Diagnosing Autism - What Steps To Take

                

 

Most children with autism are diagnosed at or before age three. There are times when it is obvious that there might be a problem, and other times things can go unnoticed. Children with classic autism have signs and symptoms that are rather obvious. However, those with higher functioning forms like Asperger?s may not show signs that are not so easy to pick up on. No matter why type of function these children have, there are some things that are used in diagnosing autism that will be noticed in all children. Parents with concerns should see a doctor for proper diagnosis.

Parents are the first step in diagnosis, but doctors may notice problems before a parent. There are many signs they can see as early as age one. A child with autism will be slow to speak or communicate, if they do so at all. They may be over stimulated or under stimulated by noises and actions. They may play alone, and they may also use repetitive motions. Some children might also be super sensitive to touch, and may cry out when held. Others may have tantrums that seem to come from things that other children handle well. Sometimes the smallest change in daily routine can trigger a tantrum. They might also ignore others, and cannot seem to maintain eye contact with anyone they don?t know. Many have problems with delayed motor skills, and might appear to be very clumsy.

There are some things that must be eliminated first. A hearing test might be one of the first things tested, as a lack of hearing can explain some behaviors and signs. A child might be non-verbal because they can?t hear, and this would also explain why they don?t react to noises and other stimuli. Genetic testing might also be done to see if there is a different explanation for many of the signs of developmental delay. A child might also be tested for seizure disorders.

After this type of testing is done, and everything else is eliminated, autism is diagnosed by behaviors. There is no medical test that can pinpoint it, and it is more of a process of elimination than anything. A doctor will study and ask for details about behaviors related to the child and determine what type of autism that child might have, and how high or low functioning they might be. The categories that will be looked at are communication, socializations, and overall behaviors.

A parent who is concerned should see their doctor about diagnosing autism as soon as they can. Most children are diagnosed by age four, but some can be diagnosed sooner. An early diagnosis means that the child can begin treatments at a younger age, and this can greatly improve the quality of life. This is especially true for the higher functioning children with Asperger?s. Though there is no cure for autism, there are some programs these children and parents can use to help with communication and socialization problems. Though it is a difficult diagnosis to accept, early treatment is best.

By Rachel Evans. Sign up for a free newsletter for more information about diagnosing autism. In the newsletter you'll find out more about the signs and symptoms of autism.

How To Recognize The Different Autism Types

                

 

You may hear autism referred to as a PDD. This stands for Pervasive Development Disorder, and is a blanket term for the many different autism types.

When talking about autism most people think of an autistic child in the classic sense, but that is only one of the types that are used to diagnose children with this condition in today?s world.

Though the film Rainman is probably the most well-known source that most people base their understanding on, there is more to this condition than what was depicted in the movie. Some children are very similar to Dustin Hoffman?s character, but there are many more different autism types and levels of function known today.

The Rainman type of autism, or classic autism, is otherwise known as Kanner?s, and was named for the doctor who studied it in the 30s and 40s. This is a lower functioning type of autism characterized by severe communication and socialization problems. These children are hard to reach, and do not interact with most people. They can be clumsy due to poor motor skills, and are prone to repetitive motions and actions. They might have tantrums when the smallest changes in their environment or schedule are made. Some do not speak, and others speak on a limited basis.

Rett?s Syndrome is also one of the lower-functioning types of autism. This happens in girls only for some reason, and is often paired with mental retardation. These girls are greatly impaired when it comes to movements, and they rarely speak. This autism type has been classified as a genetic defect. There seems to be no explanation as to why it only affects girls. All other types are attributed to males 75% of the time.

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder is something that is very shocking for parents, perhaps even more so than children who are identified early with Rett?s or Kanner?s. This is something that happens after a child has appeared to develop quite normally. They have the usual range of speech and motor skills for their peer group. Then at some point, usually between ages two and four, they regress into a severe form of autistic disability. No one is sure why this happens though some believe surgery or illness can bring it on. That is not true for all of these children, however, so nothing concrete has been proven.

