Daphne Rasche

  Autism is a disease of brain development. The disease affects how the synapses and nerve cells connect and organize. The brain is unable to process information properly. Usual symptoms are little to no social interaction before the age of three, poor communication skills, low social interaction, and repetitive behavior. It is believed that the disease is genetic

Autism is a disease?

(Hume)

In some cases, substances that can cause birth defects may also be the cause of autism

         Currently there are no cures for Autism. The goal of treatment for those who have Autism is to help improve their quality of life. Doctors tend to avoid prescribing medication to autism children, because there is no known medications that relieve the autism’s core symptoms.

Generally, drugs that are prescribed to treat autism are psychoactive drugs

(Wriedt)

        

No Cures, No Medications

What scientists do know is that a number of problems interfere with normal brain development. Cells migrate to the wrong place in the brain. Or, due to problems with the neural pathways or the neurotransmitters, some parts of the communication network may fail to perform. A problem with the communication network may interfere with the overall task of coordinating sensory information, thoughts, feelings, and actions. (Lathe)

  Stem cell therapy is still in the beginning stages, and scientists are across the globe are studying stem cell to see how autism originates. In many countries like China and Mexico, physicians already inject a series of cord stem cells to treat autism patient. The goal of injection is to replace damaged neuron, increase blood flow, and stimulate growth of new blood vessels in the brain.

Scientists are hoping to regenerate white and gray matter in the brain. As studies continue, they hope that one that they will finally find the cure.

(Hume)

Continued Research

Take the Autism test below, normal is 15-17, above 32 is considered Autistic.

Autism Spectrum Test

Autism Spectrum Test

Annotated BibliographyBoyd, Brenda. Parenting a Child with Asperger Syndrome : 200 Tips and Strategies. Philadelphia, PA: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2003. Print. The book was more of a guide for anyone caring for children or Asperger, telling how to cope with the child, what to expect, and how to handle specific situations.

Lathe, Richard. Autism, Brain and Environment. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2006. Print. This book had more facts about the Autistic Brain. What parts are affected and why.

Weisner, Fred R. and Weisner, Lisa A. Practical Guide to Autism : What Every Parent, Family Member, and Teacher Needs to Know. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2009. Print. This book was similar to the tips and strategies book mentioned above.

Noterdaeme, Michele, Elke Wriedt, and Christian Hahne. “Aspergers syndrome and high functioning autism: language, motor and cognitive profiles. “ European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 196 (2010): 475-481. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 1 Aug 2011. This article was more of a profiled different cases of Autism.

Kara Hume, et al. “Evaluation of Comprehensive Treatment Models for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.” Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders 40.4 (2010): 425-436. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 1 Aug. 2011. Article described different treatments done for the disorder, such as the oxygen tank.

Matson, Johnny L., Jonathan Wilkins, and Jill C. Fodstad. “Children with autism spectrum disorders: A comparison of those who regress vs. those who do not.” Developmental Neurorehabilitation 13.1 (2010): 37-45. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 1 Aug. 2011. This article did a study on 160 children showing different tests on children to progress and regress.