The Symptoms and Treatments for Autism

      Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability, characterized by differences in the brain.  People affected by autism often have problems with social interaction, repetitive behavior/ movements, and impulsive behaviors.  Autism affects 1 in 44 children in the U.S.  Autism is thought to be influenced by genetic and environmental factors.  These symptoms usually begin when the child is 18 months to 3 years old.  

Symptoms:

Behavioral signs:

• Compulsive behavior
• Poor social interactions
• Repetition of tasks and words
• Lack of eye contact

Developmental signs:

• Learning disabilities
• Delayed speech and language

Cognitive signs:

• Interest in only a limited number of things
• Problems paying attention

Psychological signs:

• Unaware of others’ emotions, or inability to read others emotionally
• Change in voice
• Sensitivity to sound
• Tics
  • Rocking back and forth, licking lips, flapping hands, wiping lint off clothes

Other signs:

• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Seizures, anxiety, depression, and attention span issues
• Insomnia and sleep disorders

Treatments:

• Autism is usually treated with an antipsychotic, which reduces delusion, paranoia, and hearing voices.  
• The types of therapies are behavior therapy, anger management, and animal-assisted therapy.  
• A healthy diet, such as grass-fed meat, fresh, fruit, and eggs.
• Avoid processed foods, added sugar, and vegetable oils.
• Gluten-free diets help to reduce symptoms of autism.

Edited by TLC intern: Brigitte Black