Autism Sentence Examples
There are 500,000 families across the UK affected by autism.
Early diagnosis and intervention can make a substantial difference in the future development and abilities of children with autism, so knowing the signs can be the best first step towards helping a child reach his or her greatest potential.
Those affected by autism can have great difficulty in maintaining eye contact with others, seem indifferent to attempts at interaction from family members and friends, and may resist attempts at physical contact, like hugging or cuddling.
No known factors in the psychological environment of a child have been shown to cause autism.
About 33 to 50 percent of all tuberous sclerosis patients have problems such as learning disabilities, severe mental retardation, attention deficit disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, autism, aggression, rage, or self-harming behavior.
Offering a respite for parents and siblings is a great way to help, caring for the child with autism for an afternoon or weekend to allow some uninterrupted parenting time for other children or much needed adult time for stressed spouses.
The specific needs of pupils with Asperger syndrome and high functioning autism will be addressed.
The system was developed for teaching children suffering from severe autism who had extreme short term memory problems.
One of whom was diagnosed with mild autism at the age of 4 years old.
It has features indistinguishable from severe autism except for the age of onset.
AdvertisementThen calculate the percentages of each group who have been diagnosed with autism.
I work with people with autism whilst studying art psychotherapy, where I also work in art with the mentally ill.
Asperger's Syndrome differs from classic autism in that it does not involve any significant language delay or impairment.
Children with autism tend to ignore other people or appear insensitive to others ' needs, thoughts or feelings.
In particular, it targets children with developmental disabilities including mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy, learning difficulties and epilepsy.
AdvertisementThere appears to be evidence linking autism to viral pandemics [2] .
Screening Test for Autism in Two-Year Olds.
Some researchers claim that it improves speech in children with autism.
However, people with high functioning autism have an IQ in the normal range and may display none of the compulsive or self-destructive behavior often seen in low-functioning autism.
Low-functioning autism is a more severe case of the condition.
AdvertisementGenerally, low-functioning autism is associated with a below-average IQ score.
Instead, mental health professionals will diagnose these individuals with high- or low-functioning autism.
Also known as atypical autism, PDD-NOS involves some but not all of the classic autism characteristics.
The Committee agreed that this data from Dr. Fombonne was persuasive and indicated that the frequency of regressive autism appeared not to have increased.
The majority in fact, displayed Kanner's (1943) key features of early infantile autism.
AdvertisementProvisional diagnosis was made at 3.5 years in 1985 but 3.0 years by 1995 for childhood and atypical autism.
There are also some families with a history of children with AS and classic autism.
In the past ' they ' called it high functioning autism.
In addition, lowered activity in the prefrontal cortex relative to controls has been reported for those with autism.
And while many autistic children show signs of autism from birth, some seem to develop normally but then regress after their first year.
I am doing a project on finding out whether children with autism are better in a special school or in mainstream schooling.
Some people claim that a hormone called secretin can help with the symptoms of autism.
Health visitors advise on ASD Our recent pieces on autism spectrum disorders have generated much response.
Dr. Parsons, also a psychologist, has previously used virtual reality to observe the behaviors of children with autism.
He has savant syndrome, an extremely rare form of Asperger 's syndrome (high functioning autism).
Diagnosed with Autism at age 2 and having to battle with leukemia until ultimately succumbing to a fatal brain tumor aged 12.
Students will explore the particular learning styles of pupils with autism spectrum disorders, taking into consideration the triad of impairments.
Special Needs-Special needs forums often feature topics such as adoption subsidies, drug dependency, learning disorders, psychological disorders, autism, and any other special needs adoption subjects.
He supports medical research for autism and terminally ill children, most notably the charity Demelza House Children's Hospice.
The charity turned out to be the United Autism Foundation office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and representatives claim that Jasinski worked for the charity for a short period of three months.
Some rumors say he was fired and some say that the United Autism Foundation isn't even a charity, but a fraudulent storefront.
So, after the statement was made and the fallout ensued, Autism United, a completely legitimate agency based in New York, demanded an apology from CBS and some sponsors pulled their advertising.
Many of the children who have serious sensitivity issues also have a condition such as autism, Tourette's or OCD.
They may also develop problems later in childhood, including autism, hearing loss, brain syndromes, immune system disorders, or thyroid disease.
Vineland has also been proven to be an accurate resource for predicting autism and Asperger syndrome, among other diagnoses.
Fenton, G., et al. "Vineland adaptive behavior profiles in children with autism and moderate to severe developmental delay."
The combined vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) was claimed to cause autism or bowel disorders in some children.
Specific language impairment describes a condition of markedly delayed language development in the absence of any apparent handicapping conditions such as deafness, autism, or mental retardation.
It is also occasionally associated with autism, Tourette syndrome, and schizophrenia.
The mumps vaccine has been controversial in the early 2000s because of concern that its use was linked to an increased rate of childhood autism.
In the fall of 2002, the New England Journal of Medicine published a major Danish study disproving the hypothesis of a connection between the MMR vaccine and autism.
The mutism is not caused by a communication disorder (such as stuttering) and does not occur as part of other mental disorders (such as autism).
However, other social disorders effecting social speech, such as autism or schizophrenia, must be considered in the diagnosis.
Between 1988 and 2004, 6,506 petitions were filed with the VICP, of which 4,246 were claims for autism resulting from the mercury-containing vaccine preservative thimerosal.
Autism is a profound mental disorder marked by an inability to communicate and interact with others.
However, individuals with autism can also be highly intelligent.
Autism symptoms begins in infancy, but typically the condition is diagnosed between the ages of two to five.
There is no cure for autism or mental retardation.
Autism is diagnosed by observing the child's behavior, communication skills, and social interactions.
Acquisition of speech appears to be especially difficult, and because of the reduced communication abilities, autism is common in those who live longer.
Because the syndrome is often associated with autism, the term autistic savant is more frequently heard.
Approximately 10 percent of all children with autism have savant syndrome.
The rate increases to 25 percent of children with autism who have an IQ over 35.
This may be because more boys than girls are affected with autism.
Other behavioral characteristics include whirling, spinning, and occasionally autism or autistic-like behavior.
Asperger's syndrome is often incorrectly referred to as "high-functioning autism."
Autistic disorder, also referred to as autism, is characterized by moderate to severe communication, socialization, and behavioral problems, and in some children, mental retardation.
