What Autism Research Can Realistically Achieve
Autism research is continuing at an extremely fast pace, although there are many inherent difficulties. So far, any progress which has been made is largely in the negative sense, meaning that we know a lot about what does not cause autism, but relatively little about what actually does. What we do know is that it is caused by something within genetics, as changed chromosomes have been found in autistic people. Autism is also clearly not caused by environmental or behavioral factors, although these can aggravate the severity of the symptoms.
Much of the research which is possible by observing autistic people happens when they first try to integrate into normal society. By careful observation, it is possible to see reactions to events which happen in the outside world, and then responses to them. These reactions and responses can tell a knowledgeable researcher so much about how the brain of the autistic person is working. It is then possible to adapt the stimuli to create new response patterns within the patient, which can then be expanded upon to improve general response patterns.
Research into possible medical treatments for autism are also ongoing, but there is a lot of misinformation being presented by those with vested interests. Improving the diet and environment of a patient will not help the underlying condition of autism, but it will lessen the effects of other factors which can exacerbate the condition. Even though cases of autism are very different from each other, there have been consistent improvements when gluten and casein have been removed from the diet, and when the correct vitamins and minerals are added. Omega-3 acids have proven especially effective.
All of the research which has been carried out into valid treatments for autism has shown that the results are better if the treatment is started early on in a child's life. The only positive feature of autism is that it is usually visible within the first two or three years of life. If you are in doubt, see a qualified medical practitioner and get the situation evaluated. It will be possible to condition the child's responses to a certain degree, if this is started in early childhood.
It is extremely unlikely that any amount of autism research is going to deliver the Holy Grail which everyone is seeking, and that is something which can cure the condition once and for all. The reason for this is that it is clear that the problem is caused by genetics. We can, however, work to reduce the effects of the symptoms as far as possible, and that is being done now with educational and developmental programs. It takes an incredibly large sample of such a diversified subject to draw any reasonable conclusions, but this is happening with ongoing serious autism research.
Check Up: Earlier autism detection - Philadelphia Inquirer
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Autistic teen dies in fall down garbage chute THE death of an autistic teenager who fell 46 stories down a high-rise building's garbage chute in the US city of Chicago has been ruled as an accident... | ||
Bus Troubles For Philly Autistic Student A Philadelphia mother says her autistic son keeps missing school because the bus won't come get him... | ||
Chanute family initiates autism support group - Chanute Tribune
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