Could Your Child Be Autistic?

Confused about Autism? Well I am not surprised...

There are so many people talking about Autism, and just so little good quality helpful information available to parents, care givers and convened relatives and friends of those with autism, or suspected with Autism.
The renowned autism expert Tony Atwood is fond of putting it this way: Autism is anxiety looking for a target. Autism and anxiety go hand-in-hand. Autism affects a persons ability to communicate with others or to understand the world around him, and thats bound to cause anxiety and panic sometimes.
Anxiety becomes even worse when there is a change in the autistic childs routine. Even positive and fun changes, like a school field trip or a visit to the zoo, can increase anxiety and aggressive behaviors.

For continual, ongoing anxiety, many parents have begun using anti-anxiety medications for their autistic children. Usually, the medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and are also used for obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression. Prozac, Luvox, Zoloft and Anafranil are all common for anxiety in autistic children.

For behavioral problems, antipsychotics such as Haldol, fluphenazine and chlorpromazine can be prescribed. These can reduce aggression in autistic kids, but sometimes also cause sedation and muscle stiffness.

All patients are different, There are a number of natural remedies available if you dont want to go down the drug route. But try behavioral and dietary modifications first, to see what improvements can be made naturally. Medication should be the last resort for autism, not the first one.

The first step toward addressing autism and supplementation is to adopt a gluten and casein free diet. These proteins have been found to potentially worsen the symptoms of autism. In fact, gluten and casein, in many autistic children, have been found to help the brain produce natural opiates, making foods that contain them practically addictive!

It is also important to have the input of a doctor to determine if your autistic child is absorbing the proper amount of nutrients. autistic children are often lacking or simply do not have at optimum levels. Selenium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, folinic acids, vitamins C and E, essential fatty acid, cod liver oil, taurine, and various amino acids.

In terms of positive and negative effects that can result from the use of supplements, and a change in diet they will not be easy to miss. Positive changes can include a reduction in the severity of behaviors. Many autistic children can show improvement in managing behaviors and social interaction. It is equally important to note regressions in behavior as well.

One of the most pervasive myths that surround autism is that a child who has it will never show affection and cant accept getting affection from anyone. While this opinion is just flat wrong, studies have shown that autistic children do process sensory touch differently than a non-autistic child and that this is where the myth that autistic children dont like to be touched comes from.

Trial and error. For some kids with more severe autism, a simple, random hug can be sensory overload. They can become agitated, upset and even violent if they are touched without prior warning.
Let the child come to you.

If you think your autistic child needs a hug, instead of rushing into his personal space and just taking one, speak to the child, bend down to his/her level and open your arms. Smile and let the child know that they are loved and see what the response is. If your child is too sensitive to touch try hand signals. Things like a simple thumbs up accompanied by a smile.

Trying to figure out a puzzling condition like autism can be a lifelong challenge. For many parents, the affection issue may be the biggest. But with patience and learning to go by the childs cues and not your own, you will be able to connect with your child in a deep and meaningful way.

There are many more resources and information about diagnosing, controlling and treating Autism in, The Essential Guide To Autism

http://cydnieg52.aut1sm.hop.clickbank.net?/tid=autism

Could Your Child Be Autistic?

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