Although autism is the most well-known of these disorders, PDDNOS is at least twice as common in children.
Some evidence has shown that vitamin therapy with vitamin B6 and magnesium supplementation can help children with autism and PDDNOS.
Anti-yeast therapy has also been proposed because children with autism and PDDNOS sometimes have higher yeast levels in their bodies.
Cognitive impairment is the general loss or lack of development of cognitive abilities, particularly autism and learning disabilities.
Autism is a complex developmental disability with symptoms that typically appear during the first three years of childhood and continue throughout life.
In its most severe form, autism may include extreme self-injurious, repetitive, highly unusual, and aggressive behaviors.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, PDDs were estimated to occur in two to six per 1,000 births in 2003 with autism being the most common PDD, affecting an estimated one in 250 births.
As of 2004, as many as 1.5 million Americans are were believed to have some form of autism.
The Autism Society of America (ASA) warns that autism is on the rise.
The genetic link is supported by observations showing that, in many families, there seems to be a pattern of autism or ASDs.
While no one gene was identified as causing autism as of 2004, researchers are searching for irregular segments of genetic code that autistic children may have inherited.
Autism has also been shown to occur more frequently among individuals who have certain medical conditions, including fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, congenital rubella syndrome, and untreated phenylketonuria.
Toxins and pollution in the environment have also been associated with autism.
The symptoms of autism occur in a wide variety of combinations, from mild to severe and are caused by physical disorders of the brain.
The characteristic behaviors of autism may or may not be apparent in infancy (18 to 24 months) but usually become obvious during early childhood (two to six years).
There are no medical tests for diagnosing autism.
It is focused on three skills areas, play, motor imitation, and joint attention, that are associated with autism.
There is as of 2004 no cure for autism, but appropriate treatment may promote relatively normal development and lower the incidence of undesirable behaviors.
Doctors also may prescribe a variety of drugs to reduce the symptoms of autism, such as antidepressants and tranquilizers.
For some children with autism, the repeated, active interaction provided by intensive educational/behavioral therapy may modify their neural circuitry before it goes too much awry, correcting it before autism becomes permanent.
The LCDC is a Massachusetts Chapter 766-approved day school, serving students with autism or PDD ages three to 14.
The LCDC specializes in a particular approach to teaching children with autism.
The TEACCH approach includes a focus on the person with autism and development of a program around this person's skills, interests, and needs.
The major priorities include centering on the individual, understanding autism, adopting appropriate adaptations, and a broadly based intervention strategy building on existing skills and interests.
Some alternative treatments have been proposed for autism.
The Son-Rise program was created by Barry and Samahria Lyte Kaufman in the 1970s, as a means to teach their own son, who was diagnosed with autism and mental retardation.
However, not many health practitioners advocate its use in the treatment of autism, citing that the studies showing its benefit were flawed.
Since the cause of the brain anomalies associated with autism is not known, prevention is not possible.
Following a diagnosis of autism, parents need to work with health and education professionals for the child's benefit.
Parents should learn as much as they can about autism so that they can be involved in determining care.
However, parents who may have a history of auto-immune disorders in their family should be aware that a preservative, thimersal, which contains mercury and is used in vaccines, has a possible link to autism and auto-immune disorders.
Disturbed sleeping patterns in children are also present in some cases of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, autism, and fibromyalgia.
Because signs of autism may appear around the time children receive the MMR vaccine, some parents worry that the vaccine causes autism.
Research has not found a relationship between MMR vaccine and autism.
Clinical diagnosis of delayed speech and language in children also considers hearing loss and autism, among other possible causes.
Because social and pragmatic deficits are core characteristics of autism, it is important to look for dissociation among language, social adaptive skills, and motor behavior.
Autism is a common disorder, occurring once in 500 children.
Children with autism have significant communication impairment.
In order to be eligible for programs and services for autism, a student must have delayed or abnormal functioning in at least one of three areas with onset before the age of three.
Pervasive developmental disorder is two to three times more common than autism but less severe.
Children with a specific learning disability, like children with severe mental retardation or autism, may present with dissociation in developmental skills.
Children whose primary difficulty involves receptive language are more likely to have developmental cognitive disability or autism spectrum disorder.
The characteristics of this condition may be confused with autism.
When a child presents with personal and social delays, the doctor will consider whether the child has developmental cognitive disability, has autism, or is living in an environment of abuse, neglect, or deprivation.
Kids diagnosed with attention deficit disorder or autism may require stricter routines and shorter study sessions than traditional schools provide.
Your doctor may tell you that pitocin is perfectly safe, but you might read a study that associates it with autism.
Conditions like autism spectrum disorders are not usually diagnosed until the child is between 18 and 36 months of age.
Some may argue that conditions like autism are not actually present at birth and more research is required to help identify autism in infants.
One of the areas of focus with the council is the link between vitamin D deficiencies and autism in children.
The research suggests a certain element of autism may be preventable.
In addition, some vitamin manufactures try to claim micellized liquid vitamins for children cure everything from ADHD to autism.
Parents desperate for help with sick children may spend a great deal of money searching for a vitamin cure, but unfortunately neither these nor any other pills will make a child with ADHD or autism well.
Deficiencies have been linked to autoimmune disorders, autism, hypertension and obesity, to name just a few.
Are the medications you take, such as prescriptions for ADD or ADHD, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, anemia, autism, or other illnesses needed as the result of gluten intolerance?
It has been noted as helpful by professionals at the Autism Research Institute and many progressive doctors are now prescribing this dietary plan for autistic patients.
Specific autism patients have been shown to have high levels of candida metabolites and, therefore, any diet that lowers the candida population in a patient can theoretically aid the brain condition.
Teenagers with special needs, such as hearing impairment, visual impairment, ADHD, or autism are often welcome at "regular" summer camps.
Only a small percent of these children are affected by a disability like autism or mental retardation.
Asperger's (a mild variation of autism), dyslexia (a learning disability that often affects reading) and minor speech problems are usually not recognized until your child is older.
If you suspect your child may be autistic, one of the first things you should do is review the symptoms of autism in children.
Autism is a little understood developmental disorder that affects communication, social, and language skills.
Autism is not a cut-and-dried diagnosis.
Some children with autism are highly functioning, while others have difficulty with the most basic tasks.
Symptoms of autism are usually noticed in infancy, although many kids are not diagnosed until much later.
