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Autism

What Is Autism/PDD ?
Autism is a developmental disability characterised by impairments in social interaction, in verbal and non-verbal communication and a pattern of repetitive, stereotypic activities. Autism represents one end of a spectrum of conditions called "Pervasive Developmental Disorders" (PDD) that share these clinical features but differ in natural history, number of symptoms, or patterns of behaviours. PDD is still a somewhat controversial term (click here to read article). Autism represents the most extreme form of PDD and occurs in between 4 - 10 / 10 000 children with about four affected boys to every affected girl. The overall prevalence of PDD may be as much as 1 in 300 children.

What Characterizes An Austic Individual? Communication?
Among the autistic there is an immense diversity of communicative abilities, ranging from completely non-verbal to capably fluent. Within this continuum, many autistic individuals have difficulties in verbal machinery such as alterations of pitch and tone. Further markers include repetition, echolalia and the deliberation and expression of information.

Social Interaction?
Individuals with autism often have significant social interaction deficits.

What Causes Autism/PDD?
Although the cause of autism is not fully understood, some researchers suspect that the cause may be chemicals. Explanations such as bad parenting and misbehaviour have now been totally dismissed.

How Is Autism/PDD Diagnosed?
There is no absolute test available for an autism diagnosis, however, through observation of specific criteria a consensus diagnosis can be reached. This diagnosis may include contributions from psychiatrists, pediatricians, speech pathologists, neurologists and other consulting authorities.

What Methods Are Currently Used To Treat PDD? Behavioural Therapies?
Currently there is no substantiated cure for autism. Some viable treatments have been developed to lead autistic individuals in a positive developmental direction. Predominant among these techniques are behavioural therapies which focus on building sound social skills. One of the most common early interventions used for autistic children over the last decade is ABA (Applied Behavioural Analysis).

Drug and Nutritional Therapies?
Conventional drug therapies for autism have traditionally been used to treat isolated autistic symptoms rather than attempting to contain the disorder as a whole. In light of this, prescribed medications vary widely depending on the individual, although antidepressants remain a common psychiatric recommendation. In addition to the mainstay of pharmaceutical drugs, holistic medicine offers an alternative or complementing diet. Dosages of supplementary nutrients such as Vitamin B6 and magnesium have been commended by some parents, but are UNSUBSTANTIATED within the medical community. (Click here for an abstract on this topic)

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