Autism

Alternative names:

autistic disorder; infant autism

Treatment:

Treatment of this disorder is very difficult and prolonged. Parents, teachers, and therapists work together in coordinated efforts to encourage social adjustment and speech development in the child. Positive reinforcement techniques such as offering food for appropriate behavior or language responses have been successful in promoting skills. Treatment may be in an institution, specialized school, day-care setting, or in the home. Family members may need counseling because they often feel guilty or inadequate.

Support groups:

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See autism - support group.

Expectations (prognosis):

Some children with autism may function below normal intellectual levels, while others may do well in school but have severe social impairments. Success in individual cases seems to be best with early recognition and intervention. Some children never do speak.

Complications:

• inability to care for self
• inadequate social skills
• self harm

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if a child is non-responsive to people or the environment, a child has odd or peculiar speech, or a child exhibits behavior that may lead to self harm.