Since autism is a disorder with symptoms across several areas, it can mimic other communication and neurological disorders.
Signs of autism in children can vary depending on the severity of the disorder and the specific type of autism.
One of the most telling symptoms of autism in children is a marked lack of response to the outside world.
Another key symptom of autism in children is a rigid resistance to change.
Likewise, children with autism have trouble being in new places, preferring the familiar to the unknown.
For more information about autism in children, visit the National Autism Association.
Autism affects approximately 1 in 500 children in the United States, and this disorder continues to mystify researchers, scientists and doctors.
With more children receiving the diagnosis of autism today than ever before, the race is on to find a means of prevention, treatment, and even a cure.
While autism has been linked to environmental causes, genetic mutations, child immunizations, and chemical imbalances, the truth is that a definitive cause simply hasn't been found.
Parents often find themselves experiencing periods of self-blame simply because the biggest issue that surrounds autism is the unknown.
If your child has been diagnosed with autism, you'll want to read as much information and talk to as many experts as possible.
Because autism is becoming such a common issue (many believe it is becoming an epidemic), educators are receiving specialized training for teaching and handling autistic children.
Because many children who are diagnosed within the autism spectrum show extraordinary abilities in music, art, and other core subject areas, teachers are taught to tap into these talents.
According to reports, one in every 150 children born is autistic, making autism more prevalent than childhood cancers or cystic fibrosis, among other disorders.
Boys are three to four time more likely to be affected, and parents who have one autistic child have an increased chance of having more children with autism.
According to US statistics, autism is the most increasing developmental disability, increasing 172 percent since the 1990s.
Children with autism often like movement that helps them coordinate their balance and their motions.
If you have a child with autism or ADHD, a reward system may encourage positive behavior in a structured school environment.
When fan favorite Abe Carver's son was diagnosed with autism, Soap Central featured a story on it prominently.
There are other cases that evaluate yoga's benefits for children with autism, ADD or ADHD, scoliosis, and other conditions.
So that you can safeguard your child, take the first step in early detection and learn the symptoms of autism.
An autism screening test may take a few hours, but once the diagnosis is made you have the right to free assistance through your state's Early Intervention Program.
You can also get in touch with Defeat Autism Now (DAN) and tap their vast knowledge of autism in the United States and elsewhere.
They can help you research your child's early symptoms of autism and hook you up with a local DAN doctor, possibly offering ideas for treatment you may not get through the Early Intervention Program.
In any case, speed is of the essence since time is very much a factor in how much a child is affected by autism later in life.
So if you are genuinely concerned and suspect your child has autism, play it safe and get a formal test done today.
Since autism is a spectrum, it encompasses a wide range of functioning levels and disorders ranging from non-verbal, low-functioning autism to the highly verbal Asperger's Syndrome.
Understanding the different types of autism can help teachers and parents form expectations and work on areas of challenge.
According to a study published in the journal Research in Developmental Disabilities, early intervention and treatment can dramatically improve a child's functioning, no matter what type of autism they have.
Characterized by problems with communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors, classic autism is typically diagnosed before age three.
High-functioning autism involves symptoms like delayed or non-functional language skills, compromised social development, or lack the ability to "role play" with toys and do other imaginative play activities that neurotypical children do.
Once considered an autism spectrum disorder, Rett's Syndrome will not be included on the autism spectrum in the DSM-V.
Although the symptoms of the disorder, which include loss of communication and social skills, mimic classic autism, the disease goes through several different stages.
Typically, the children diagnosed with Rett's Disorder outgrown many of the challenges that are similar to autism.
They may face other challenges, including deterioration of motor skills and problems with posture, which do not affect most people on the autism spectrum.
Another autism spectrum disorder that will not carry a separate diagnosis in the DSM-V, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD) is characterized by a loss of communication and social skills between the ages of two and four years.
This disorder has much in common with regressive autism, and it will be classified as a general autism spectrum disorder.
Understanding the different types of autism, whether these disorders have an official separate diagnosis or not, can be very helpful when forming expectations, designing a treatment plan, and experimenting with behavioral strategies.
With all autism spectrum disorders, it's important to seek help as soon as you suspect something may not be right.
Actively being involved in treatment is the single biggest thing you can do to help your child or yourself overcome some of the challenges of autism spectrum disorders.
Many parents, physicians and researchers continue to look for alternative treatments for autism.
Given that autism is a mysterious disorder with no known causes and no known cure, it is understandable that parents, loved ones and even professionals look outside the ordinary realm of treatments to help children.
While these treatments may not offer a cure, they can assist in the elimination of some symptoms of autism, such as aggression or poor eye contact.
Because there isn't a definitive cause or a specific cure, people often use alternative treatments for autism with some measure of success.
Many websites, blogs, and discussion boards are devoted wholly to alternative treatments, and you can read what others have to say about their experiences with each of the suggested methods for treating the symptoms of autism.
There has been some documented success in the use of secretin given orally to children with autism.
Secretin therapy for autism appears to fall short of its promises.
Some researchers believe that the presence of a yeast-like fungus, known as Candida, can exacerbate many autism symptoms.
Another alternative treatment that is often explored in relation to autism is the use of detoxification for heavy metals.
There are numerous other alternative treatments for autism, including various nutritional therapies.
This diet can also eliminate some of the gastrointestinal symptoms seen in children with autism.
However, before beginning any type of alternative treatment for a child with autism, contact your doctor.
The Association for Science in Autism Treatment offers objective information about a wide range of treatments for autism.
As a parent, you might be concerned about the possibility your chld will be diagnosed with a disorder on the autism spectrum.
Autism cases have increased by almost 60 percent for boys and 48 percent for boys, so it is understandable you would be worried.
However, the odds your child will be diagnosed with autism-spectrum disorder despite the recent explosion in autism cases is low.
Unfortunately, not all cases of autism are present from the start.
It is not uncommon for autism to appear between 18 months and three years of age.
This detrimental effects of autism can happen to children who seem to be developing normally, with symptoms such as sudden withdrawl from social situations, loss language skills and seeming to be in their own world for no apparent reason.
If the doctor determines that autism isn't present, you'll sleep better at night again.
Mild behavior can be difficult to detect when trying to determine if a person has autism.
What should parents and caregivers look for when addressing the possibility of autism in children?
In many cases, mild autism symptoms are associated with another syndrome on the autism spectrum known as Asperger's syndrome.
