autism and children

Autism and children and other extreme disorders are beyond the scope of this website; however, having a child awakens an urgency and concern and a need to know the possibilities for your child’s condition and health so I will speak to the concern briefly.

Once again I caution to be aware of that phenomena that is similar to a student physician or psychiatrist who, when learning their profession, personally experience many of the symptoms of the disorders that they study. Try not to be influenced by ill health or conditions that scare you into imagining that they exist when they don't. There is not a monster around every corner or in every cross-eyed look or backward step of your child’s behavior.

There are degrees of disorders in all of us—physical and mental. If a child has a day or two-or more-when they find it difficult to be sociable or to make eye contact, don’t panic and think he has autism.

However, in this day and age when the occurrence of it is almost epidemic, it is wise to be alert. Especially because early intervention is highly effective in many cases. If you have any doubts, seek out an evaluation and diagnosis.

But again—it is my bias—to be diligent in trying to avoid labels in regard to your child’s mental or physical health.

Many conditions that are considered “handicaps”are only handicaps if a child is deemed to be handicapped.

I don’t think there is a better example of that than Helen Keller who was born blind and deaf and considered a savage until a sensitive and creative teacher came into her life.

There are many cases of autistic children who have grown up to be highly productive, functional successful adults. So do not despair—for your sake and for the sake of your child.

To summarize: be alert and watchful but not obsessive and overly anxious. Use de-stressing techniques if need be If there are problems, to the greatest extent that is possible, let your child be “normal”.

There are many places to seek help for autism and children. Here are a few:

http://www.autism-society.org http://www.autism.com/index.asp http://www.autism.org/links.html http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/autism/DS00348/DSECTION=

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