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| Autism / Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) | |
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What is Autism / ADHD ? Infantile autism develops before 30 months of age and is characterized by impaired verbal and non-verbal communication, imaginative activity, and social interaction. Description of Autism About 4 of every 10,000 children are autistic, and 2 per 10,000 have some form of pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). PDD means that some, but not all, symptoms of autism are present. Autism is a lifelong disease that ranges in severity from mild cases in which the autistic person can live independently, to severe forms in which the patient requires social support and medical supervision throughout his or her life.
What are the risk factors and causes of Autism ? There are physical bases for autism development including genetic, infectious, and traumatic factors. Viral infection during the first trimester of pregnancy, rubella being one of the best studied culprits, is a suspected cause of autism. Autism affects males four times more often than females, and there is a genetic basis for the disease. Contrary to previous notions, autism is not induced by parents. Two types of onset are reported. In one, the patient appears to have symptoms from the first months of life. In the second, an apparently normal course of development occurs until age 18 to 24 months, when the symptoms become manifested.
What are the symptoms of Autism ? The symptoms vary greatly but follow a general pattern. Not all symptoms are present in all autistic children. Autistic infants may act relatively normal during their first few months of life before becoming less responsive to their parents and other stimuli. They may have difficulty with feeding or toilet training; may not smile in recognition of their parents' faces, and may put up resistance to being cuddled. As they enter toddlerhood (1 to 3 yrs), it becomes increasingly apparent that these children have a world of their own. They do not play with other children or toys in the normal manner, rather they remain aloof and prefer to play alone. Verbal and nonverbal communication skills, such as speech and facial expressions, develop peculiarly. Symptoms range from mutism to prolonged use of echoing or stilted language. Another symptom of autism is an extreme resistance to change of any kind. Autistic children tend to want to maintain established behaviour patterns and a set environment. They develop rituals in play, oppose change (such as moving furniture), and may become obsessed with one particular topic. Other behavioral abnormalities that may be present are: staring at hands or flapping arms and hands, walking on tiptoe, rocking, tantrums, strange postures, unpredictable behavior and hyperactivity. An autistic child has poor judgment and is therefore always at risk for danger. For instance, an autistic child may run into a busy street without any sign of fear.
How is Autism diagnosed or evaluated? Properly diagnosing autism is very important, since confusion may result from inappropriate and ineffective treatment. The children's appearance and muscle coordination are normal. Occasionally, an autistic child has an outstanding skill, such as an incredible rote memory or musical ability. Such children may be referred to as "autistic savants."
What are the treatments and drugs to treat Autism ? Appropriate early intervention is important. Once the diagnosis has been made, the parents, physicians, and specialists should discuss what is best for the child. In most cases, parents are encouraged to take care of the child at home. Special education classes are available for autistic children. Structured, behaviourally-based programs, geared to the patient's developmental level have shown some promise. Most behavioral treatment programs include: Parents should be educated in behavioural techniques so they can participate in all aspects of the child's care and treatment. The more specialized instruction and behavior therapy the child receives, the more likely it is that the condition will improve. Medication is only administered to treat specific symptoms such as seizures, hyperactivity, extreme mood changes, or self-injurious behaviors. The autistic child requires much of the parents' attention, often affecting the other children in the family. Counseling and support may be helpful for the parents. The outlook for each child depends on his or her intelligence and language ability. Some people with autism become independent adults. A majority can be taught to live in community-based homes, although they may require supervision throughout adulthood.
Role of Homoeopathy in treating Autism Homoeopathic medicines were found to be effective in treatment of Austistic as well as hyperactive disorder. Clinicians using homeopathy for Austism / ADHD have reported good results. Now, a double blind controlled study of 43 children with Autism/ADHD shows that homeopathy can be effective in treating the disorder. In a study published in the British Homeopathic Journal, Oct 1997, children afflicted with Autism/ADHD were given homeopathic treatment for ten days. The parents or caregivers rated the children on the amount of Autism/ADHD behavior they displayed. Those receiving homeopathic medicines showed significantly less Autism/ADHD behavior than those who did not receive homoeopathic treatment. When evaluated in a follow-up interview two months after the study's end, 57% of the children showing improvement with homeopathy had continued to improve, even though they had discontinued the homeopathic medicines; twenty-four percent relapsed by the time of the follow-up; and the remaining 19% continued to experience positive results, but only while taking the homeopathic medicines.
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Clear instructions to the child