AUTISM IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

By Kermit F. Klaerner

          According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), autism is “one of the mental, emotional, and behavior disorders that appears in early childhood,” and normally develops within the first three years of a child’s life.  When children have autism, they find it difficult to interact normally with other people.  Because of this difficulty, this disorder also affects many aspects of their development.

          The symptoms of autism many range from mild to severe, and the symptoms may manifest themselves in the following actions:  1) difficulty in communicating with others, 2) exhibiting of very repetitious behaviors (such as rocking back and forth, head banging, or touching or twirling objects), 3) having a limited range of interests and activities, and 4) becoming upset at small changes in their daily routines or environment.  SAMSHA states that “although symptoms of autistic disorder sometimes can be seen in early infancy, the condition can appear after months of normal development.  In most cases, it is not possible to identify any specific event that triggers autistic disorder.”  However, approximately 7 in every 10 children and adolescents with autistic disorders also have either mental retardation or other problems with their brain functions.

          Although recent studies estimate that only 14 out of 10,000 children may have autism or a related condition, this study still projects that about 125,000 Americans suffer from this disorder.  It was also found that 4,000 families in America have two or more children with autism.  Interestingly, three times as many boys as girls have autism.

          The cause of autism is still uncertain, although “several studies suggest that autistic disorder might be caused by a combination of biological factors, including exposure to a virus before birth, a problem with immune system, or genetics.”  The study also found that “brothers and sisters of people with autism are about 50 times more likely to have the disorder than other people.”  Other studies in this area found that individuals with autistic disorders have additional problems in several parts of their brains; this suggests that autism may be caused by abnormal slowing down of brain development before birth.  Thus, the way that infants with autism process received information may prevent them from paying attention to other people and social interactions in a normal way.  Chemicals in the brain and immune system have also been identified that may be involved in autistic disorder.  SAMSHA states that “as a normal brain develops, the level of serotonin, a chemical found in the brain declines.  In some children with autistic disorder, however, the serotonin levels do not decline.”

          What can be done when a child is diagnosed with autistic disorder?  SAMSHA encourages parents to seek early treatment, since the brain is more easily influenced during early childhood.  They also suggest training in social and language skills, participation in programs where other children help teach children with autism, and training for the parents.  However, remember that not all children and adolescents respond to treatment equally well.  While some may begin to function at a level near normal, others will not.  Approximately three out of five children with autistic disorder remain dependent when they are adults.

          SAMSHA gives the following advice to parents or caregivers who are concerned about a child who has symptoms of autistic disorder:  1) talk with the pediatrician or family doctor about their concerns, 2) get accurate information about the disorder, 3) ask questions about treatments and services, 4) talk to other families with autistic children, and 5) find community support systems.

          For more information about autism either call 1.800.789.2647 or visit www.mentalhealth.org.

Kermit F. Klaerner is the executive director of the Mental Health Association in Abilene.  Mental Health Matters is sponsored by the Mental Health Association, phone (325) 673-2300, e-mail mhaa@bitstreet.com.  Need help?  Call the Hope Line (325) 673-2300.