Lesson 1: Common Childhood Disorders

Autism

Autism, a developmental disorder, is often diagnosed in individuals before the age of four. The main symptoms include difficulties with communication, problems with social interaction, and the repetition of motor actions such as rocking back and forth. Although many individuals suffering from autism are classified as moderate intellectual disability, some attend school with other children in their age group. Also of interest, individuals suffering from autism may exhibit exceptional skill or brilliance in some limited field, such as mathematics or music. In these rare cases, such individuals are called savants. Symptoms of autism vary significantly from individual to individual.

Video:  Autistic Girl Expresses Unimaginable Intelligence

Table 5.1: Symptoms of Autism

Video:  Temple Grandin (Grandin is an expert and spokesperson on autism....she is also autistic).  Watch this clip from a movie where she is portrayed.

The cause of autism has yet to be determined. Research indicates that it can be more than one factor that causes autism. Genetics are thought to play a role in the development of the disorder. In identical twins, the chance of an identical twin having autism if their twin has it is 77%.  The chance of a fraternal twin having autism if their twin has it is 31%.  This could indicate that perhaps the twins had exposure to something common in the womb.  The chance of a sibling having autism if their brother or sister has it is 20%.  This data demonstrates that there is a genetic link.  There are 200-400 genes that can cause autism which explains the broad spectrum of symptoms.

Other things that have been linked to autism are advanced paternal age, exposure to dangerous agents when the fetal brain is being developed, and mutations in the egg or sperm that occur at conception.  There is a misconception that vaccines cause autism.  This has been proven to be untrue.

To date, there is no cure for autism. However, early diagnosis can be instrumental in providing the child with the care they need to best manage the symptoms.  Drug therapy can be used.  Many individuals will spend their lives in special care homes and almost half of the people with autism will never talk. Scientists are working on improving some of the medications used to treat the symptoms, but much research has yet to be completed. What scientists have learned so far is summarized below.

Video:  Wendy Chung (what we know...and what we don't know yet)

In one case about a boy named Giulio (summarized from the Edmonton Sun - June 2003), a special diet was followed to improve symptoms of autism. When Giulio was five years old, his parents sought help from a doctor regarding his unusual behaviour. For instance, Giulio insisted on wearing the same shirt every day. When his shirt was being washed, he would wait in the laundry room until it was ready for him to wear. Giulio was also hypersensitive to loud noises, did not want to play with other children his age, and liked to watch the motion of turning wheels. Giulio was, consequently, diagnosed with autism.

While Giulio’s parents were told to focus their concentration on speech and behavioural therapy, they employed a far broader range of treatment methodologies including a diet free from gluten and casein. About two months after his parents began treating his symptoms, Giulio was able to speak in full sentences. Many other symptoms were also eliminated - Giulio’s future looks promising. Because autism is a complex disorder and because it affects people differently, using an eclectic (multi-disciplinary) approach to treatment may be most effective. Please see Case Study 21 for an additional example of autism.