Subject: Re: Autism
Forum: The Maternal ~ Child Health Forum
Topic Area: Immunization
Posted by L.M.M.D. HFHS on July 03, 1998 at 00:22:47:
In Reply to: Autism posted by Sheila B. on May 28, 1998 at 17:38:45:

Dear Sheila B.;

Thank you for your question

Autism is an impairment in social communication , interaction and poor imaginative skills . Many autistic children have difficulties in speech and verbal as well as non-verbal communication .typical for an autistic child is varying degrees of social withdrawal ( difficulty making friends )
Many may require a consistent , predictable environment . They have a marked need for sameness , get pre-occupied with certain activities and be quite temperamental.
The cause has yet to be identified . I agree with you that literature is quite generous with possibilities . The end result is we still dont know , some believe its a derangement in different brain transmitters , but cannot identify the reason for these derangements , others tend to believe its a structural abnormality , and again , no definite abnormality has been identified .
Certainly , its nothing you could have done or changed that would have prevented it.
There tends to be some genetic implication , and I assume that the same medical team that diagnosed your sons HF autism have ran through various tests . If not , the one that maybe valuable is looking for fragile-X syndrome , a syndrome that may run in families and if present will require a genetic counseling session .( if you have any questions regarding Autism as a genetic disease you may contact genetics in Henry Ford Hospital , Michigan 313-876-3116).
Now treatment . many families concerned and involved with autistic children try different medications and get different results . Bottom line is , there is no medication that can treat Autism .
But there are medications that can help with specific symptoms , here are some examples :

stimulants for attention deficit -hyperactivity
Anxiolytics for anxiety
Mood stabilizers for aggressiveness
Opioid antagonists for self-injury
Serotonin inhibitors for obsessions , rigidity , aggressiveness , depression
Anti-seizure medications for seizures

( please consult a neurologist or a pediatric psychiatrist regarding these medications )
I have read about the megavitamin doses but understand that they are experimental with no conclusive results and are not recommended for the management of Autism. ( always consider the risks of high doses of any medication including vitamins ).
The most important intervention in Autism is early , intensive , one on one education that addresses the behavioral and communication problems . A highly structured environment with intensive individual instruction and a high teacher -to-student ratio . You may need specific instructions from your doctor regarding how to manage with temper tantrums , destructive behavior , if present , and some useful techniques to keep your son organized and occupied .
Have you looked up any support groups for Parents with Autistic children on-line ? They maybe resourceful . Outcome in regards to higher functioning autistic children is better in the sense that they tend to be more functional as adults
you have a lot ahead of you . talk to his doctor or a pediatric neurologist about special schools in your area , community based support groups for Autistic children , you learn a lot more when you meet parents who are having similar concerns . I wish you have success in achieving your goal for a better future for your son .
Thank You again
L.M.

keywords : Autism* , Fragile X-syndrome* , Pervasive developmental disorder*

Disclaimer : this information is for educational purposes only .

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