Autism - Signs, Symptoms, Treatments, Resources, Support for Autism

Unlike the flu vaccine and a number of other childhood immunizations, the mumps/measles/rubella vaccine does not and did not contain thimerosal (a mercury-based preservative). MMR is one of several live viral vaccines (chicken pox vaccine and the nasal flu vaccine are two others). It is routinely given at 12 to 15 months of age, which is the age when autism is first likely to become evident.    The concern over MMR began when Dr. Andrew Wakefield, a British gastroenterologist, tested 12 youngsters with and without autism and found a possible link between measles virus in the gut and autism. The theory presented was that certain children have a genetic predisposition to immune issues -- and that a variety of environmental toxins begin to attack the child's immune system early on.  Researcher's at Wakefield's Texas-based foundation called Thoughtful House, claim that "The child develops a leaky gut, tissue damage gets worse, the immune system grows...

 Autistic disorder, sometimes called autism or classical ASD, is the most severe form of ASD, while other conditions along the spectrum include a milder form known as Asperger syndrome, and childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS).  Although ASD varies significantly in character and severity, it occurs in all ethnic and socioeconomic groups and affects every age group.  Experts estimate that six children out of every 1,000 will have an ASD.  Males are four times more likely to have an ASD than females. The hallmark feature of ASD is impaired social interaction.  As early as infancy, a baby with ASD may be unresponsive to people or focus intently on one ...

In 1997, at the request of Congress, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) formed its Autism Coordinating Committee (NIH/ACC) to enhance the quality, pace and coordination of efforts at the NIH to find a cure for autism ( http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-pervasive-developmental-disorders/nih-initiatives/nih-autism-coordinating-committee.shtml ). The NIH/ACC involves the participation of seven NIH Institutes and Centers: the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the Eunice Kennedy Shriver  National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders,  the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the National Institute of Nursing Research, and the Nationa...

There is no cure for ASDs.  Therapies and behavioral interventions are designed to remedy specific symptoms and can bring about substantial improvement.  The ideal treatment plan coordinates therapies and interventions that meet the specific needs of individual children.  Most health care professionals agree that the earlier the intervention, the better. Educational/behavioral interventions :  Therapists use highly structured and intensive skill-oriented training sessions to help children develop social and language skills, such as Applied Behavioral Analysis.  Family counseling for the parents and siblings of children with an ASD often helps families cope with the ...

ASD varies widely in severity and symptoms and may go unrecognized, especially in mildly affected children or when it is masked by more debilitating handicaps.  Very early indicators that require evaluation by an expert include: no babbling or pointing by age 1 no single words by 16 months or two-word phrases by age 2 no response to name loss of language or social skills poor eye contact excessive lining up of toys or objects no smiling or social responsiveness. Later indicators include: impaired ability to make friends with peers impaired ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others absence or impairment of imaginative and social play stereotyped, repetitive, or unusual use of language restricted patterns of interest that are abnormal in intensity o...

 Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a range of complex neurodevelopment disorders, characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior.   Autistic disorder, sometimes called autism or classical ASD, is the most severe form of ASD, while other conditions along the spectrum include a milder form known as Asperger syndrome, and childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS).  Although ASD varies significantly in character and severity, it occurs in all ethnic and socioeconomic groups and affects every age group.  Experts estimate that six children out of every 1,000 will have an ASD.  Males are four ...

Question: What Do Doctors Say About Autism Diets?   What do doctors say about autism diets? Can they really make a difference?   Answer: While some practitioners (Defeat Autism Now doctors in particular) recommend special autism diets for their patients, most mainstream practitioners do not. This is most likely because many of the theories behind these diets (most of which eliminate wheat and dairy) appear to be incorrect - and others are not fully researched. The bottom line, however, is that Gluten Free Cassein Free (GFCF) diets can make a difference for some children with autism. This is probably not because they heal or cure underlying symptoms of autism, but because they treat gastrointestinal problems which are surprisingly common among children with autism (about 12% to 19% of children with autism have chronic diarrhea, constipation, reflux and other issues). Dr. Cynthia Molloy is a researcher at the Children's Hospital Medical Center in Cincinn...

Can gluten or casein (wheat or dairy) actually cause autism? Books and websites galore recommend that people with autism eliminate wheat and dairy from their diets. Some therapists, parents, doctors and writers swear they know a child who, as a result of this diet, has completely "recovered" from autism, and the child no longer qualifies for an autism spectrum label. Mainstream doctors and researchers, however, tend to be skeptical about claims of "cures" as a result of dietary change. Could wheat and dairy actually be the culprits for at least some cases of autism? Do Gluten and Cassein Cause Autism? The Opiate Theory A popular theory follows this logic: Wheat gluten and cassein contain proteins which break down into molecules that resemble opium-like drugs. Children with autism have compromised digestive systems, including "leaky guts." Leaky gut syndrome is a somewhat controversial diagnosis; in essence, it means that a person's i...

While mainstream doctors are unlikely to recommend special diets for children with autism, alternative doctors and practitioners may suggest gluten-free, casein-free and other restricted diets. To get more information about just why these diets are recommended, I contacted the Autism Research Institute (ARI). ARI, one of the first autism organizations in America, is the developer of the Defeat Autism Now (DAN!) protocol. DAN! is a highly controversial biomedical approach to autism treatment. There are many anecdotal stories of children "recovering" from autism as a result of the diets, supplements and other treatments recommended by ARI, and ARI itself has conducted research on its protocols. Mainstream medical professionals, however, feel that aspects of the approach are likely to be ineffective or even potentially dangerous. The following questions came directly from the About.com Guide to Autism, while the answers were provided by Maureen H. McDonnell, ...