Often, parents do not pick up on these milder symptoms of autism until their children is around three years of age, although many forms of autism are often noticed before the age of two.
Socialization issues-In diagnosing autism symptoms, mild behavior problems may first be noticed in how a child socializes.
Communication problems-Along with socialization issues come communication problems, and difficulty putting thoughts into words may be a sign of autism as well.
Obsessive behavior-Sometimes, the first indication that a child may have autism is through evidence of obsessive behaviors.
Mood swings-Because toddlers are notorious for their mood swings, diagnosing autism on the basis of emotional behavior is often difficult to do.
However, extreme mood swings may be an indication of autism as well.
Repetition-A common symptom of autism includes repetition of words and phrases.
What should you do if you think your child is exhibiting signs of autism?
Among the most controversial issues surrounding the rise in autism spectrum disorders is the relationship between childhood vaccinations and autism.
While experts on one side of the debate are convinced that there are various links between the administration of vaccines and the onset of autism, the CDC disagrees, stating that here is no indication of a cause and effect relationship.
Many autism experts, physicians, and members of the autism community are convinced that vaccines trigger the onset of autism symptoms.
While many among this group cite different theories of why this happens, the point of agreement among them is that some or all of the vaccines routinely given during childhood are the cause of much of today's ever increasing autism cases.
Since autism spectrum disorders are neurological disorders, many believe that the injection of thimerosal into the bodies of children is at the root of many autism cases.
Many cite a correlation between the increase in autism cases and the gradual increase in thimerosal exposure as the number of mandatory childhood vaccinations have increased from ten during the 1980s to the thirty that are required today.
The symptoms of mercury poisoning and autism are strikingly similar, as illustrated by a comparison chart found at the bottom of the National Autism Society's page on thimerosal.
Among the scientific studies that lend support to a possible connection between mercury content in vaccinations and autism is one published in the Journal of Child Neurology, Vol. 22, No. 11, 1308-1311 (2007).
Hitlan, PhD, both of the Department of Psychology, University of Northern Iowa, this study finds that a different prominent study that showed no link between mercury and autism used a flawed data set to reach that conclusion.
Upon reanalyzing corrected data, results of this study state that a significant relationship does exist between autism diagnosis and blood levels of mercury.
The authors of the study say that hair-sample analysis results support the theory that individuals with autism may be less efficient at eliminating mercury from the blood.
Another 2008 study published in the Journal of the Neurological Sciences supports a connection between vaccines containing mercury and autism.
This study assessed computerized medical records in the Vaccine Safety Datalink to conclude that rates of autism spectrum disorders and other neurological problems rose consistently with increased exposure to thimerosal in vaccines.
In May 2011 press conference, researchers released information about 83 cases of autism directly linked to vaccinations that they call "the tip of the iceberg".
Another theory on the possible connection between autism and childhood vaccinations involves the MMR vaccine.
Regressive autism is the form of this disorder that many suspect as being linked to the MMR vaccine, as its onset often occurs after the vaccine has been given.
Regressive autism is an autism spectrum disorder in which children develop according to typical expectations for several years, then begin to lose ground, regressing until they display the telltale symptoms of autism.
The medical establishment has long denied any correlation between autism spectrum disorders and vaccinations, a viewpoint that is seconded by government health officials.
Among these studies is a review done by the Institute of Medicine, which revisited published and unpublished studies on possible biological factors that could indicate that vaccinations may cause autism.
The stated goal of authors of this study was to determine whether autism and GI inflammation could be connected with the administration of the MMR vaccine.
Tissue samples were taken and studied from 25 children with autism and 13 with GI symptoms alone.
The results state that no differences were found between the case group and the control, providing strong evidence against a cause and effect relationship between MMR exposure and autism or GI tract disturbances.
According to the CDC, any correlation between the administration of the MMR vaccine and regressive autism is coincidental, rather than a cause and effect relationship.
Among the latest of these is one funded by the CDC and the National Institute of Health, published on September 4, 2008, stating that the results provide strong evidence against any association between MMR exposure and autism.
As for vaccines with thimerosal, the official position of the CDC is that there is no connection between vaccines and the rising incidence of autism.
The debate about vaccinations and autism is not likely to be resolved based on the evidence available today.
Many of the researchers involved in these projects agree on one crucial point, there is a need for more research to determine whether vaccines are connected to the rapid rise in autism spectrum disorders.
Autism, defined as a pervasive developmental disorder, or PDD, is a complex neurological disorder that affects brain development.
Due to vast differences in the degree of symptoms present in those affected, this developmental disability is most commonly referred to as autism spectrum disorder, or ASD.
Common threads in the various conditions that fall under the autism spectrum disorder umbrella include significant impairments in the areas of communication, both verbal and non-verbal, and deficits in social interaction skills.
This type of autism, defined by symptoms that appear before the age of three, is also known as classic autism, infantile autism, Kanner autism, and childhood autism.
Some individuals with autism disorder can be rigidly resistant to change, reacting with anxious or aggressive behaviors.
Asperger's syndrome is considered the mildest of the autism spectrum disorders.
Pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified, or PDD-NOS, is also referred to as atypical personality development, atypical autism, or atypical PDD.
This category includes individuals with many of the symptoms included in the checklist for autism, defined for the purpose of autism spectrum disorder screening, but not enough for a clear diagnosis.
According to the Autism Spectrum Institute at Illinois State University, approximately one of every 150 children born will be diagnosed with ASD, and those rates are on the rise.
Autism is a disorder that knows no bounds, affecting people of every race, ethnicity, and social group in equal measure, but autism does discriminate according to gender, with boys four times more likely to be affected than girls.
Research on autism, defined today by more questions than answers, has yet to discover its cause, nor is there any known cure.
Explaining autism spectrum disorder must begin with the fact that it is actually a series of pervasive developmental disorders that have some core symptoms in common.
Disorders falling under the title of autism spectrum disorder include classic autism, Retts syndrome, Asperger syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and PDD-NOS, which means pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified.
These symptoms vary in severity very widely, even among people diagnosed with the same autism spectrum disorder.
Approximately one in every 110 children born today is affected by some form of autism spectrum disorder, and the rates have been continually rising in recent years.
It is estimated that 1.5 million American children are affected by some degree of autism, making it more prevalent than cancer, diabetes or pediatric AIDS.
