Autism in Children Essay -- Disease/Disorders

Autism according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary is defined as â€Å"a variable developmental disorder that appears by age three and is characterized by impairment of the ability to form normal social relationships, to commutate with others, and by stereotyped behavior patterns.† Autism was believed to be a psychiatric or emotional illness, and doctors told mothers that they were the cause. They were wrong. The cause for autism is still a mystery, however, the facts remain that autism in children is on the rise. Erin Allday of the San Francisco Chronicle writes, â€Å"Environmental factors play a more important role in causing autism than previously assumed and, surprisingly, an even larger role than genetic.† There are theories based on that vaccines are at least a contributing factor, especially the MMR vaccine (WebMD). Medical diagnosis of autism is identified, on what is referred to as the Autistic Spectrum. A mild form of the condition include Asperger's syndro me. The effect of autism varies by the severity in symptoms, social skills and behavior. A diversity of symptoms can be associated with autism and will vary with each child. Autism seems to affect boys more than girls. The first signs of autism are shown within the first three years of life. As an infant, parents will notice that the child is distant and does not respond appropriately to their surroundings. Children with autism have a limited range of interests as activities and they have a very low tolerance for change in their environment or daily routine. They are dependent on everyday routines, and may have tantrums if things are out of place. They can be hyperactive, moving from place to place with no apparent purpose. Autistic children can become attached to a... ...n Francisco Chronicle 4 July 2011, San Francisco. Web. 8 July 2011. . "Autism." Merriam-Webster Dictionary. 11th ed. 2011. Web. 6 July 2011. . Autism Types, Signs, Therapies, Causes. Ed. Hirsch, David MD. WebMD, 3 Sept. 2009. Web. 4 July 2011. . McKinnon, K, and J Krempa. Social Skills Solutions. New York: DRL, 2002. 7-9. Print. Related Conditions. Autism-Society, 25 Jan. 2008. Web. 5 July 2011. . Scanion, Anna. "Adaptive Behavior Modification for Autistic Children." Connect Ed. Walden University, 2010. Web. 11 July 2011. .