Autism Health Article

Diagnosis

Autism is diagnosed by obtaining a developmental history of the child and observing and evaluating the child's behavior, communication skills, and social interactions. Because the symptoms of autism are so varied, the condition may go undiagnosed for some time. There is no medical test for autism. The condition is often missed, especially in mild cases or when additional handicaps are present. Special screening tools help physicians diagnose the condition. Medical tests are sometimes used to rule out other possible causes of autistic symptoms.

Treatment

Early intervention proves critical in managing autism. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that many parents have chosen alternative therapies when more traditional therapies do not produce desired results. Among therapies mentioned in the group's report are nutritional supplements, elimination diets, immune globulin therapy, and secretin (a hormone) therapy.

There is often a strong nutritional dysfunction involved in autism. A major overhaul of the child's diet should be done, but very gradually. A healthy diet of whole foods with no preservatives or additives, including food dyes, is recommended. Autistic children may have particular difficulty handling Nutrasweet and monosodium glutamate (MSG), as these chemicals may further interfere with already disrupted nerve impulses. Processed foods such as white flour, white sugar, margarine, and hydrogenated fats should be avoided because they interfere with the stability of blood chemistry.

Many autistic children may be unable to effectively break down the protein in grains such as wheat, barley, and oats, called gluten, and the protein in milk called casein. Overgrowths of Candida albicans may be present and should be tested for and treated. Testing should also be done for food, chemical, and inhalant allergies. Digestive functioning should be tested and monitored. Extensive testing should be done for blood levels of chemicals in the body, as well. Allergens should be subsequently removed from the diet and environment; further dietary changes should be made to correct chemical imbalances. Possible gut and immune system dysfunction should also be addressed.

Studies have shown that supplementation with megadoses of vitamin B₆ together with magnesium improves eye contact, speech, and behavior problems. Vitamin B₆ causes fewer side effects than other medications, but megadoses should only be given under the supervision of a healthcare provider. A B-complex vitamin is probably the best way to give B₆, due to the interdependent functioning of the B vitamins. Zinc and vitamin C supple-mentation is also recommended. In addition, dimethyl-glycine (DMG) has been reported to improve speech in some children with autism in as little as a week's time. Other therapeutic methods that have been shown to be helpful include special auditory integration training (AIT) based on the Berard method or the Tomatis method. Craniosacral therapy may also improve symptoms of autism by relieving compressions of the skull bones and membranes. Autism is a complex condition. A practitioner who has already worked with cases of autism successfully will be able to offer a comprehensive treatment plan.

Allopathic treatment

Most experts recommend a complex treatment regimen for autism that begins early in life and continues through the teenage years. Behavioral therapies are used in conjunction with medications and special diets. Because the symptoms vary so widely from one person to the next, there is not a single approach that works best for every person. Interventions include special training in music, listening, vision, speech and language, and senses. Sensory integration training may be used to normalize sensory functions. Training to change aberrant behaviors should be started as early in the autistic child's life as possible, since early intervention appears to have the most influence on brain development and functioning. A child with autism is able to learn best in a specialized, structured program that emphasizes individualized instruction.

No single medication has yet proved highly effective for the major features of autism. However, a variety of drugs can control self-injurious, aggressive, and other behaviors. Drugs also can control epilepsy, which afflicts up to 20% of people with autism. Types of recommended medication may include stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin); antidepressants, such as fluroxamine (Luvox); opiate blockers, such as naltrexone (ReVia); antipsychotics; and tranquilizers.

Expected results

Studies show that people with autism can improve significantly with proper treatment. While there is no cure, the negative behaviors of autism can be made to improve. Earlier generations placed autistic children in institutions; now, even severely disabled children can be helped to eventually become more responsive to others. Children with autism usually can learn to better understand and deal with the world around them. Some can even lead nearly mainstream lives.