Posted by: Lanita Wasson
in MyBlog on Apr 04, 2010
April is National Awareness Month
Autism now considered by many medical and educational professionals as a prevalent neurological dysfunction, which causes learning disabilities. According to Wikipedia, "Autism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. These signs all begin before a child is three years old. Autism affects information processing in the brain by altering how nerve cells and their synapses connect and organize; how this occurs is not well understood. The two other autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are Asperger syndrome, which lacks delays in cognitive development and language, and PDD-NOS, diagnosed when full criteria for the other two disorders are not met." Symptoms of Autism may appear as early as infancy, however are often assumed to be symptoms of a 'fussy baby' or a baby with colic. Language delays are another early sign, as well as the inability for the child to self-calm. Many of these children are extra sensitive to touch and thusly often resist hugging. Autistic children tend to also be extra-sensitive to the feel and texture of food, which can cause eating problems.
Diagnosing Autism early is key to getting a head start on possible scenarios that may elevate many of the problematic symptoms of this dysfunction. Also, parents need to be aware of their child's situation. Often when Autistic children react to over-stimulation, it is misunderstood by adults for disobedience. Understanding that an Autistic child is screaming because they are overwhelmed, and not because they are throwing a temper-tantrum, is essential to the happiness and emotional health of the Autistic child, and the sanity of the parent.
