Sunday, May 25, 2008

AUTISM

Autism is a lifelong disorder that interferes with the ability to understand what is seen, heard, and touched. Autism occurs in as many as one or two per 1,000 children. It is found four times more often in boys (usually the first-born) Autism usually is evident in the first three years of life, although in some children it's hard to tell when the problem develops. Sometimes the condition isn't diagnosed until the child enters school.
Profound problems with social interaction are the most common symptoms of autism. They avoid eye contact and don't seem to want or need physical contact or affection and show little interest in human contact. Such a child doesn't smile or lift his arms in anticipation of being picked up. He forms no attachment to parents nor shows any normal anxiety toward strangers. He doesn't learn typical games of childhood
Studies show that people with autism can improve significantly with proper treatment. A child with autism can learn best with special teachers in a structured program that emphasizes individual instruction. The two most-often studied types of treatment are Educational or behavioral treatment and Medication

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