
ASD or autism spectrum disorders. The autism spectrum includes five different communication and social impairment classifications. Classic autism is characterized by repetitive behaviors like rocking, lack of eye contact, and delayed speech—all evident before a child’s third birthday. It is considered a life-long disability although some Children of Autism (the correct terminology) may be very high functioning. They usually seem locked in their own world and parents and caregivers are usually challenged to invite interaction.
hugging and cuddling. They normally do not seek outside relationships or initiate conversations. Children of Autism will resort to gestures rather than speak whenever possible. Diagnoses of autism are made by observing behaviors. Written screening tools are available for this purpose. A lack of babbling and gesturing by 12 months of age are considered a cause for concern. No single words by 16 months is also cause for concern. Two-word sentences by age two is considered normal speech development and is used as a benchmark for speech delays. However, a lack of speech development is not a definitive diagnosis. Some children naturally develop slower than others do. Other autistic spectrum disorders include Asperger syndrome, Rhett syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Children with Asperger’s syndrome will not exhibit language delays, but will exhibit social impairment. Asperger symptoms include restricted focuses of interest. Children may become fixated on a particular item or idea to the exclusion of all others. Children with Asperger’s may lack empathy and be unable to exhibit social reciprocity like eye contact, nodding, and smiling. Many children with Asperger’s are able to approach others and carry on conversations, which may be more like one-sided soliloquies. However, they may not be able to read body language or facial expressions and come across as odd or insensitive. Others with Asperger’s may be very quiet or selective mutes. They may choose not to speak to some people and excessively to others. Rhett syndrome is an autistic spectrum neurodevelopmental disorder that is more common in females. Small hands and feet and a slow rate of head growth characterize Rhett syndrome. Behavioral rituals like hand wringing and hand washing are common. Symptoms like toe walking, teeth grinding, difficulty chewing, air swallowing, breathing problems, sleep problems and walking difficulties are usually seen. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder or Heller’s syndrome is an autistic spectrum disorder characterized by lags in language, social function, and motor skills. These delays or even regressions will appear between the ages of two and ten years. The child may appear completely normal, and then regress within months or even days and be unable to perform many skills previously mastered. Speculation for the causes of this disorder all have a biological basis and range from lipid buildup and viral infections to non-cancerous genetic tumors in major organs. A diagnosis of PDD-NOS is used when the criteria for one of the other spectrum disorders cannot be met. A child may have autistic like symptoms but may not meet the criteria for the other autistic disorders. Some autistic –like symptoms may be seen in all spectrum disorders. A resistance to change is a common autistic-like characteristic. Patterned behavior is also common. Children are likely to seek repetition. They will line up toys in a particular order, and function better in a structured environment. They may form an attachment to a particular toy or activity and never seem to bore with it. Children of autism may even develop certain eating habits that are difficult to maintain. Self-injurious behavior that may be mild like biting, or more severe like head banging, may be observed in about 30% of all children with an autism spectrum disorder. Causes of autism have been widely speculated. Families with one child of autism are more likely than the general population to have another child with autism. Mercury based vaccine preservatives were once suspected of causing autism. Environmental pollutants have also been suspected. Paternal age has also been linked to cases of autism. Viral infections and dietary sources have also been suspected to trigger autistic characteristics. Some parents report that elimination diets have helped to identify dietary sensitivities that eventually reduce autistic-like symptoms. Research has definitively confirmed that autism is not caused from parental neglect. Early intervention is considered imperative for Children of Autism. A multidisciplinary approach is usually introduced early on. Exposure to a variety of sensory stimuli has been known to increase overall functioning, but research on specific treatment options have been inconclusive and lacking. Children of Autism are individuals like everyone. Symptoms are treated on an individual basis. While one child may have difficulty paying attention, another may become overly focused. There are no definitive prescription medications for the cause of autism; however, medications may be used to control particular symptoms. More than half of all American Children of Autism are prescribed psychoactive and anticonvulsant medications. Antidepressants, stimulants and antipsychotics are commonly prescribed. Because so much of autism’s neurobiology is unknown, the prescription drugs for Children of Autism can cause atypical side effects. Could Herbal and Homeopathic Remedies for Autism be a Natural Option Worth Considering?
can be viable alternatives to synthetic drugs, with far fewer risks and side effects. It is important to only use remedies from a reliable source, as the quality of herbs used as well as methods of preparation may affect the strength and effectiveness of the remedy. A holistic approach uses nature’s intrinsic ingredients to better address the underlying issues – and not just treat the symptoms of autism. Depending on the issues that need to be addressed (which will be different between children), certain herbal and homeopathic ingredients such as Melissa officinalis, Passiflora, St. John’s wort, and Chamomila may be recommended as part of a holistic treatment plan. Biochemic tissue salt combinations to support brain and mood functioning may also be very beneficial. If your child is already taking prescription medication, remember to consult your health professional before making changes or combining herbal remedies. In addition, flower essences can help facilitate balance in the body through the organic healing energy of the plant. These herbal infusions, made from the flowering part of the plant, uniquely address both emotional and mental aspects of wellness. In addition, rather than focusing on only physical symptoms, flower essences address specific life challenges, which can be especially helpful for autistic children.
researcher Sheli Ellsworth
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