Surviving Autism in Your Family

you live with someone who has autism, dealing withthese behaviors as a rule. They also might do
day to day life can be very difficult and trying. Manysomething repetitive, like rocking back and forth. Autism
people don't understand what exactly autism is andis also hard to detect because the symptoms are so
how it affects a person's life, and the lives of theirvaried. Some end up not speaking and others develop
loved ones. Autism is a disability that affectsmore slowly, but otherwise seem to be normal.
development.Living with autism can be very difficult for families.
Autism is usually diagnosed in children in the ageMany parents of autistic children withdraw from friends
bracket of 18 to 36 months. Autism can be veryand other family members since dealing with autism
difficult to diagnose since there are no physical signs.can be very exhausting and draining on a person
Autism affects people in many different ways andmentally and physically. If you have a child with autism
thus it is known as a spectrum disorder. Autism will notthere are many support groups that can help you to
be noticeable until the time when children should bedeal with the life changes that come with autism.
developing their speaking and understanding skills.Even though there isn't a cure for autism, you can find
Autism is a disorder that is now more common thantreatment options to aid you in communicating with
Down syndrome. It is more common in boys than inyour child. Some autistic children are able to integrate
girls and there is no cure.into classes with non-autistic children. If this doesn't
The contributory factors for autism disorder are manywork with your child, remember that each one is
and there is no specific cause. Biochemical and geneticunique. Some autistic children do well in classes with
problems connected to the brain have certainother autistic children.
differences. It is also said that food allergies can be aSince each instance should be considered on a case
cause for autism.by case basis, talk to your doctor about treatment
Though each child with autism experiences thisoptions. You may have to practice some trial and error
problem differently, there is a common symptom. Mostuntil you find the right program for your child.
of them are deficient of communication and social skills.Many parents are frightened by the prospect of
Some children have a lesser rate of learning thanhaving autism in their families, but it's possible for these
normal, while in other cases, generally before 36special children to lead happy and fulfilled lives. Do
months they begin to regress after a normalplenty of research to educate yourself and others
development.involved with your family. In many cases this will keep
Typical autistic behavior may be withdrawal and littledisruption to your family at a minimum. One great place
interest in playing with other children. It's also usual forto start discussions is at online forums, especially if you
children to have active imaginations and a love ofcan't find a support group to attend. In any event, talk
pretend games. Children with autism don't practiceto your doctor before you try any treatment options.