocate their parents smile.

By the time the child reached one year old we would expect it to be babbling and pointing to objects that attracted its attention.

By sixteen months a child can usually use single words.

By the age of 2 years should be able to use two word phrases.

It must be remembered that all children are individuals and as such develop at varying stages. Some children with autism develop normally and then start to lose their skills.

Similarly a group of British researchers have developed a behavior checklist that may help identify toddlers at risk for autism so they can get treatment earlier.

The researchers developed a questionnaire called the Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, or CHAT, that can be used by parents and health care workers to identify toddlers who are at risk for developing autism, pervasive developmental disorder, and language disorders.

The checklist, just like the list shown above, focuses on behaviors that are usually missing in children with autism: interacting or playing with others, showing interest in things around them, and communication through language or pointing.

The researchers are very on the use of this checklist as they noted that the checklist is a screening tool only, and children identified through the screening tool require more detailed examination by experts.