by David Frazee

Created on: April 04, 2008   Last Updated: November 25, 2008

Conditions: Autism, or Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a relatively common disorder among children. It affects 1 in every 166 children with more than 400,000 individuals in the US having some form or autism. Children with ASD will demonstrate deficits in: social interactions; communication, both verbal and non-verbal; and repetitious behavior and interests. They will also have exaggerated or unusual responses to sensory experiences like sounds, colors, or the way objects look. Their reactions range from mild to severe.

Like most diseases and disorders, ASD seems to be not strictly genetic, but has environmental influences as well. It is likely that different sets of exposures, triggers, timing and genetic vulnerabilities control or influence the development of ASD.

Symptoms: Some indicators of ASD are:

At times the person will seem hearing impaired

Poor eye contact

Does not respond to their name

Does not speak by 16 months

Looses language or social skills

Does not combine two words by 2 years

Doesn't smile

Doesn't know how to play with toys

Excessively lines up toys

Is attached to one particular toy or object

Do not like to be touched, often stiffening or crying when touched

Typical children like to gaze at people; they turn toward voices, grasp a finger and even smile. But children with ASD have quite a bit of difficulty learning to engage in everyday human interaction. It may seem that the child has not attached to anyone around them, often causing parents great concern. However, children with ASD do attach to parents and care givers, this attachment is just very difficult to discern.

Children with ASD have difficulty in learning to interpret what others are thinking or feeling. This can make the social world seem bewildering to the child and frustrating. They also have difficulty seeing things from the other person's perspective which leaves them to unable to predict or understand the world.

It is often difficult for children with ASD to regulate their emotions. This can lead to disruptive behavior like crying or verbal outbursts that are inappropriate. They might be disruptive and physically aggressive at times, and have a tendency to loose control of their emotions in strange of overwhelming environments. The child can become angry or frustrated; they might break things, attack others or hurt themselves. Sometimes in frustration, the child will pull their hair, hit their heads, or bite their arms and hands.

Some children with ASD remain mute through their

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