The various disorders that have a place on the autism spectrum differ in significant ways.
Classic autism, also known as autistic disorder, is one of the most commonly occurring autism spectrum disorders.
Individuals with classic autism can have symptoms that include substantial delays in speech and language, with a small percentage of affected individuals remaining entirely nonverbal.
People with classic autism may not be able to interpret nonverbal cues, such as gestures, body posture, or facial expression.
Some individuals with autism may have difficulty in maintaining eye contact with others, or seem rather disconnected from the people and activities that surround them.
Those with classic autism may display just a few of these symptoms or all of them, and every autistic individual will show them in differing degrees and combinations.
Childhood disintegrative disorder, also known as Heller's syndrome, has core symptoms in common with classic autism, but differs in one key area, its onset.
Childhood disintegrative disorder is quite rare, and is often confused with late onset, or regressive autism.
However, CDD is far less common and generally occurs at a later age than regressive autism.
However, it is distinguished from autism by several important differences.
Asperger syndrome carries symptoms that are generally much less severe than those of classic autism, and there are no significant speech and language delays.
Those affected may show any combination of the typical symptoms of autism, from sensory issues to communication and social interaction deficits, repetitive behaviors to narrow interests and obsessive routines.
Among the most difficult aspects of explaining autism spectrum disorder is the question of why it happens.
Since autism is shown to run in families, there is most certainly a genetic component, specifically with Fragile X Syndrome, to these disorders.
Social interaction skills are an area in which children with autism often need some extra support.
Sensory issues are quite common with autism, and playtime can be used as an opportunity to address these needs with toys that integrate several types of sensory input.
Letter or number blocks can combine visual cues with tactile ones, as well as appealing to the urge to organize and sort that is a common trait in children with autism.
Musical toys that provide visual stimulation with lights or bright colors can be excellent choices for youngsters with autism.
Children with autism don't just need appropriate toys to play with; they need to be taught to play appropriately with toys as well.
Teaching children with autism to read can be quite challenging for a number of reasons.
But, as evidenced by the many very literate individuals who have autism, the task is far from impossible.
Structure is among the most important considerations when teaching children with autism.
Auditory learners are not abundant in the autism community but many people on the spectrum learn through music.
The impact on families with autistic children is an important issue to address with parents of children who have been newly diagnosed with autism.
An autism diagnosis is a life changing event that has far reaching implications for the future of both the child who has been diagnosed and his or her family.
Autism can bring changes in nearly every aspect of daily family life.
Instead, the study indicates that there isn't a big difference in divorce rates between those families who have autistic children versus families whose children do not have an autism disorder.
Behavior issues common to autism can add to that isolation, making interactions with friends and family difficult and simple outings to the grocery store or mall stressful events.
However, when that need for extra time and attention becomes a permanent issue, as often happens with autism, siblings can feel left out and resentment can build.
Many children waver between resentment and guilt, unhappy with the situation that has befallen the family, yet ashamed of the way they sometimes feel about their brother or sister with autism.
Ensuring the well-being of the family goes a long way towards helping children with autism rise to the challenge of overcoming its effects to reach their full potential.
Many feel awkward and unsure of the best way to support the family of a niece, nephew, or grandchild with autism.
Extended family members who lack experience with autism can overcome feelings of discomfort by educating themselves on the basics of the disorder, as well as the specifics of its affects on the child.
Reaching out to an autism support group can be a great way to begin addressing the impact on families with autistic children.
These groups include families that have been through the diagnosis, the emotional aftermath, and the day-to-day difficulties of accepting and adjusting to the circumstances of autism.
Simply having someone to talk to who has a real understanding of the issues that come with living with autism can provide a much needed release valve to parents and siblings.
Many families have journeyed through the world of autism successfully and are eager to help others who are just starting down the path.
Still others are new to autism, looking for other parents in the same situation with whom they can trade ideas and assistance.
From national lobbying groups, fighting for the rights of the autism community to local play groups, support networks are available to help families make the most of their future.
Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) is a treatment strategy for autism that revolves around the idea that children are more likely to engage in behaviors that are rewarded than in behaviors that are ignored, or not recognized.
While this is a typical pattern for the majority of children, kids with autism require a structured environment much earlier on.
Without this, their basic skill acquisition will be hampered, resulting in the characteristic behavioral problems associated with autism.
It is thought that if children with autism do not learn certain social and language skills within their first critical years, they become far more difficult to acquire later.
To achieve the greatest benefit from any autism treatment strategy, it is therefore crucial to get an accurate diagnosis as early as possible.
In addition to ABA, a few other behavioral therapies exist to help children with autism.
A collection of different types of autism is the simple definition for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Autism is a developmental disorder appearing within the first two to three years of a child's life.
A generation ago autism was hardly diagnosed.
Adults with autism may not be accurately diagnosed.
The word "spectrum" indicates an additional meaning within the definition for autism spectrum disorder.
A highly functioning person with autism can be classified under autism spectrum disorder, while another person with a much more debilitating form of the condition is classified under autism spectrum as well.
Children with autism spectrum disorder have compromised social communication.
Children with autism do not only show behavioral abnormalities, but may also be overly sensitive to sensory inputs such as hearing, touch, smell, and taste.
Children with autism tend to develop language skills slowly.
Children with autism also show little imaginative or "pretend," play.
For children with autism this type of play is very challenging.
Adults with autism, who were not diagnosed and treated as children, can show a wide range of behavioral challenges.
This means that some with severe forms of autism may have been institutionalized over the course of their lives.
Adults with high functioning autism are relatively productive members of society.
Although this behavior is not unique to marriages dealing with autism, adults affected by ASD have difficulty empathizing with others and understanding another's point of view.
This can make them challenging partners to live with; especially when both partners are unaware the person has autism to begin with.
If you suspect your loved-one has autism, or if you have autism yourself, it is important to seek out proper guidance and support.
Autism is a developmental disorder; it can be managed with support, treatment, and guidance.
Autism does not have to hold anyone back from achieving great goals!For more information, browse our Top 10 Autism Sites.
However, Kanner's syndrome, otherwise known as autism, is different in that autistic characteristics include severe language delays.
Some individuals diagnosed in the autism spectrum of disorders call self-stimulatory behaviors self-regulatory behaviors because they help to reduce the discomfort caused by poor sensory processing.
