Autism

A rare condition in which a child is unable to relate to people and situations. Autism is more common in boys. It is by definition evident before the age of 30 months and is usually apparent in the 1st year of life. The precise causes of autism are unknown. Often, autistic children seem normal for the 1st few months of life before becoming increasingly unresponsive to parents or other stimuli. Extreme resistance to change of any kind is an important feature. The child reacts with distress to alteration in routine or interference with activities. Rituals develop in play, and there is often attachment to unusual objects or obsession with one particular idea. Delay in speaking is common and most autistic children have a low IQ. Behavioural abnormalities may include rocking, selfinjury, screaming fits, and hyperactivity. Despite these symptoms, appearance and muscular coordination are normal. Some autistic people have an isolated special skill, such as an outstanding rote memory or musical ability. There is no effective treatment for autism, which is lifelong. Special schooling, support and counselling for families, and sometimes behaviour therapy can be helpful. Medication is useful only for specific problems, such as hyperactivity. The majority of autistic people need special, sometimes institutional, care.