Theories about Autism

Understanding Autism

Sufferers of Autism display quite a wide variety of different behaviours and it is known as a sprectrum disorder.

One feature that is common among sufferers is that two people who may be diagnosed with the same type of problems may both display completely different symptoms.

It's important to remember however that every person suffering from Autism is an individual person and should be treated as such.

There is absolutely no point in trying to take a blanket approach in the treatment of an Autistic child as each one should be treated according to their own personality and needs.

Some children may only be mildly affected by autism, showing only slight language and cognitive or social problems, others may show more severe symptoms with a complete withdrawal into their own world.

Other traits of autism include:

• Resisting change
• Unable to express what they want or need in words
•  repeating the same words or phrases over and over
• Showing emotion such as laughing and crying inappropriately
• Dislike of the company of other people
• Temper tantrums and sulks
• Unable or dislike of mixing with other children
• Disliking physical contact with others
• refusal to make eye contact
• Unresponsive
• Obsessive personality
• Disregard for danger or pain
• No response to verbal or physical cues

No one really knows what causes Autism though many theories abound. Some doctors believe it is an abnormality in the brain, others think there could be a hereditary link as there is often a pattern shown in some families.

The problem could arise whilst the mother is pregnant with the child, or there could be difficulties with the delivery. There are many theories at this time that baby vaccinations are to blame for many cases of Autism, though most doctors dispute this.

Other doctors suggest there may be a gene abnormality. One thing many scientists agree on is the fact that some children appear to be more susceptible to Autism than others, but finding the trigger which causes this is usually the tricky part.

One myth which many parents find quite distressing is that Autistic children are unable to show any affection. For most children this is untrue. Whilst they may not be able to show their parents and family affection in the more recognized way, they usually have their own method of showing them affection and its usually discovering what this method is.

Whilst Autism is never "cured", the symptoms in some children appear to improve as they get older, and many manage to integrate into society quite successfully.

One important we all should remember is Autism is not a mental illness and should never be treated in that way.