The higher functioning form of autism is known as Asperger?s. These children can often be misdiagnosed in the early years. They have better communication and socialization skills, but they are still somewhat limited. However, many of these children aren?t diagnosed until they are in school when the difference their peers and themselves become more apparent. They often respond well to behavioral treatments, and can have a very ?normal? life if they are put through these programs and therapies at the earliest possible age.

There is another type of autism called PDD-NOS. This is when a child is thought to have autism, but their condition does not seem to be associated with the other four more definite types. They have autism, but they seem to fall out of each category. They may have symptoms or behaviors that fall within all of the other different autism types, but do not fit one type exclusively.

Most children with any of these five autism types will be diagnosed before the age of five, and the prognosis will depend on the function of the child, and how early they can begin to go through therapies.

There is no cure for autism, and because the reasons why some children develop this condition are so unclear, there is no way parents can prevent it from happening. More research is needed to find the origins of the condition. Once that can be found, perhaps a cure or more effective treatments can be administered, tailored to the different types of autism.

Grab your free copy of Rachel Evans' brand new Autism Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you and your family find out about diagnosing autism

Five Autism Types Explained

                

 

Autism used to be the term used for anyone with that particular condition. Today, there are several different sub categories for different levels of disability or function. No two children diagnosed will be the same, but there will be many things that they do have in common. With some high functioning autistics most people may not even be aware that they have autism, while others need assistance in almost any part of life, and they are obviously living a very different life than other children. More is being discovered about each of these different autism types as time goes on.

Asperger?s Disorder

This type of autism is something that you hear more and more about. These children are often misdiagnosed at first, and are thought to have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or perhaps Attention Deficit Disorder. These children are very unskilled with social interactions and have problems with communicating. They have repetitive motions, and are fixated on patterns of all types. They can have above average language skills, though they don?t use them well in social situations. They are often clumsy, as motor skills are under developed. Those with Asperger?s are thought to have a talent that they focus on almost exclusively, and are considered to be highly intelligent. Recent findings indicate that Albert Einstein may have had this condition.

Kanner?s Syndrome (classic autistic disorder)

This particular type of autism was named after a Dr. Kanner. He described and studied it in the 1930s and into the 1940s. This is the well-known type of this condition that is very common. Those with Kanner?s have very limited emotional connection with anyone, and they are very into their own little world. They want everything to be the same all of the time, and this includes routine (sometimes down to the exact minute) clothing, food, and television shows or movies. They can be deeply effected by noises, bright lights and smells. They are generally considered to be low functioning, but how well their mind works is largely unknown because of extremely poor social and communication skills.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder--Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).

This term is used to describe children who have most of the same symptoms as classic autism. They will need the same interventions and help that autistic children require. The differences between PDD-NOS and autism are minor and usually only obvious to researchers and doctors.

Rett?s Syndrome

Rett?s is a rare and relatively little-known type of autism, and it seems to only happen in girls. This branch of autism was first described by Dr. Rett. These patients often have problems with muscle atrophy, and tend to do repetitive hand motions. They area almost always mentally retarded to some degree. These girls are very low functioning and will need care for most of their lives. This particular type of autism has been diagnosed since the sixties, but in the late 1990s a gene that might cause this condition was found.

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

This is also thankfully pretty rare and something that strikes children who appear to have normal development from birth. Usually between two and four years of age this changes. These children begin to regress, and often do not potty train. They will lose the will and the ability to interact with other children, and will lose an interested in play. They will also have problem with the motor skills that were something they at one time had mastered. They will stop talking, or their communication skills will regress to some degree.

Though there are more autism types out there, these tend to be the most common. They are all things that take parents by surprise, and each comes with their own set of difficulties. Most children will need to be cared for long after their peers have established independence, even though the will to be on their own is very strong.

By Rachel Evans. Sign up for a free newsletter about autistic and discover more on the signs and symptoms of autism

Finding Support For Adult Autism

                

 

Toys are a great way to stimulate autistic children, but what about adult autism? All autistics, regardless of their age or degree of autism require proper care and support. That being said, although high functioning autistics do require support, they don?t always require constant care like those who have low functioning autism.

High functioning autistics (HFA)
High functioning autistic adults can be very successful and live relatively normal lives. They can work, care, and support themselves, live independently, and in some cases, even have a family. However, in order to be successfully independent an HFA adult must have had the proper education growing up. If an HFA child is effectively taught and understands accepted behaviors and social responses, by the time they reach adulthood, they can contribute to society like everyone else.

