Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a term used to describe a range of serious neurodevelopment disorders. Key symptoms that begin within the first two to three years of life are social impairment, difficulty with communication, poor motor control, and repetitive behaviors. Difficulties with sleep and digestive problems, among other challenges, are also seen.
It is not uncommon for people with ASD to display special skills in the arts or cognitive areas.
Within the spectrum, autism is a severe form of ASD, while Asperger syndrome is a mild form. Other disorders that fall within ASD are Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS).
Recent increases in the incidence of ASD have caused alarm. Once rare, current estimates are that 1 in 88 young children have autism, with males four times as likely as females to receive the diagnosis.
Autism used to be considered untreatable, and therapies focused primarily on medications to control disruptive behaviors. Now, behavioral and biomedical treatments are available that can make a significant difference in the accomplishments and lifestyle of those with a diagnosis of ASD.
Related articles are shown below. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can search using the box at the upper right of the page or browse our forums.
Many move toward non-animal sources of food out of concern for animal welfare. Yet others also are concerned for their health—or they could embrace both reasons to reduce meat intake. As interest in plant-based foods […]
Rutgers researchers determined New Jersey’s autism prevalence rate for 4-year-olds is one in 35 in a new CDC report. A new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which uses research by Rutgers University, […]
If you or your child have a diagnosis of ADHD and have not responded to conventional drug treatment, you may one day be offered trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS). This noninvasive approach sends mild electrical signals to […]
WILLIAM SHAW, PhD Dr. Shaw is founder and director of the Great Plains Laboratory. Board certified in clinical chemistry and toxicology, he is the author of Biological Treatments for Autism and PDD and Autism: Beyond […]
The assimilation of metals is critical to brain and nerve development. Dysregulation or dysfunction of this process in early life has been linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Researcher Dr. Paul Curtin reported: In a […]
Contrary to historical medical beliefs and public education and perception, new controlled twelve-month study shows that diet and nutritional intervention significantly improves the symptoms, cognition, digestive health, and behavior in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder […]
I encountered my first “picky eater” about 30 years ago. Marcia was an aggressive 10-year-old girl with severe autism. Life with physically aggressive Maria was challenging for the family and the entire school staff. Kicking, […]
If you have a child with autism, ADHD, or a tic disorder, you have probably wondered if diet plays a role. While some study results are mixed, evidence suggests food intolerance does impact symptoms of […]