Dealing With Autism

“I’m sorry but your child is Autistic”, this is one of the most fearful things to hear from your doctor. It leaves your world completely shattered when you discover that your child is not normal. Coping with autism can be extremely demanding and your child will require special care throughout his life.  So how do you deal with it?

Causes- There are no concrete reasons for Autism. Physicians maintain that it is caused by a genetic disposition. But no particular gene has so far been pinpointed as the reason for Autism. Complications or illnesses during pregnancy may trigger off the condition as also birth problems and pollutants present in the environment.

Symptoms- Autism is unique for the fact that it has no proper symptoms. This makes it harder to diagnose and children who are not watched over carefully may escape being detected early enough. Your child may seem shy and insensitive to others, avoiding eye contact with the people around. He/ she may also be hyperactive, unable to speak properly and incapable of concentrating properly. This can prove to extremely confusing and distressing to the parent.

Treatment- There is no sure shot cure for Autism. Specialists recommend physiotherapy as well as other learning therapies. Music and slow moving pictures or cartoons may be used to try and integrate the child into the normal society. This is usually combined with behavior and speech therapy. The treatment varies from child to child depending on the symptoms and severity of Autism. Almost all doctors agree that the child can lead a normal life only if the treatment commences early.

Diet- A balanced diet along with added vitamin and mineral supplements help in brain development and the child may recover slowly from the effects of autism. Herbal supplements have also been known to help with mood swings and irritability associated with autism.

Different therapies coupled with a balanced and healthy diet may control the autistic child to a degree. However, it has been seen that the symptoms of autism lessen considerably with age and the child can lead a reasonably normal and happy life.