Basic background information about autism

Autism

Autism is a rare childhood disorder, affecting about 3 children in every thousand, with three times as many boys being affected as girls. The condition is 50 times more common in siblings of autistic children than in the general population.

Autistic infants initially appears normal, but resist being cuddled, and seem unable to fix a gaze upon the mother's face, as eye to eye contact is avoided. The disorder is nearly always evident by the age of 30 months, with the affected child becoming withdrawn, self absorbed and unable to relate well to other people.

Autistic children are more interested in objects than people, live in their own private little world, form no relationships, play alone, and appear to be aloof. They are very resistant to change, throwing temper tantrums at any attempt to change daily rituals.

They become obsessed by one topic, and odd behaviour may develop such as walking on tip toes, twiddling fingers, rocking back and forth, screaming, head banging, hyperactivity and often self injury.

As 25% have neurological problems, and 33% are epileptic by adolescence, it has been considered by some experts as a subtle form of brain damage or even an unusual form of schizophrenia.

Though physically normal, most autistic children are mentally subnormal, but can be exceptionally skilled in music, math and memory tasks. There is often delay in speaking, with the child echoing phrases in robot like fashion. They have no sense of danger, and may talk incessantly about a single topic.

It is known that rubella (German measles) caught in pregnancy, phenylketonuria, meningitis and encephalitis may predispose a child to autism, but recent fears that the MMR (Mumps, Measles & Rubella) vaccine causes autism have been strongly denied by the Department of Health, and mothers have been strongly advised to continue to allow their children be vaccinated against MMR.

Autism is difficult to treat. Special schooling is needed, and parents need a great deal of support and counseling. Epilepsy and hyperactivity can be treated with medication. Only about 15% of autistic children can lead a normal independent life.

Further information can be found at: The National Autistic Society http://www.nas.org.uk

This article was published on Mon 31 July 2006