Autism is a developmental disorder that results in impaired thinking, feeling, and social functioning. This eMedTV article takes an in-depth look at autism, including information about characteristic behaviors, symptoms, and treatment.
Classical autism is just one of the five types of autism spectrum disorder. This section of the eMedTV library identifies the other types of autism spectrum disorder, such as Asperger syndrome and childhood disintegrative disorder.
While there are no known causes of autism, recent studies suggest that some people are genetically predisposed. This eMedTV resource outlines some of the recent research into possible causes of this condition.
Trouble making friends or initiating conversation and an absence of imaginative play can indicate autism. As this eMedTV article explains, these early signs of autism may be difficult to detect in mildly affected children and therefore go unnoticed.
Verbal problems, problems with social interaction, and repetitive behaviors are possible autism symptoms. This eMedTV Web page provides details about these and other possible symptoms, including what happens as a child with the condition gets older.
As explained in this eMedTV article, making an autism diagnosis often involves using a questionnaire to gather information about a child's development and behavior. This resource also explains the behavior doctors look for when making a diagnosis.
As this eMedTV segment explains, most experts agree that highly structured, specialized programs are often effective for children with autism. This article outlines various approaches to autism treatment, including applied behavior analysis.
This eMedTV page offers examples of drugs used for autism, such as Prozac and Haldol. As this article explains, these medications are prescribed "off label," meaning that they haven't been approved by the FDA to treat autism.
As this eMedTV segment explains, speech language therapy for autism can be combined with occupational and physical therapies to improve communication in those with autism. This article offers a closer look at speech and language therapy.
This portion of the eMedTV site identifies the general goals of autism education for children in various age groups. This article also contains questions parents should consider asking about their autistic child's individual education program.
This portion of the eMedTV archives provides an overview of child autism, including statistics on its frequency. There is no cure for this condition, which is a brain disorder that affects the ability to think, communicate, and interact socially.
Language development in autistic children differs from that seen in children without autism. This eMedTV site addresses issues of language development in autistic children, such as problems with word and sentence meaning, intonation, and rhythm.
As this eMedTV segment explains, adult autism can create a unique set of challenges. This article offers advice for those dealing with adults who have this condition, including information about living arrangements and government programs.
Many parents wonder if autism is caused by the MMR vaccine. This eMedTV article discusses this question in detail, describing studies done on the possible link and explaining why current research suggests that there is no connection between the two.
This eMedTV resource provides details about several of the autism research studies currently under way. For example, ongoing research includes imaging studies searching for brain abnormalities that could cause impaired social communication.
Current statistics on autism indicate that the disorder is more common than childhood cancer. This eMedTV article features a variety of statistics that may help the reader understand more about this developmental disorder.
