AUTISM

Symptoms

• Developmental delay
• Mental retardation
• Impairment in making friends
• No or abnormal social play
• Impaired language and non verbal commuication
• Absent social smile
• Lack of eye to eye contact
• Lack of attachment to parents
• Absence of fear in danger
• Repetitive and stereotyped behavior

Causes

Although the etiology is not known yet, it is hypothesized that genetic abnormalities, birth complications, exposure to toxic agents and infections play role in causation.

Diagnosis

: Autism is diagnosed when the child has deficits in social communication and social interaction and restricted repetitive behaviors, interest and activities.

Treatment

• Behavior therapy: therapy aimed at encouraging interpersonal interactions, self care skills, learning new things, speech therapy etc.
• Psychotherapy: parental counseling and supportive psychotherapy
• Drug therapy:   Risperidone, haloperidol SSRI(fluoxetine,citalopram), amphetamines, imipramine etc