About Autism

Autism

is a brain disorder that often makes it hard to communicate with and relate to others. With

autism

, the different areas of the brain fail to work together.

Most

people with autism

will always have some trouble relating to others. But early diagnosis and treatment have helped more and more people with autism to live independently as adults.
Autism tends to run in families, so experts think it may be something that you inherit. Scientists are trying to find out exactly which genes may be responsible for passing down autism in families.

Autism Symptoms

almost always start before a child is 3 years old.
Symptoms of autism include:

• A delay in learning to talk, or not talking at all. A child may seem to be deaf, even though hearing tests are normal.
• Repeated and overused types of behavior, interests, and play. Examples include repeated body rocking, unusual attachments to objects, and getting very upset when routines change.

There are guidelines your doctor will use to see if your child has symptoms of autism. The guidelines put symptoms into three categories:

• Social interactions and relationships. For example, a child may have trouble making eye contact. People with autism may have a hard time understanding someone else’s feelings, such as pain or sadness.
• Verbal and nonverbal communication. For example, a child may never speak. Or he or she may often repeat a certain phrase over and over.
• Limited interests in activities or play. For example, younger children often focus on parts of toys rather than playing with the whole toy. Older children and adults may be fascinated by certain topics, like train schedules or license plates.

Your child may also have a hearing test and some other tests to make sure that problems are not caused by some other condition.

How can your family deal with having a child with autism?

An important part of your child's treatment plan is making sure that other family members get training

about autism

and how to manage symptoms. Training can reduce family stress and help your child function better. Some families need more help than others.
Remember these tips:

• Plan breaks. Daily demands of caring for a

  child with autism

  can take their toll. Planned breaks will help the whole family.
• Get extra help when your child gets older. The teen years can be a very hard time for

  children with autism

  .
• Get in touch with other families who have

  children with autism

  . You can talk about your problems and share advice with people who will understand.

Raising a child with autism is hard work. But with support and training, your family can learn how to cope.