Of course, not all high functioning autistics are independent, and even those that are may still struggle with finding suitable employment and suffer with social interaction. For this reason, those with high functioning adult autism require support to help them take care of themselves, and live the best life they can live.

Support for high functioning autistics
The following are ways in which HFA adults can find support:

Locally ? Finding support locally may be a challenge if you don?t know where to look. Nevertheless it doesn?t hurt to try searching with the help of:
- Health care providers ? Talk to any doctors or those who provided you therapy over the years. They may be able to get you in touch with local organizations or support groups.
- Government ? Call or visit the government website to learn about support for those with adult autism
- Yellow Pages ? Search the phone book to see if any support groups are listed locally
- The internet ? Conduct a search by using the name of your city and ?autism support?
Online - There are many support groups online. The following are some websites that offer support and may be helpful for employment and information:
- http://www.csaac.org
- http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger

Low functioning autistics
Low functioning adult autism means that these individuals are unable to measure up to societal standards and can not function independently, regardless of how they are educated as children. Therefore, these autistics typically live at home with their parents or in special residences where their needs can be continually addressed. Nevertheless, due to the fact that residential facilities or group homes are quite costly, many low functioning adults (and even some HFA adults) live with their families.

In these cases, the ones who require support and assistance are the caregivers. Caring for an autistic can be extremely overwhelming and stressful, especially when you are faced with:

- Learning everything you can about adult autism
- Locating the necessary services, treatments and supports needed
- Dealing with different health care service providers
- Financial burden
- Socially isolating yourself in your home, as making social calls can be difficult
- Focusing all your attention on one child and giving less attention to the rest
- Discrimination from others

Support for caregivers of autistics
There are different services you can look for to help you cope with adult autism, such as counseling, reducing stress, learning new techniques, financial advice, etc. Support can be found in the following ways -

Locally ? The same methods used in HFA support listed above can be used to find local support.
- Friends ? If you have made friends who also have autistic children, use them as support and find out if they have any new information they can provide for a particular problem you may be facing.

Online ? There are many support groups online. Check out the following:
- http://www.autism-society.org
- www.autismsociety.ca
- http://www.bbbautism.com
- http://www.autismlink.com
- http://www.udel.edu

Each provides you with information, resources and support groups for adult autism.

By R. Evans. Sign up for a free managing autism newsletter autism newsletter & discover more about high functioning autism.

Disparities among African-Americans with autism syndrome

                

 

Autism syndrome is a complicated disorder which affects every race, ethnic group and socioeconomic status and it can be diagnosed in children as 18 months old. A parent becomes concerned when his child may lack eye contact, be deaf or avoids interacting with others and by going to a doctor he will learn that he has a child with autism syndrome. A child can show this behaviors after birth or when he grows older.

Parents and care givers must ensure a brighter future for the children with autism syndrome because there are clear social disparities in healthcare and education. Studies have consistently reported black autistic children were diagnosed later or received more misdiagnoses than whites. If the children have different colors that doesn't mean that autism syndrome symptoms are different.

Behavior treatments and enrollment in a classroom are available for all children with autism syndrome including black children. Whites are more likely than African-American children with autism syndrome to see the same doctor.

If a African-American family has a child with autism syndrome and have lower incomes or limited education they will have more difficulty in taking him to a doctor and we know that early diagnosis and early intervention is critical for a better prognosis.

Minority children with autism syndrome experience unnecessary isolation from their non disabled peers. Also, African-American students are twice likely ass white students to be educated in a restrictive and separate educational setting.

We can start to overturn these disparities by helping African-Americans with autism syndrome to reach their full potential. Parents and caregivers have an important role, meaning that they must be persistent and get their child's healthcare providers to listen and act in response to their concerns.

It is also important for parents to know their child's rights and to learn about the federal special education laws and state regulations and make sure that their child with autism syndrome receives an individualized education plan.

Every child with autism syndrome has the right to a free and appropriate public education. There are advocacy and educational advocates accessible to help you get this program. Another way to make your voice be heard and to help your child with autism syndrome is by joining a national autism organization and get involved.

