The Puzzling World of Autism – Still Searching For Answers
In recent years, the number of children diagnosed with autism has been on the rise. Once
considered a rare disorder, it was previously estimated that one out of every 2,000 people would develop
autism.1 Today, approximately one out of 500 will be diagnosed with some form of the disorder.2
Those affected by autism know how confusing it can be. Doctors often disagree on the diagnosis. What causes
autism is still unknown. Evidence about treatment isn't always reliable. There is no one treatment that has
been found to work for every child. Children with autism are unique individuals with different needs. They
respond to the same disorder in very different ways.
What is Autism?
Autism is known as a developmental disorder. This means that it begins in the early years of life when a child is still developing. It is
four times more likely to occur in males than in females.1 Many children with autism are not officially diagnosed until they are around
the age of three years old. However, many parents notice signs of the disorder much earlier.
As infants, many children with autism were described as "different", distant, or difficult children.
Many did not want to be held or were unable to be comforted. On the other hand, many children who appeared
to be normal, healthy infants suddenly began to "regress" as toddlers. This means they began to lose
communication or social skills they had already acquired. They may also begin to show certain behaviors such as
repeatedly lining things up, or becoming obsessed with moving a particular part on a toy.
The effects of autism vary from one person to another. Some people are affected very minimally. Others require constant care
and supervision. However, all individuals with autism are affected to some degree in three areas:
- Communication - – both verbal (e.g. limited or no speech capabilities) and nonverbal (e.g. little or no eye contact).
- Social interaction - – both physical (e.g. holding or hugging) and verbal (e.g. difficulty forming relationships with others).
- Repetitive behaviors - – such as repeating words or actions over and over; excessively arranging objects.3
What Causes Autism?
As with most aspects involving this disorder, the reasons behind the sudden rise in autism are unknown. While many factors have
been targeted as the cause of autism, the only thing that can be said for certain is that autism is a biological disorder. In
other words, it results from an abnormality in the brain of which the cause is unknown.
Dealing With Autism
There is no cure for autism at this time. However, it is widely believed that if intensive treatment begins at an early age,
there is a good chance for improvement.3 Despite treatment efforts, some autistic children show very little
progress. No treatment has yet been found to be successful in treating all children with autism. This forces parents to face
the difficult decision of determining which type of treatment is best for their child.
Parents may try many different treatments with the hopes that one will make a difference. Currently, the most common treatments
include, but are not limited to the following:
- Educational Services - – including special education and some forms of behavior modification.
- Behavioral Therapy - – focuses on attempts to increase wanted behaviors and discontinue unwanted behaviors.
- Drug Therapy - – used to manage symptoms such as disruptive or aggressive behaviors, and for symptoms that interfere with treatment.
- Psychosocial Services - – including parent training in behavioral modification and referrals to support groups.
People whose lives are affected by autism know how difficult it can be to manage. Unanswered questions make the journey even
more difficult. Researchers continue in their struggle to provide answers for these individuals - and to provide a brighter
future for children with autism. For more information about autism, contact your health care provider.
References
1 American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text
Revision. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association.
2Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (February, 2007). CDC Releases New
Data on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) from Multiple Communities in the United States.. Retrieved April 10, 2006 from the
World Wide Web: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/autismresfact.cfm
3 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (May, 2005). Autism Overview: What We Know.. Retrieved
October 17, 2007 from the World Wide Web: http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs/upload/autism_overview_2005.pdf
This material is provided by CIGNA Behavioral Health, Inc. for informational/educational purposes only. It is not intended as
medical/clinical advice. Only a healthcare provider can make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment plan. For more information about
your behavioral health benefits, you can call the member services or behavioral health telephone number listed on your healthcare
identification card.
CIGNA Behavioral Health, ©2006
