Autism

What are the signs and symptoms of autism, And what web sites can
I check out about this subject?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Mr. Gerber,

Autistic Disorder is one of several types of Pervasive Developmental Disorder. These conditions are characterized by impairments in reciprocal social interaction and in communication, and by stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests or activities.

In Autistic Disorder, symptoms specific to each of the above areas need to be present. Abnormal functioning must be present in at least one of the areas of social interaction, language (as used in social communication), and symbolic or imaginative play. The onset of the condition must occur prior to the age of three years.

There are many web sites devoted to Autistic Disorder. Some are devoted to science (e.g., the web site of the Autism Research Institute, www.autism.com/ari/contents.html), some are forums (e.g., www.mgh.harvard.edu/forum/AutismMenu.html), and others offer a range of resources (e.g., www.autism.org/links.html).

Simply conduct a search and you'll find these sites and many others.

[hariharan [e-mail]]

Sir, my son of just 3yrs, is not talking and not interacting clearly. now i am treating him in Madras,India in a special school for speech terapy. is there any special medicines available for this? could you please advice me what to do?    
thanking you.  hari

[hariharan [e-mail]]

Sir, my son of just 3yrs, is not talking and not interacting clearly. now i am treating him in Madras,India in a special school for speech terapy. is there any special medicines available for this? could you please advice me what to do?    
thanking you.  hari

[Dr.(Mrs.) Vimal J. Thakur]

Mr. Hariharan Shravanhari,
You are not alone. Please contact Action for Autism, New Delhi
and I.R.I.S. in Chennai for help and consultation. Thankfully now we have good resource centres for Autism now. I am a parent of a boy on the spectrum. He is 15, verbal and very able. Please don't lose heart.