Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism is a disorder of brain development. People with autism have difficulties with communication and social interaction, may also present patterns of behavior, interests and activities outside the usual.
Doctors use the term autism spectrum disorder to include five types of autism. The three main types of autism are:
• Autism Classic
• Asperger syndrome - a milder form
• Disruption global development not otherwise specified? describes children who do not have the criteria for the other types
There are also two rare disorders of autism:
• Rett Syndrome - affects mainly girls and includes problems with movement and speech, along with autistic characteristics.
• Disruption of second childhood disintegrative - a severe type of autism, the child loses more physical skills, language and social than in classic autism.
Signs of autism spectrum disorders are usually first observed before the third birthday of the child. However, only half of children with autism are diagnosed before they enter kindergarten.
Rett syndrome appears to be caused by a genetic mutation. The causes of other types of autism remain unknown. Several studies suggest that autism may be:
• Hereditary
• caused by an infection, or secondary to the effects of environmental toxin
• The result of a brain injury or an abnormality that occurs in the womb or in early childhood
• Result of abnormal levels of chemical messengers in the brain.
The studies did not report the existence of an association between vaccination and autism.
All types of autism, with the exception of Rett syndrome, are more common in boys than in girls.
Treatment
There is no cure for autism spectrum disorders. However, the symptoms and signs of the child can improve with intensive treatment.
Treatment usually includes education, medication and a behavioral approach.
Education
Educators develop an individualized education program to address the specific problems of the child. The program usually includes speech therapy and language, and social skills training and daily life.
Behavioral approach
With the behavioral approach aims to improve appropriate behavior and reduce inappropriate behaviors. The behavior modification strategies include positive reinforcement, a strategy to break (or "time out") and comprehensive behavioral interventions. The applied behavior analysis is a teaching approach that reinforces the practice of specific skills.
Medicines
There is a drug that effectively treat all the symptoms of autism. Drugs that can be considered include:
• Antipsychotics: to reduce aggression, irritability and repetitive behaviors, these drugs may have undesirable side effects
• Antidepressants: to treat depression and repetitive behaviors
• Anxiolytic: to reduce anxiety-related behaviors
• central nervous system stimulants: to treat hyperactive and impulsive behavior
Complementary medicine
Some people believe that changes in diet, natural products and other forms of complementary medicine can help autistic children. However, there is currently insufficient information to recommend these measures.
Some of these treatments can be dangerous or have side effects, so parents should talk to your doctor about any treatment that may be considering implementing.

Prevention
The cause of most types of autism spectrum disorder remains unknown, so there is no way to prevent them