There are local parent support group meeting to learn what issues are important and what steps are necessary to address to your children. There are also local and congressional lawmakers and if you call or write to them to report your issues and concerns they will help you and your children with autism syndrome.

We must know that autism syndrome is not hopeless and parents aren't either and for that we can advocate for our loved owns and for all the persons with autism syndrome.

More informations about autism causes or about autism symptoms can be found by visiting http://www.autism-info-center.com/

Autism Anxiety Overload

                

 

The renowned autism expert Tony Atwood is fond of putting it this way: ?Autism is anxiety looking for a target.? Autism and anxiety go hand-in-hand. Autism affects a person?s ability to communicate with others or to understand the world around him, and that?s bound to cause anxiety and panic sometimes.

Anxiety becomes even worse when there is a change in the autistic child?s routine. Even positive and ?fun? changes, like a school field trip or a visit to the zoo, can increase anxiety and aggressive behaviors.

For parents, the best course of action is to anticipate upcoming changes and help your child prepare for them. Many parents find it helpful to use stories and pictures to prepare children for impending disruptions. If it?s a field trip to the zoo, for example, use pictures to show your child what he?ll see at the zoo, what the zoo will be like, and what sort of things to expect. Do this each day for three or four days prior to the trip. That way, when the trip actually happens, the child won?t be entirely out of his element, but will already understand and appreciate some of what will be happening.

Other changes in the routine are less enjoyable but still necessary. Getting a new teacher can be traumatic, as can moving to a new house. If at all possible, try to spread out the major changes. If you move to a new house, try to do it during the summer, so that your child won?t have to deal with the added anxiety of getting a new school and new teacher mid-year.

You can also introduce your child to the concept of ?change? in a positive way by practicing with non-negative things. For example, just for practice, give him a little extra TV time instead of homework time one night, to show that changes in the routine can often be fun and good. Then practice with a neutral change (homework after dinner instead of before dinner), then with a negative one (changing play time into chore time). This process can help your child grow accustomed to the idea of change and learn to adapt without becoming anxious.

For continual, ongoing anxiety, many parents have begun using anti-anxiety medications for their autistic children. Usually, the medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and are also used for obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression. Prozac, Luvox, Zoloft and Anafranil are all common for anxiety in autistic children.

For behavioral problems, antipsychotics such as Haldol, fluphenazine and chlorpromazine can be prescribed. These can reduce aggression in autistic kids, but sometimes also cause sedation and muscle stiffness.

All patients are different. You and your doctor should monitor your child?s progress very closely, using the lowest dose of medication possible, to see if what improvements it makes and whether there are any adverse reactions. Medication should be the last resort for autism, not the first one. There are a number of natural remedies available if you don?t want to go down the drug route. But try behavioral and dietary modifications first, to see what improvements can be made naturally.

Rachel Evans has an interest in Autism. For further information on Autism please visit Autism or Autism Symptoms .

Enzymes, Autism and PDDs

                

 

The references for this series of articles is the authors personal knowledge and experience, the book Enzymes for Autism and other Nurological Conditions. This article may be freely copied and used on other web sites only if it is copied complete with all links and text, including this header, intact and unchanged except for minor improvements such as misspellings and typos.

In this article well take a long look at Autism, at what is known and at some things about which we can only surmise. Well start with the question: How do enzyme supplements help in autism and other pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs)?

Many of these people may have general digestion problems, leaky gut syndrome, inflammation in the gut, yeast overgrowth, or other conditions that result in insufficiently digested food and poor absorption all of which enzymes may help improve. Some, not all, children with autism exhibit behavioral problems that lessen with the removal of certain foods. There is some evidence that insufficiently broken down proteins may bind to receptors in the gut and brain causing problematic symptoms and behaviors.

Other foods may result in equally problematic, although different, symptoms. Enzymes help break down foods more sufficiently so they will not be in a form that is problematic or causes an immune system reaction. At the same time, they may help heal the fundamental gastrointestinal issues.

Here is where Bio88+ (Plus), can play a vital role in that it is pleasant tasting, easy to take, goes to work instantly upon ingestion, and enhances both digestion and absorption of nutrients in the food we take.

