Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. Somehow early in the child’s life, there is a disruption in their biochemistry and in the development of their brain. Although recent research strongly suggests a potential fundamental cause of autism, further studies and tests must be completed to state a definitive cause. Autism is a “spectrum disorder” which means it affects each individual differently and at varying degrees – making early diagnosis critical.

Autism is the most common of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders, affecting an estimated 1 in 166 births (Centers for Disease Control Prevention, 2004). Roughly translated, this means as many as 1.5 million American today are believed to have some form of autism.

This is a huge increase from 1 child out of 2,000 in the 1960s. Based on statistics from the U.S. department of Education and other governmental agencies, autism is growing a startling rate of 10-17 percent per year. At this rate the Autism Society of America estimates that the prevalence of autism could reach 4 million Americans in the next decade.

Most individuals with autism have immune impairment, severe mineral and nutrient imbalances, and impaired nerve development, which can result in incomplete development of the brain and gastrointestinal system.

What all individuals diagnosed on the autism spectrum have in common are delays or disabilities when it comes to social skills such as ordinary conversation, eye contact, and emotional understanding of others. These issues are likely to lead to impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual, repetitive, or severely limited activities and interests. Most people with autism also share delays in fine and gross motor skills. It’s important to note, too, that “symptoms” of autism can also be strengths. For example, a child on the autism spectrum may have better observational abilities than a typical child of the same age.

Early intervention is the key to treating autism. There is no drug which can treat autism and each individual responds differently to the interventions available. However, recent research and biomedical therapy has resulted in substantial improvements and even some have become completely free of symptoms. In conjunction with biomedical therapy, an individual with autism needs assistance developing life skills. Because each individual has several different deficiencies and responds uniquely, finding a successful blend of therapies takes time. They include, but are not limited to, applied behavior analysis, auditory integration training, dietary interventions, discrete trial teaching, medications, music therapy, occupational therapy, PECS, physical therapy, sensory integration, speech/language therapy, TEACCH, and vision therapy.

The following are a number of “red-flag” symptoms that parents can look for. These may be evident even in a child as young as one year – old or may not become evident until age three or older. Some signs to look for include:

• unresponsiveness to people, and/or intent focus on one item to the exclusion of others for long periods
• lack of response to their name
• little or no eye contact
• difficulty interpreting what others are thinking or feeling
• delay in gaining speech (or loss of speech) and/or odd speech patterns
• repetitive movements such as rocking or twirling, or self-abusive behavior such as head-banging
• speaking in a flat or sing-song voice
• unusually low or high sensitivity to pain, noise, light or crowds

If you are concerned that your child may be autistic, you should consult a medical practitioner.

For more information, visit the sources used for this article: www.autism.about.com, www.autismtoday.com, and www.autism-society.org, What your Doctor May Not Tell You About Children’s Vaccinations, Stephanie Cave, M.D., F.A.A.F.P. with Deborah Mitchell and The Natural Medicine Guide to Autism, Stephanie Marohn.

If you would like to discuss autism and the therapies Troy and Sandy Daenzer have pursued for their daughter, please e-mail them at  thedaenzers at aol.com or call (989)755-3548.