Sleep deprivation often results in behavioral problems and some assert that some of the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders can be attributed to sleep deprivation.
Another difficulty is the way people with autism and Asperger syndrome process faces.
Early identification and intervention in autism are essential to the treatment of this disorder.
The many facets of autism continue to present a mystery that has only been solved in bits and pieces.
While there is no cure for autism disorders, various treatments can be quite effective.
Early identification and early intervention in autism may be the key to successful treatment.
Doctors, educators, parents, and other concerned adults must be aware of the defining behaviors that could indicate the presence of autism.
Communication problems-A child with autism may have speech problems, language difficulties, and other communication disorders making it sometimes impossible to verbalize their needs.
Stereotyped repetitive movements and stims-Repetitive movements like hand flapping are often present in cases of autism.
Doctors and educators now understand that early identification and early treatment in autism can improve a child's prognosis.
In many circumstances, children with some form of autism can now be identified as young as 15 to 18 months.
Finally, parents of children who have been diagnosed with autism need to be as educated and aware of intervention plans and treatment procedures as possible.
What questions and standards were used to identify autism in my child?
From simple sidewalk chalk to elaborate playground equipment, outdoor toys can also provide opportunities to reinforce necessary skills in children with autism, helping them progress towards a variety of developmental goals.
Among the many possible effects of autism is uneven or delayed acquisition of motor skills.
Physical therapy is frequently used to address motor skills deficits in children with autism.
Used primarily by occupational therapists to address the sensory issues common to autism, sensory integration therapy is used to improve the ability of the brain to process sensory information.
Deficits in these skills are among the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorders.
Many children with autism express anxiety or over stimulation by acting out, engaging in repetitive or aggressive behaviors.
The daily routine of children with autism can be quite hectic, tightly scheduled with therapy appointments and treatment regimes.
As the numbers of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders rises, and new diagnostic tools have made earlier discovery of autism possible, the needs of autistic toddlers has become the subject of much discussion and research.
Experts agree that early detection and intervention in the developmental difficulties of autism can significantly reduce the severity of impairment in autistic individuals.
Given the importance of providing intensive therapy, treatment, and support as early as possible, knowing the early signs of autism is essential for anyone who has young children.
It is quite common for children who do not have autism to display one or two of the behaviors listed above, but if your youngster displays a number of these symptoms, a professional evaluation is your best course of action.
Generally, when autism is suspected, medical professionals will do a physical examination first to rule out other causes of symptoms.
Then, behavioral testing is done, using one or more of the diagnostic tools created to screen children for autism.
While the causes of autism are largely unknown and there is no cure at this time, autism is treatable.
Early detection of ASD has resulted in better treatments and interventions to assist toddlers in developing the skills that are frequently compromised by autism and related disorders.
A diagnosis of autism in the family is quite an event.
Seeking advice and support from others who have already been through the process can be of invaluable assistance to families struggling to come to terms with an autism diagnosis.
Among the best resources for this type of help are autism support groups.
Autism support groups are also a great source of information on the latest autism research, treatments, and therapies.
You will discover the joys and frustrations of raising a child with autism are parallel to those of raising a child with no disability.
A diagnosis of autism is like a death of sort - the death of the expectations and dreams you had for your child prior to diagnosis.
Discuss any questions and concerns with your doctor - Part of the confusion, anger and anxiety tied into an autism spectrum diagnosis can be due to a lack of information.
Buy books and research materials - Learning about autism and autism treatments will help you and your child.
Stanley Greenspan is a pioneer in the field of autism and offers easy to read books with excellent information.
Research reputable sites - Autism Speaks, the Centers For Disease Control and Autism Society of America are wonderful resources for the latest in autism news and treatment.
As you learn to come to terms with autism, you will begin to see the many ways in which your child is like others in the family, rather than just how he or she is different.
Many people have gained recognition in the autism community for their contributions to the world's understanding of autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Temple Grandin is a successful author who was diagnosed with autism at the age of two.
In addition to being a professor of Animal Science and designing humane handling facilities for livestock, Dr. Grandin has written several books about autism and her experiences, as well as a number of books on animal handling.
McKean is a celebrity among the autism community for his dedication to individuals and families affected by pervasive developmental disorders.
McKean was diagnosed with autism in 1979 when he was 14 years old, and he was institutionalized in a psychiatric facility for two years following his diagnosis.
His experiences have led him to become an advocate for people with autism spectrum disorders, and he has written two books and given countless speeches and interviews on the subject.
Stephen Shore has reached celebrity status for many people in the autism community.
He continues to be a driving force in the autism community as an educator and speaker.
According to the Huffington Post, actress Daryl Hannah was diagnosed with autism as a child.
Japanese composer Hikari ?e was born with a brain hernia and developmental disabilities which include autism, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
He published the memoir "Parallel Play" about his experience growing up on the autism spectrum.
In an interview with Autism Speaks, he shared his belief that an autism spectrum disorder is not a roadblock to success.
His use of humor and attention to detail make his books popular with neurotypicals, as well as people with autism spectrum disorders.
Although these individuals stand out for their contributions to arts, mathematics, literature, and other important areas, they may be most valued for their ability to bridge the gap between people with autism and the neurotypical world.
Definitive genetic causes of autism spectrum disorders have been elusive to researchers in all but a small portion of the autistic population.
However, each new round of research develops more clues to the puzzle as researchers strive to find out why autism happens and how it can be either cured or prevented.
Among the pervasive developmental disorders classified on the autism spectrum are several that are known to be hereditary causes of autism, accounting for approximately 10 to 15 percent of reported cases.
What is known is that autism affects some families in disproportionate numbers.
Siblings of individuals with autism are at a significantly higher risk of developing the disorder, according to researchers from the University of Cambridge who have discovered a genetic biomarker.
Though the incidence of autism is higher in twins, researchers from the Stanford University School of Medicine have found that shared environmental factors play a significant role in the development of autism as well.
While the genetic predisposition to autism spectrum disorders is highly probable, it has yet to be proven.
The wide variety of symptoms of autism from one affected person to another can make the process more difficult.
The broad spectrum of abilities leads some researchers to conclude that there may be an equally varied range of environmental and genetic issues involved in causing autism spectrum disorders.
Environmental factors are suspect as a trigger for autism.
One study supports the theory of an environmental connection to the autism epidemic.
Countless other research projects are underway to narrow down the causes of autism.
