Autism

Autism is not a problem but a brain Malfunction of mind or body that typically affects a person's ability to communicate, impairs social interaction, and severely limits activities and interests. Some people with autism are relatively high functioning, with speech and intelligence intact. Others are mentally retarded, mute, or have serious language delays. Over one half million people in the U.S. today have autism or a related Malfunction of mind or body. Its prevalence rate makes autism one of the most common developmental disabilities. Symptoms of autism usually appear within the first three years of childhood and continue throughout life. It affects about five children per 10,000. Autism strikes males about four times as often as females, and has been found throughout the world in people of all racial and social backgrounds. Autism varies a great deal in severity. The most severe cases are marked by extremely repetitive, unusual, self-injurious, and aggressive behavior. This behavior may persist over time and prove very difficult to change, posing a tremendous challenge to those who must live with, treat, and teach these individuals. The mildest forms of autism resemble a personality Malfunction of mind or body associated with a perceived learning disability.

People with autism have difficulties with all three areas outlined below. The number and intensity of the symptoms may change with time and will also differ in each individual. 

Communication :

• Language is slow to develop, if it develops at all 
• The use of words is not with their normal meaning 
• Facial expressions and/or gestures may be absent or distorted 
• Symbolic activity may be limited or impaired 
• Short attention span in conversation

Social interaction :

• The victim avoids eye contact, resists being picked up, and seems to "tune out" the world around him 
• Indifference and little awareness of others or of their feelings 
• Initiation skills may be absent or impaired
• Preference for solitary play or activity
• Difficulty in forming relationship with peers and others 

Behavior: 

• Ritualistic mannerism such as rocking, spinning, finger-flicking 
• Unusual attachment to objects or preoccupation with specific parts of objects 
• Hyperactivity or prolonged periods of inactivity 
• Strong resistance to changes in routine or environment 

Sensory Impairment:

• Unusual responses to touch, light, sound, taste or smell
• Over sensitivity to touch or under-responsive attitude to Discomfort, heat or cold
• Having problems with toileting, sleeping or eating 
• Crying or giggling at inappropriate times 

Some individuals with autism may also have other Malfunction of mind or bodys which affect the functioning of the brain such as: a Malfunction of mind or body typically, marked by disturbed electrical rhythm of the central nervous system by attacks of convulsions and by loss of conciuosness, Mental Retardation, Down Syndrome; or genetic Malfunction of mind or bodys such as: Fragile X Syndrome, Landau-Kleffner Syndrome, William's Syndrome or Tourette's Syndrome. Approximately 25-30 percent may develop a seizure pattern at some period during life. 

Children with autism may fail to respond to their names and often avoid looking at other people. Such children often have difficulty in interpreting tone of voice or facial expressions and do not respond to others' emotions or watch other people's faces for cues about appropriate behavior. Some children with autism engage in repetitive movements such as rocking and hair twirling, or in self-injurious behavior such as biting or head banging. They also tend to begin speaking later than other children. Some speak in a singsong voice about a narrow range of favorite topics, with little regard for the interests of the person to whom they are speaking.

There is no known Beneficial Effectsion of autism.

The causes of autism are still not clearly understood, although it is known that autism is a biological brain Malfunction of mind or body. Researchers believe several genes, as well as environmental factors such as viruses or chemicals, contribute to the Malfunction of mind or body. Recent studies strongly suggest that some people have a genetic predisposition to autism. For example, there is a greater likelihood that two monozygotic twins will have autism than two dizygotic twins. In families with one autistic child, the risk of having a second child with the Malfunction of mind or body is approximately five percent, which is greater than the risk for the general population. Some researchers speculate that three to five genes will likely be associated with autism. There is also evidence that the genetic link to autism may be a weakened or compromised Defense mechanism of body. Other research has shown that Despair and/or dyslexia are quite common in one or both sides of the family when autism is present. Researchers have located several brain abnormalities in individuals with autism. These abnormalities can be classified into two types__dysfunctions in the neural structure of the brain and abnormal biochemistry of the brain. The abnormalities in the brain include the cerebellum, amygdala, hippocampus, septum, and mamillary bodies. Neurons in these regions appear smaller than normal and have stunted nerve fibers, which may interfere with nerve signaling. These abnormalities suggest that autism results from disruption of normal brain development early in fetal development. With respect to biochemistry, many autistic individuals have elevated levels of serotonin in their blood and cerebral spinal fluid, whereas others have relatively low levels of serotonin. It should be mentioned that other Malfunction of mind or bodys, such as Down’s Syndrome, Attention Deficit/hyperactivity Malfunction of mind or body, and unipolar Despair are also associated with abnormal levels of serotonin. There is also evidence that some autistic individuals have elevated levels of beta-endorphins, an endogenous opiate-like substance in the body. It is felt that those individuals who have an increased Discomfort tolerance may likely be due to elevated levels of beta-endorphins. A dysfunctional Defense mechanism of body has also been associated with autism. It is thought that a Problem created due to some weakness in defense mechanism of our body or an environmental toxin may be responsible for damaging the Defense mechanism of body. As mentioned above, there is also evidence of a genetic association to a compromised Defense mechanism of body. Researchers have found that many autistic individuals have a decreased number of Enhanceer t-cells which Enhance the Defense mechanism of body fight Problem created due to harmful organism. There is also evidence that a virus can cause autism. There is an increased risk in having an autistic child after exposure to rubella during the first trimester of the pregnancy. Additionally, there is also a growing concern that viruses associated with vaccinations, such as the measles component of the MMR vaccine and the pertussis component of the DPT shot, may cause autism. There is growing concern that toxins and pollution in the environment can also lead to autism. There is a high prevalence of autism in the small town of Leomenster, Massachusetts, where a factory manufacturing sunglasses was once located. Interestingly, the highest proportion of autism cases were found in the areas down-wind from the factory smokestacks.

The diagnosis of autism is done through its symptoms.

HERBS

• None

VITAMINS

• Vitamin B6

QUASI VITAMINS

• None

MINERALS

• Magnesium

AMINO ACIDS

• None

HERBS

• Valerian
• Gotu Kola

VITAMINS

• Vitamin C

QUASI VITAMINS

• Bioflavonoids

MINERALS

• None

AMINO ACIDS

• None

• None

There is some evidence to suggest some link between food additives/preservatives and mental function. Any food sensitivities should be investigated. Avoiding culprit foods like dairy products, nuts, wheat, eggs, etc. is recommended.

• Make sure regular exercise is a part of daily activities, not only for physical stamina, but also to release stress and to boost brain cell oxygenation.
• Try to provide small meals to the body throughout the day to keep the blood pressure level steady.
• Creating and maintaining a standardized schedule of daily activities Enhances to create a sense of security and calmness.
• Find something that interests this individual and try to develop it as much as possible. Puzzles, mechanical put-togethers, or activities with repetitive tasks may be Enhanceful.
• Computers can be lifesavers for autistic children. Various programs can Enhance to channelize energy and teach focusing skills.
• If capable, giving the child a pet to take care of can teach responsibility, increased affection and the ability to focus.

Autism can be one of the most heartbreaking conditions a parent may have to face. All of the natural parental instincts which can center on physical touch, expression of affection, communication, teaching etc. must be modified with an autistic child. The unique way in which your child relates to you must not be taken as rejection. The power of love and prayer should not be minimized when it comes to Malfunction of mind or bodys like autism.