The term “autism” is often used most commonly used to describe any one of the 5 different types of pervasive developmental disorders. These pervasive developmental disorders are collectively known as “autism spectrum disorders.” There are many theories about how these disorders relate to one another. While some researchers believe that they are all separate disorders with similar symptoms, other researchers say that there is a “spectrum” of severity that ranges from extremely mild to incapacitating. In the most severe cases of autism, the one inflicted will not be able to function and live independently.

Autism is a chronic brain disorder that manifests in developmental difficulties in the areas of social interaction, verbal skills and communication. If your child is autistic, he is likely to have repetitive and narrow interests. In addition, he finds it hard to cope with changes in schedules and environment. He can react violently when any changes occur or if there is a disruption to his normal schedule.
Unfortunately, it is not known what causes autism but some scientists and researchers believe that it is a genetic abnormality. Yet others say that it is caused by an injury to the brain or exposure to an environmental toxin. This can be supported by the fact that in some population areas, autism is at higher rates of incidence than it is elsewhere.

You may start observing some odd developmental problems of your child between the ages of 12 and 36 months old. It may be that your child is not hitting some milestones with underdeveloped or delay in speech and communication skills. You may also begin to notice that his social interactions are poor. However, if your child only has mild autism, you may not be able to detect that anything is wrong until he enters school. In some cases, your child may go undiagnosed until he reaches middle school, which is when social and communication skills become more important.

If you have an autistic child, you may fear that his disorder may worsen over the years. However, research shows that autism is non-progressive, meaning that it does not get worse in time.

The 5 types of pervasive developmental disorders include:

1. Autism. Autism’s symptoms can be recognized before a child turns 3-years-old. However, it may be diagnosed much later than this. If your child is diagnosed with autism he will have difficulty making or maintaining eye contact, have disturbances in his social functioning and be overwhelmingly absorbed with himself.

2. Asperger Syndrome. Asperger Syndrome is similar to autism in that it tends to show up before your child turns 3 years old. However, your child will be able to function at a higher level than an autistic child. Your child can still have difficulties with social functioning, communication and speech. He will also be easily absorbed with narrowly defined interests. But with some therapy and help, most asperger children are able to live independently when they get older.

3. Rex syndrome. Some doctors would argue that Rex syndrome is not a type of autism. However, there are still doctors who do think that this is a form of autism. This syndrome almost exclusively afflicts girls. Usually your child will develop normally for 6 to 18 months and then show a remarkable loss of skills in such areas as speech and the ability to control her hands and her feet. This syndrome can be tested for with an 80% accuracy rate.

4. Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD). CDD takes place a little later. It happens after your child turns 2 to 4 years before showing a marked degeneration in his social, physical, mental and verbal skills. This long period of normal development below the age of 2 is what makes the difference between autism and CDD.

5. Pervasive developmental disorder. Your child is diagnosed with a pervasive developmental disorder if he is found to have impairments in social interaction, stereotyped behavior and communication. However, this disorder would only apply if he is not within any of the above other 4 mentioned categories.

Sandra Kim Leong writes about the autism disorder spectrum. She shares about her experiences with her autistic child. Read her blog here at http://www.autismdietplan.com.

Autism being caused by allergies? You heard right. Recently researchers have begun to believe there may be a stronger link here then what once was thought. Since autism itself is relatively new in being given a name, it makes sense that this possible link is as well. With the increase in both allergies and autism recently it is no wonder a link is considered.

Allergy induced autism is most commonly seen in children who have regressive autism, or autism that doesn’t make its first appearances until around the age of two. The children prior to this point show no autism signs only to suddenly appear with behavioural and neurological issues along with digestive system issues ( typically associate with issue arising from the inability to properly digest casein and gluten).

These two food proteins are rather common. Casein is found in milk and is actually one of the main proteins contained in milk. Whereas, gluten is food in wheat and grains as well as being a food additive. Due to the issues arising within autistic or autistic spectrum disorder children, an elimination diet or one that does not contain these proteins is often advised to minimize the severity of the autism. The child that have issues arising from these proteins are unable to digest them normally. Instead of going through the digestive system they are absorbed into the blood stream causing a morphine type high. This morphine type substance produces by-products which appear in the urine of autistic children ( one possible way of testing for autism). This is also the cause of the spaced out look many autistic children may have and why they become obsessive with eating foods containing these proteins, they are literally addicted to the high their body produces from these foods.

With the digestive system issues it is quite common that autistic children have high levels of chemicals within their blood and systems that their bodies are not effectively passing through as a normally functioning person would. The build up of these typically minimal chemicals can cause further issues, as like with everything moderation in foods is key and the build up in their systems can be disastrous.

In most children, the signs and symptoms of autism have appeared or will appear by the time a child reaches 3 years old. A reduction or elimination of culprit foods from their diets are essential for the child’s best potential outcome. This is where elimination diets and casein and gluten free diets arise. Parents are trying their best to minimize the effects autism will have on their children’s future outcome.

Allergies and autism are most likely linked. As you have seen many foods can cause potential issues when consumed by the autistic child and even cause addictions to the high caused by the food. If you feel your child may have a problem with casein or gluten contact their doctor who can test for the byproducts in their urine and advise from their. With you assistance and diligence you can minimize the bleakness of your child’s future.

Autism can be a very scary thing to deal with if you are unprepared. Autistic diets can help you help your loved one. For more info about autism click here.

Being the parent of a child with autism can be extremely demanding. Meeting the demands of a child that is autistic can be very time consuming, especially if you have other children. Many parents find themselves struggling with the needs of an autistic child and the needs of the family as a whole. It is important to maintain a balance between caring for your autistic child and taking care of the family, while maintaining your sanity at the same time.

The stress that a sibling of an autistic child may be coping with should not be discounted. The stress that parents feel is most likely felt by the other children in the household as well, yet a lot will depend on the age of the sibling. They might be ashamed of their brother or sister’s autistic behavior. They may also not understand why their sibling does not respond to them when they try to communicate.

In the case of a much older child, they may even have concerns about who will be responsible for their autistic sibling when their mother and father are deceased. While many times parents tend not to pay attention to the feelings of the other children when it comes to serious issues, these should not be overlooked. Children of all ages can have very real concerns and can feel like no one cares if these concerns are not addressed.

Many struggles with autism happen simply because individuals do not understand exactly what autism is and how to better deal with it. Other children in the family may need special attention when the disorder is being explained, especially when they are very young. When the disorder is being explained it is best to break it down to the age level of the children you are explaining it to.

It is also best to anticipate any questions that they might have. If they have seen reactions of other individuals to their autistic sibling, then they may question why people act a certain way around people with the disorder. Having good knowledgeable information and being prepared for these types of questions will put you ahead of the game.

No matter how well the family comes together to deal with autism, struggles can arise. Being completely informed about this disorder and ways that you can deal with any issues can be a life saver when they do arise.

It is important for the whole family, including other children, to ask questions and to try and understand any feelings that they may have regarding the issue. When working together as a family, any obstacles can be overcome, even those dealing with autistic disorders.

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