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Children's
Mental Health
Autism
What
is Autism?
Autism is one of the mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders that
appears in early childhood. Autistic children may have a serious lifelong
disability. However, with appropriate treatment and training, some autistic
children can develop certain aspects of independence in their lives. Parents
should support their autistic children in developing those skills that
use their strengths so they will feel good about themselves.
What Are the Signs
Of Autism?
When an infant or toddler:
- does not cuddle
or respond to affection and touching.
- does not make eye
contact.
- appears to be unable
to communicate.
- displays persistent
failure to develop two-way social relationships in any situation.
- does not show a
preference for parents over other adults.
- does not develop
friendships with other children.
- has poor language
skills; or nonexistent ones.
- shows unusual,
extreme responses to objects – either avoidance or preoccupation.
- finds moving objects,
such as a fan, hold great fascination.
- may form an unusual
attachment to odd objects such as a paper or rubberband.
- displays repetitive
activities of a restrictive range.
- spins and repeats
body movements, such as arm flapping.
- may repeat television
commercials.
- may indulge in
complex bedtime rituals.
The symptoms of autism range from mild to severe. Although symptoms of the disorder sometimes can be seen in early infancy, the condition may appear after months of normal development. About 7 in every 10 children and adolescents with autism also have mental retardation or other problems with their brain function or structure.
How Common Is Autism?
Recent studies estimate that as many as 14 children out of 10,000 may
have autism or a related condition. About 125,000 Americans are affected
by these disorders, and nearly 4,000 families across the country have
two or more children with autism. Three times as many boys as girls have
autism.
What Causes Autism?
Researchers are unsure about what causes autism. Several studies suggest
that autistic disorder might be caused by a combination of biological
factors, including exposure to a virus before birth, a problem with the
immune system, or genetics.
Treatments
Parents who suspect autism in their child should ask their family doctor
or pediatrician to refer them to a child and adolescent psychiatrist,
who can accurately diagnose the autism and the degree of severity, and
determine the appropriate educational measures.
Drugs are of minor importance in the treatment of autism. Antidepressants occasionally help a little. Standard antiviolence agents, especially antipsychotic drugs, lithium, and beta-blockers, may be needed for autistic persons who strike out at themselves or others. Conventional anti-psychotic drugs are often highly sedative and have serious side effects, including body movement disorders. Anticonvulsants may be useful; some researchers have suggested that unrecognized partial complex epileptic seizures, which cause changes in consciousness but not physical convulsions, are one source of autistic behavior problems.
Little is known about the long-term effects of drugs on autistic persons. They should be used only for specific symptoms, not merely to keep a child docile or quiet the anxiety of a parent or doctor.
Autism Effects
the Whole Family
In addition to working with autistic child, the child and adolescent psychiatrist
can help the family resolve stress – for example, a feeling among the
siblings that they are being neglected in favor of the autistic child,
or embarrassment about bringing their friends home. The child and adolescent
psychiatrist can help parents with the emotional problems that may arise
as a result of living with an autistic child and also help them provide
the best possible nurturing and learning environment for the child.
Resources for the
Parents
The parents of an autistic child bear a heavy burden. They are frustrated
by the child’s inability to communicate; impulsiveness; emotional unresponsiveness;
self-destructive behavior; and eating and toileting problems. Some parents
find it difficult to accept the diagnosis and constantly look for other
explanations. Many cope well enough, but all can benefit from some guidance
and services, including counseling or supportive psychotherapy. An important
resource for parents is the Autism Society of America, a mutual aid group
founded in 1965, which provides information and referral services and
supports initiatives in research, education, and treatment.
MHAFC needs your financial support to continue to improve awareness and understanding of mental illnesses. Please click here to make a contribution.
This publication is
generously supported by a grant from the William H. Donner Foundation
and Eli Lilly and Company.
Copyright 1996
