Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder that involves a pattern of lifelong impairment in the mental and physical functioning of the patient. This disorder usually develops before the age of three years in children and is also known as autistic disorder. The term autism has been derived fromthe Greek word autos meaning self and is used to refer to children affected by this disorder. These children seem to be preoccupied with themselves and live in a completely private world of their own. Autism is a debilitating disorder without any cure and only a few individuals who grow up with this disorder are capable of functioning all by themselves.

Characteristics of Autism:

Children affected with this disorder are indifferent to others and do not show any signs of social interaction. They do not use any contact behavior patterns such as establishing eye contact, are uninterested in others and take no notice of their peers or siblings. They exhibit poor or non-existent language and communication skills and engage in a typically repetitive pattern of behavior. These children often appear to treat other individuals as objects instead of persons, show lack of social understanding and may approach others impulsively. Repetitive behavior of autistic children may comprise of stereotypy that may include constant rocking, flapping of the hands or moving the head back and forth, compulsive behavior such as organizing things in the same manner, ritualistic behavior involving performing various activities in a specific manner, self-injury which can be caused by pulling one’s hair or biting one’s self.

Causes of Autism:

The actual cause of autism is not known but there is substantial evidence that indicates that there are various biological and genetic causes for the development of this disorder. Defective genes or damage from radiation during pregnancy may play a significant role in the development of autism. It is often seen that if a child has autism, there is always 3 to 5 percent of the risk of a sibling being autistic as well.

Treatment for Autism:

Medical Treatment: In the past, the use of medicines to treat autistic children has not proven effective. However, medications like Haldol and clonidine have had some beneficial effects on the condition of autistic individuals.

Behavioral Treatment: Behavior therapy in an institutional setting has been used successfully in the elimination of self-injurious behavior, the mastery of the fundamentals of social behavior and the development of some language skills.

Family therapy: This is used in order to equip the parents and siblings of autistic children with strategies to deal with the symptoms of this disorder.