From the Editor

Our cover story this week is Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism is known as a complex developmental disability. Experts believe that Autism presents itself during the first three years of a person's life. The condition is the result of a neurological disorder that has an effect on normal brain function, affecting development of the person's communication and social interaction skills. People with autism have issues with non-verbal communication, a wide range of social interactions, and activities that include an element of play and/or banter.

The disorder is two times more common in boys than in girls. Autism is different from mental retardation, although many children with autism have both. The specific cause of autism is not fully understood, although it is clearly a biologically determined disorder. Several chromosomal abnormalities, such as fragile X syndrome, contribute to the development of autism. Prenatal infections such as rubella or cytomegalovirus, may also play a role.

Children with Autism develop symptoms in at least three of the following areas; social relationships, language, behavior and sometimes intelligence. Symptoms range from mild to severe and often keep children from functioning independently in school or society.

The diagnosis is made by close observation of the children in a playroom setting and careful questioning of parents and teachers. The symptoms of autism generally persist throughout life.

Children with Autism may benefit from certain intensive behavioral modification techniques. Drug therapy cannot change the underlying disorders.

 

From the Editor

Our cover story this week is Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism is known as a complex developmental disability. Experts believe that Autism presents itself during the first three years of a persons life. The condition is the result of a neurological disorder that has an effect on normal brain function, affecting development of the persons communication and social interaction skills. People with autism have issues with non-verbal communication, a wide range of social interactions, and activities that include an element of play and/or banter. The disorder is two times more common in boys than in girls. Autism is different from mental retardation, although many children with autism have both. The specific cause of autism is not fully understood, although it is clearly a biologically determined disorder. Several chromosomal abnormalities, such as fragile X syndrome, contribute to the development of autism. Prenatal infections such as rubella or cytomegalovirus, may also play a role. Children with Autism develop symptoms in at least three of the following areas; social relationships, language, behavior and sometimes intelligence. Symptoms range from mild to severe and often keep children from functioning independently in school or society. The diagnosis is made by close observation of the children in a playroom setting and careful questioning of parents and teachers. The symptoms of autism generally persist throughout life. Children with Autism may benefit from certain intensive behavioral modification techniques. Drug therapy cannot change the underlying disorders.