Heres another perplexing problem and possible answer. Peptizyde is considered the breakthrough. What makes Peptizyde so special?

Peptizyde contains a unique blend of proteases and peptidases targeting the identified problematic peptides, which made it the first product to allow some sensitive individuals to eat casein and gluten regularly. A recent research study confirms that the synergistic effect of these particular proteases are particularly effective in breaking casein and other protein bonds. This was the first blend to allow many people to successfully use instead of a casein_free, gluten_free diet. It came out in April 2001. Because of its strong success, other companies will no doubt duplicate or pattern this formulation in other similar products.

So your child is already on a restrictive diet. Does he or she still need enzymes?

There are a number of restrictive diets found to be helpful with various subgroups of autism spectrum and neurological conditions Feingold, yeast, Specific Carbohydrate Diet, casein_free/gluten_free, high protein, and others. Since enzymes facilitate food breakdown, absorption, and utilization they may be very helpful with any of these. Sources of the potentially harmful peptides and how they function are not completely understood, nor are the exact mechanisms of other problematic foods. Sources of peptide production from within the body, such as normal breakdown of red blood cells, yeast, and bacteria (good and bad) may be contributing to the peptide load. This may explain why some do not see much improvement with certain restrictive diets.

So, heres a slow curve with a fast break to it: can I use the enzymes in place of a restrictive diet?

Most people find they can reintroduce most foods by giving the appropriate enzymes for the food type. However, not all people can successfully reintroduce all foods. You may still need to restrict a few items on a case-by-case basis. Particularly problematic foods are nuts, seeds, and foods conveying a true allergy. Enzymes can supplement any type of diet, and people show improvement in most circumstances. Some people find when they use certain enzymes they no longer need to follow a restrictive diet. There are a variety of restrictive diet types giving success to various sub-groups of individuals: Feingold Diet, Specific Carbohydrate Diet, Casein-free/ Gluten-free (and often soy-free) Diet, Keto Diet (high protein), Yeast Control Diets, and Rotation Diets.

Since enzymes facilitate food breakdown, absorption, and utilization they may be very helpful with any of these. The exact mechanisms of many problematic foods are not completely understood. Sources of peptide production from within the body, such as normal breakdown of red blood cells, yeast, and bacteria (good and bad) may be contributing to any peptide load. Or carbohydrate and sugar sources may be unknown. Or there is gut injury not accounted for. This may explain why some people do not see much improvement with certain restrictive diets, but do with enzymes. Adding enzymes to facilitate the digestion of what you do eat may make a diet more effective, such as adding proteases to a high protein diet.

Enzymes work very well to supplement a diet and thus make the diet more effective than it would be otherwise. Many diets are based on certain foods not being well_digested to begin with so enzymes are a natural solution. Enzymes work very well on actual food and natural food chemicals. The breakdown of artificially produced chemicals or added chemicals is somewhat limited at this time. These non_food ingredients usually do not provide nutrition anyway, may aggravate a sensitive system, and may hamper health in the long run. Enzymes are not able to convert non_nutritious compounds into healthful nutrients. Providing nutritious raw materials is necesary. Enzymes may enhance the absorption and ultization of any supplements or medications taken as well, making them more effective.

Iin the case of Bio88+ (Plus), all the above is true. Feel free to contact the author by email for additional information.

Our next article, Part XII, deal with the casein-free, gluten-free diet.

Disclaimer: These articles in no way should be taken as medical advice on any product or condition, nor do they constitute in any way medical advice endorsing any specific product, specific result, nor any possible cure for any condition or problem. They are meant as a source of information upon which you may base your decision as to whether or not you should begin using a greens product as a dietary supplement. If in doubt, or if you have questions, you should consult your physician and, if possible, consult a second physician for a possible different opinion. The author (nor the book referenced and its authors) bear any responsibility for your decisions nor for the outcome of your actions based upon those decisions.

Loring Windblad has studied nutrition and exercise for more than 40 years, is a published author and freelance writer. His latest business endeavor is at
http://www.organicgreens.us or
http://www.organicgreens.ca - still under construction