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Preparing a Life for Autism

Autism is a disorder that will affect a child's entire life experience, throughout her entire life. Even though the child may be unaware of her own bizarre behavior and reactions, the parent is always painfully aware of what the child is missing out on in life. When a parent discovers that the child will never be affectionate or social, the results are heartbreaking. There can be subtle improvements over time, but the typical case of Autism is very difficult to bear. As with many medical or mental disorders, education is the best tool to have.

What is it?

Autism is a developmental disorder in which a child fails to reach developmental marks. The first noticeable delay is in social development. An autistic infant fails to make eye contact or to smile socially. She does not enjoy being held. Autism primarily affects social and language development, but is often paired with mild or severe mental retardation. That means that not only is a child uninterested in participating in normal age-appropriate activities, she may be unable to do so. Not every Autistic child is also mentally retarded, but if she is, the uphill battle through development may be nearly impossible.

How Will I Know?

You should not wonder about Autism if you have a social baby. If she smiles at you and will allow you to hold her, she is probably normal. Infants may start to exert independence at a very young age, but this does not indicate Autism. Autism severely interferes with the social abilities of a child. As an Autistic infant becomes a toddler, more symptoms will become evident. Autism often inhibits language development. If your toddler is not speaking and has demonstrated a strong lack of social interest, there is a true possibility of Autism. Older children with Autism probably will not have friends. They do not communicate effectively and they limit their activities significantly. They may become easily preoccupied with insignificant details or insist on flailing their arms incessantly. An older child with Autism will continue to avoid eye contact and social smiles or words.

What are the Options?

There are no treatments available that are guaranteed to bring results for Autistic children. There are things that parents can do to improve changes of progress, however. Autistic children do better with strict routine than in uncertain situations. Maintaining routine can help control some aggressive outbursts. Occasionally, if aggression problems are severe, or if they inflict harm, medications can be prescribed for anger management. A specific education plan at school will teach to your child's strengths and help develop weaknesses. Any advances in communication ability and willingness indicate a great positive step.

Autism can bring frustration to both parent and child. With some support from a school, a community and a medical/ psychiatric professional, the next years can be made more bearable. Enjoy all of the steps of progress and try to ignore any falters along the way. It can be helpful to realize that Autism is a life-long condition and that you are striving for the best case scenario.

Frances, Allen MD and First, Michael B. MD. Your Mental Health: A Layman's Guide to

the Psychiatrist's Bible. New York: Scribner, 1998.