Fat Loss 4 Idiots Opinion

Monday, August 10, 2009

Learn about the Real Cause of Autism?

By George Alarcon

Autism is a spectrum disorder which means that there are varying degrees of autism. One person can be mildly affected and may be able to function in society while another individual may be profoundly affected to such a degree that there is no hope of independent living. With such varying degrees of this disorder, one might expect that there are several underlying causes which increase the chance and severity of autism.

The causes of autism have not been determined. Physicians will use symptoms noted by parents, family medical history, standardized tests and clinical observations to diagnose autism. A few of the tests used to diagnose autism include the Pervasive Developmental Disorders Screening Test -2, CHAT (Checklist for Autism in Toddlers), M-CHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers) and ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale, CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale). When a certain number of characteristics listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) are present, a physician will have more evidence of autism.

The presence of Thimerosal in vaccinations, particularly in the Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine, has long been thought to cause some cases of autism. The preservative has been removed from the vaccine due to this belief but many parents remain unconvinced that the vaccine is safe. Parents have the right to choose not to vaccinate their children--if they feel their children may suffer a serious health risk. Other parents argue that autism may be caused by the overload on the immune system by the current vaccine schedule. Many children with autism suffer from asthma, other respiratory ailments and impaired immune systems. It is now hypothesized that exposure to a virus either as a fetus or as an infant might also cause the damage to the immune system which results in autism; of course, this is only a mere theory which tries to search at the core cause of autism.

The diet of the pregnant mother might also contribute to autism. Studies have suggested that retinoids, retinoic acid or too much Vitamin A could increase the chance of a fetus developing autism. It is also believed that environmental toxins or pollutants may contribute to the development of autism although no definitive link has yet been found. An increase in regional cases suggests an environmental trigger and much is being done to study this possibility. Of course, this also is only a mere theory at this time.

Autism can be treated by common means and by more unconventional methods, such as chelation. Extreme care should be taken when using any unconventional method that is not approved by a doctor. Counseling for the family will create coping skills in dealing with symptoms of autism in children which would indeed help everyone involved in the long run. Thankfully, today there are many health centers that offer very practical programs on how to cope with autism in a number of different levels. If you are having trouble coping with autism, be sure to check around for a health center close by that may offer a program on coping with autism. - 17269

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