| Autism is also called autistic disorder. The | | | | immune system, or geneticso Although recent |
| disorder:o Appears in early childhood, usually | | | | scientific investigations examined the possible |
| before age 3o Prevents children and adolescents | | | | connection between autism and the measles, |
| from interacting normally with other peopleo | | | | mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, the available |
| Affects almost every aspect of their social and | | | | data to date does not appear to support a casual |
| psychological development | | | | linko Studies of families and twins suggest a |
| Autism characteristics range in intensity from mild | | | | genetic basis for the disorder |
| to severe. Not every child behaves the same | | | | If scientists find the genes responsible for autism, |
| with the same diagnosis. Signs of autism in children | | | | the knowledge would give physicians new tools to |
| and adolescents are typically:o Difficulty | | | | diagnose the disorder and help scientists develop |
| communicating with otherso Exhibits repetitious | | | | gene-based therapies. |
| behaviors, such as rocking back and forth, head | | | | Some studies reveal that the brains of people |
| banging, or touching or twirling objectso Have a | | | | with autism may function differently from those |
| limited range of interests and activitieso May | | | | that are considered "normal." There is research |
| become upset by small changes in environment | | | | that suggests an abnormal slowing down of brain |
| and daily routine | | | | development before birth may cause autism. |
| In addition, some children may experience | | | | Chemicals in the brain also may play a role in |
| hypersensitivity in:o Hearingo Toucho Smello Taste | | | | autism:o As a normal brain develops, the level of |
| Symptoms of autism can be seen in early infancy. | | | | serotonin declineso In some children with autism, |
| The condition may also appear after months of | | | | serotonin levels do not declineo Researchers |
| normal development. It is not possible in most | | | | continue to investigate whether this happens only |
| cases to identify a specific event that triggers the | | | | to children with autism or whether other factors |
| disorder. | | | | are involved |
| Autism or a related condition is:o Three times | | | | Source: SAMHSA's National Mental Health |
| more common in boys than in girlso Diagnosed in | | | | Information Center |
| as many as 12 in every 10,000 children | | | | Disclaimer: The information in this article is not |
| Causes of autism:o Researchers are unsure what | | | | intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any |
| causes this disordero Studies suggest autism | | | | disease. All health concerns should be addressed |
| might be caused by a combination of biological or | | | | by a qualified health care professional. |
| environmental factors, or both, including viral | | | | This article is FREE to publish with the resource |
| exposure before birth, a problem with the | | | | box. |