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Autism is
psychiatric condition and is
diagnosed in early childhood.
This unique affliction is
characterized by significant
deficits in social and language
development, the presence of
rituals and compulsive behavior,
and a general retardation of
intellectual development and
capacity. |
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Although
the cause
of autism is not understood, it is believed to be an organic
disease originating with a primary
defect in neurotransmitter
metabolism in the brain. [1] Some children with autism have
been shown to have abnormal brain structure as well,
though this characteristic is not necessary for a
diagnosis. Autism may also have a
genetic component, as monozygotic
(identical) twins have a higher twin
incidence than dizygotic (fraternal) twins.[2]
Autism affects
children all over the world. It does not have any differences in
incidence between different racial,
social, or ethnic groups.
Interestingly, autism affects boys 3-4 times
as often as girls.[3]
Diagnosis based on
symptoms is usually evident by the
age of 1, though onset of autism is
no later than the age of 3. The
first signs that may become evident
to a parent are related to social
defects. Children with autism
are often very aloof. They do not
allow intimate contact or the
development of relations with either
parent. These children no not
form a normal attachment to their
parents and exhibit an avoidance of gaze.
Autism sufferers are also very focused on
rituals and will want every event to
be the same as the previous. When change
does occur, they often have "temper
tantrums," or extreme outbursts They
can, and may times do, attach
themselves to an inanimate object.
A decreased mental and intellectual
function is also noted in these
persons, which is often accompanied
by the inability to communicate.
This lack of communication usually
results from an autistic individual
being mute, or is caused by the
delayed onset of speech.
Children with autism have a
much lower IQ. The IQ
test is used to help determine this
prognosis. Children
having an IQ less than 50 have a
poorer outcome than those with an IQ
higher than 50. Some children
may have individualized neurological findings, such
as impaired gait, poor coordination,
and muscle jerking.
Children with a lower IQ are also more
likely to develop seizures. An
EEG may or may not show
abnormalities.[4]
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The prevalence of
autism is estimated to be anywhere
from 1 in 250, to 1 in 500 children.
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Currently, 1.5 million Americans are
living with autism. That number
is expected to increase to 4 million
by the next decade.
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There has
been a 10-17% increase in the number
of cases of autism each year.[5]
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