There are five pervasive developmental disorders in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) including autism and PDD-NOS.
The terminology can be confusing with regards to the autism spectrum of disorders, especially when trying to define autism.
Pervasive developmental disorder is a category in the DSM-IV that outlines the different disorders on the autism spectrum.
It is important to recognize that an individual can be diagnosed on the autism spectrum without meeting all the criteria for an autism diagnosis.
Pervasive developmental disorder is a category that includes five conditions, including autism and Asperger syndrome.
Some refer to the PDD-NOS as a subthreshold condition that has some of the characteristics of other disorders in the autism spectrum, but not all of them.
Basically, people with this diagnosis have some of the symptoms of other autistic conditions but they do not have enough to fit in the autism, Asperger, Rett or childhood degenerative disorders.
Some refer to the condition as atypical autism because the individual has some autistic characteristics and the diagnosis falls within the autism spectrum.
It is imperative to have a complete physical by a licensed physician to rule out medical conditions that can have symptoms similar to autism.
Identifying the condition begins with recognizing the unusual behaviors and symptoms that are characteristic of the autism spectrum of disorders.
The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) is an excellent tool for identifying symptoms of autism in children.
Once a diagnosis of PDD-NOS is determined from these shared symptoms, concentration on individualized symptoms can make the difference in how each individual with autism receives care.
One of the most volatile issues on the topic of pervasive developmental disorders is whether or not autism in children is caused by vaccinations.
Many parents and professionals believe that there is a direct link between vaccinations and autism while others discount the notion.
Earlier, Hannah displayed the signs of autism including staring at fans and lights, and engaging in self-stimulatory behaviors at three months of age.
Though Hannah had some of the early symptoms of autism, her conditions became considerably worse after receiving the multiple vaccination shots at 19 months.
However, the conclusion does not admit a direct link between autism and vaccines.
The suggestion is that the vaccines aggravated an underlying condition that led to the symptoms of autism in Hannah.
The primary connection between autism and vaccines in the Poling case seems to be Hannah's underlying mitochondrial dysfunction.
Many professionals suggest that there is no direct link between mitochondrial dysfunction and autism.
More information about mitochondrial dysfunction and autism is available through the Autism Research Institute and Defeat Autism Now.
Until the information about Hannah Poling's case is released, it is impossible to understand how this applies to other cases in which autism in children caused by vaccinations is suspect.
There are findings that there are genetic causes of autism.
The US Department of Health and Human Services insists that vaccines do not cause autism.
Among the many degrees of autism spectrum disorders is high function autism, symptoms of which tend to be less pronounced and debilitating than other forms of autism.
Every person who has autism, no matter which form, will display a different combination of symptoms than any other, and those symptoms will vary widely in degree.
However, autism spectrum disorders, including high functioning autism, are all classified under the same category due to a series of core symptoms that are common to each one of these pervasive developmental disorders.
Of these disorders, high functioning autism, or HFA, and Asperger syndrome are considered the mildest, the two very similar in presentation.
High function autism is not yet an official diagnosis, but a descriptive term used mainly to determine treatment and therapy plans.
Generally, a person is referred to as high functioning autistic when symptoms are mild, allowing them to function appropriately in most situations, but the diagnosis is most often recorded as simply autism.
In some cases, those with high functioning autism may carry a diagnosis of autism during the early years, then be reclassified as Asperger syndrome as symptoms become milder later in life.
Communication issues are among the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorders.
While these issues tend to be less pronounced in high function autism, speech and language delays are often present, especially during the early childhood years.
Individuals with high functioning autism can have difficulties with receptive language, unable to interpret nuances of language such as humor or irony.
As with most forms of autism, high function autism symptoms often include a strong compulsion to adhere to strict routines.
Simple transitions, such as the change from one activity to another during the school day, can be very difficult for those with autism, causing anxiety.
Outings that are fun and exciting for others can be extremely stressful for those with autism.
Even a routine trip to the grocery store can be a traumatic experience for those with autism, the unfamiliar surroundings or people causing extreme discomfort and insecurity.
Another symptom common to high function autism is sensory dysfunction.
Those with autism can be hyper-sensitive to stimuli like sounds, smells, textures, lighting conditions, and colors that the average person might not even notice, finding them extremely distracting, upsetting, or even painful.
While there are many similarities between HFA or Asperger syndrome symptoms and those of other autism forms, there are distinct differences as well.
Individuals with high functioning autism or Asperger syndrome usually are of average or above average intelligence, whereas other forms of autism can include mental retardation.
Those with HFA and Asperger syndrome often respond more readily to therapies and treatments than many individuals with more severe forms of autism.
Eileen Miller is a resident of Oregon State who is dedicated to promoting autism awareness.
Asperger syndrome is considered to be the mildest of the group of pervasive developmental disorders classified on the autism spectrum.
These fundamental symptoms of ASD are present in individuals with Asperger syndrome, though often to a lesser degree than is found in those with other forms of autism.
Given the dramatic rise in autism occurrences in recent years, learning the basic autism disorder characteristics is a wise precaution for every parent to take.
Autism is diagnosed in approximately one of every 150 children these days, and affects boys nearly four times more often than girls.
All autism types have certain basic, or core, characteristics in common, allowing this group of developmental disorders to be classified under the title of autism spectrum disorders.
For example, children with autism may point and gesture rather than use words to indicate needs or wants.
A small percentage of children with autism disorder will never speak, remaining completely non-verbal throughout their lives.
Non-verbal communication is frequently impaired as well, making it difficult for those with autism to understand non-verbal cues such as body posture, tone of voice, facial expressions or gestures.
Certain behavioral characteristics are common in those with autism, such as a rigid resistance to changes in routine.
Structure and predictability can be a source of security for individuals with autism, and variations in daily routine or surroundings can be quite upsetting, causing stress and anxiety.
While the autism disorder characteristics listed above are the telltale signs that must be present for an autism diagnosis to be made, many other symptoms are frequently seen in autistic individuals.
Among those common to autism disorder, which is the most common ASD and among those with the potential to be most severe, are sensory issues.
Children with autism disorder, also known as classic autism or Kanner's autism, can be less responsive than the average child to some forms of sensory input, while being oversensitive to others.
Often, children with autism may seem oblivious to pain, discomfort, or changes in temperature, causing safety issues.
Gastrointestinal issues are more prevalent in children with autism than in the general population, making diet adaptations necessary.
