One of the least understood of all developmental disabilities is autism.  Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life resulting from a neurological disorder that affects brain functioning which interferes with communication, learning, behavior and social development.

Now developments in research and therapy have unlocked some of autism's mysteries, and with them, some of the lives affected by autism.  In Missouri, it is conservatively estimated that 2,600 children and adults have autism.  A less conservative but accepted average is 10 of every 10,000 births, or 5,200 persons in Missouri.  Autism is four times more common in males than in females.

Symptoms

• "Abnormal" speech patterns or absence of speech
• Difficulty interacting with or responding to other people
• Resistance to change in routine; insistence on sameness
• Unusual responses to sensations
• Abnormal relations with people, objects and events
• Repetitive body motions

Causes

It is not precisely known what causes autism.  It may have many causes, including the following:

• Rubella or cytomegalovirus during the mother's pregnancy
• Inflammation of the child's brain in infancy
• Lack of oxygen at birth
• Chemical exposure during the mother's pregnancy
• Genetic predisposition to autism

Treatment

Persons of all ages who have autism can make considerable strides when appropriate treatment modalities are used.  While interventions can make a significant difference at any age, early individualized treatment programs may be composed of the following:

• Parent/caregiver training and behavior management training
• Occupational therapy/sensory integration
• Communication/language therapy
• Crisis intervention
• Facilitated communication and auditory integration training
• Family support and education with home intervention

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