With early diagnosis and therapy intervention, many of the symptoms of autism disorder can be treated, often increasing the level of function and abilities of affected children.
Among the basic interventions provided to most children with autism are speech and language therapy, occupational and sensory integration therapy, physical therapy, and behavioral therapy.
Early intervention plans of this nature that begin during the preschool years have been shown to be very effective in helping children with autism make great strides in many developmental areas.
Autism can be a complex disorder to understand.
Knowing the symptoms will enable you to better relate to those you know with autism and to look out for more signs in your own child's development so you can take medical action, if needed.
The autism spectrum encompasses several related disorders, most notably autism, Asperger syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not-otherwise-specified (PDD-NOS).
Most autism spectrum disorders are characterized by marked difficulties in social interactions, challenges involving communication or the functional and social use of language, and atypical or repetitive behaviors.
Since there is so much variation within the autism spectrum, individuals rarely exhibit all of the signs and symptoms listed below.
Most professionals hesitate to offer a solid autism spectrum diagnosis in very young children because development can be unpredictable during this time.
When it comes to high functioning autism, many parents do not begin to notice anything different about their child's behavior until preschool.
Since autism has received increased public attention in recent years, many kids are diagnosed before they reach elementary school.
However, kids with high functioning autism sometimes slip through the cracks.
There are also some adults who have always struggled with social situations and communication but never received an official autism diagnosis.
Whether your child has these signs and symptoms of autism or not, your parental instincts may be telling you that something is going on.
LoveToKnow Autism is dedicated to providing current information, resources and support for people touched by autistic disorders.
Here you will find information about the signs of autism, the latest research and different treatments used in homes, schools and the community.
Information about pervasive developmental disorders is continually emerging and LoveToKnow Autism strives to provide the latest developments.
The LoveToKnow Autism community consists of experienced writers who have vested interests in pervasive developmental disorders.
New developments are continuous in the field of autism and related pervasive developmental disorders.
LoveToKnow Autism is dedicated to bringing you the latest information and developments in areas including early detection, treatments and research.
Famous Autistic People, helping people recognize that autism is more common than many may think.
Dealing with a Diagnosis of Autism for support and guidance.
Fragile X is also the most frequent known cause of autism spectrum disorders and autism-like behaviors.
Individuals with Fragile X have a higher than average risk of developing autism spectrum disorders.
About one third of children who are diagnosed with Fragile X also have autism, accounting for approximately 2-6 percent of overall autism cases diagnosed.
Many of the remaining two-thirds display behaviors and symptoms common to autism, but do not meet the criteria for an autism diagnosis.
Common, everyday toys can be used in many autism treatment programs that are coordinated by teams of professionals, such as speech therapists and teachers.
Sensory Environments - Physical sensation is a very large part of dealing with the positive and negative aspects of autism.
Much of what is known about teaching children with autism was learned the hard way, through trial and error.
This makes teaching children with autism a very challenging goal indeed - but it is entirely necessary.
There are many different methods of treatment developed to deal with the challenges of autism.
New pedagogies are developed as more research is done, but because autism spectrum disorder has such a wide variety of symptoms and severity; it is difficult to know if one particular approach will work with one particular child.
This is where the professionals - the teachers, occupational therapists, and medical personnel - come into play, with a lot of varied experience in teaching children with autism.
Dr. Temple Grandin has had autism all her life.
At the age of 2 ½ she was put into a structured teaching school, and it enabled her to not only overcome many of the particular challenges of her own autism but also spark interest in careers for people with autism.
Her book Thinking in Pictures - and Other Reports from my Life with Autism contains many suggestions for educators and other team members responsible for teaching autistic children.
From broad statements like "Many people with autism are visual thinkers," to things as specific as "…loud sounds like the school bell hurt my ears…" her accounts have proven a valuable resource for support teams.
Though it's a relatively new diagnosis, information about autism symptoms and treatments is easy to find from many sources.
The difficulty lies in the fact that not all of the authorities on autism symptoms and treatments agree with each other.
Conflicting information and sometimes very angry arguments arise from the frustration of people dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Part of the problem is that it has only been identified as a problem within the last few decades; another part is that there are many individual kinds of autism that can manifest and be treated differently.
That is part of the difficulty in diagnosing the disorder - almost every child with autism has his own range of symptoms.
Once a child has been diagnosed with autism, a team of professionals from the medical, educational, and social services will meet with the parents in order to develop a method of treatment.
Another point of general consensus is that the earlier autism is diagnosed and treated, the better chance the child has of moving beyond the difficulties of the disorder and into a more normal and happy life.
Studying autism research is a great way to learn about the latest information on autism treatment options.
Here is a general summary on autism research as well as how to find research information.
Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder that severely impairs a child's normal development of language, communication and social skills.
Today the exact cause and cure for autism are unknown.
On-going research is constantly searching for information on the cause of autism and the best treatment options.
Autism research is complex and sometimes contradictory.
Some experts claim that autism has no cure and must be treated for life with little hope for major improvement.
In fact, a December 2008 Neuropsychology Review article analyzed the apparent recovery of children who were previously diagnosed with autism and no longer met the DSM-IV clinical definition of autism after treatment.
For example, one group of patients may receive an autism medication, while another group receives a placebo.
Autism research includes a great deal of information on possible causes and treatments for autism.
The UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior studied the effect of parental intervention on social skills of 33 teenagers with autism spectrum disorder between the ages of 13 to 17.
A clinical trial study published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychpharmacology, indicated that Risperdone, a neuroleptic antipsychotic drug, may improve the cognitive skills of children with autism.
A clinical trial of the drug, methylphenidate (Ritalin), was conducted with 33 boys with autism spectrum disorder between the ages of 5 and 13.
Many studies have investigated the possibility of a connection between environmental toxins and autism.
Many parents and experts blamed the presence of thimerosal in vaccines as a possible cause of autism but it was never proven.
In fact, thimerosal has been removed from most vaccines but the rates of autism continue to grow each year.
Many experts believe that mercury exposure is linked to autism.
A study published by the Journal Health & Place studied the mercury levels in areas near power plants and the rate of children diagnosed with autism.
A large number of children who lived near a power plant were diagnosed with autism.
Researchers argued that this provided evidence of a possible connection between mercury exposure and autism.
Parents interested in learning more about autism research can find a great deal of information by online.