Additionally, a major safety review by the Institute of Medicine failed to find any evidence supporting the connection. Other organizations that have concluded that vaccines are not associated with autism include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC , the U. Fact: Vaccines protect your child from many serious and potentially deadly diseases, including measles, meningitis, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough. These diseases are uncommon today because vaccines are doing their job.
Fact: Despite extensive research and safety studies, scientists and doctors have not found a link between childhood vaccinations and autism or other developmental problems. Children who are not vaccinated do not have lower rates of autism spectrum disorders. Fact: Early vaccination protects your child from serious diseases that are most likely to occur—and most dangerous—in babies. Waiting to immunize your baby puts him or her at risk. A different schedule may not offer the same protection.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children receive routine developmental screenings, as well as specific screenings for autism at 9, 18, and 30 months of age.
Schedule an autism screening. A number of specialized screening tools have been developed to identify children at risk for autism. Most of these screening tools are quick and straightforward, consisting of yes-or-no questions or a checklist of symptoms. See a developmental specialist. If your pediatrician detects possible signs of autism during the screening, your child should be referred to a specialist for a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation.
A specialist can conduct a number of tests to determine whether or not your child has autism. Although many clinicians will not diagnose a child with autism before 30 months of age, they will be able to use screening techniques to determine when a cluster of symptoms associated with autism is present.
Seek early intervention services. The diagnostic process for autism is tricky and can sometimes take a while. But you can take advantage of treatment as soon as you suspect your child has developmental delays. Ask your doctor to refer you to early intervention services. Early intervention is a federally funded program for infants and toddlers with disabilities. Children who demonstrate several early warning signs may have developmental delays.
They will benefit from early intervention whether or not they meet the full criteria for an autism spectrum disorder. In other words, there is more risk involved in the wait-and-see approach than in receiving early intervention. Authors: Melinda Smith, M. However, multiple sources, old and new , have concluded that vaccines do not cause ASD. A controversial study proposed a link between autism and the measles, mumps, and rubella MMR vaccine.
However, that study has been debunked by other research and was eventually retracted in Read more about autism and its risk factors. Screening can help identify ASD in children earlier than later. They may benefit from early diagnosis and support. Parents fill out the question survey. Pediatricians can then use the responses to help identify children who may have an increased chance of developing ASD. Children who screen positively for ASD do not necessarily have it.
Learn more about the tests these specialists use to diagnose ASD. Rather, for some autistic people, supportive therapies and other considerations can help them feel better or alleviate certain symptoms. Massages , weighted clothing and blankets , and meditation techniques may also help some autistic people manage symptoms.
However, results will vary. Some people may respond well to certain approaches, while others may not. Shop for weighted blankets online. Research on alternative remedies is mixed, and some remedies can be dangerous. These alternative remedies include things like:. Before investing in any alternative therapy, parents and caregivers should weigh the research and financial costs against any possible benefits. Learn more about alternative remedies for autism. Nevertheless, some autism advocates are exploring dietary changes as a way to help minimize behavioral issues and increase overall quality of life.
Some autism advocates also endorse a gluten-free diet. The protein gluten is found in:. Those advocates believe that gluten creates inflammation and adverse bodily reactions in certain autistic people. However, scientific research is inconclusive on the relationship between autism, gluten, and another protein known as casein.
Some studies, and anecdotal evidence, have suggested that diet can help improve symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD , a condition that may be similar to autism. Find out more about the ADHD diet. Autistic children may not reach the same developmental milestones as their peers, or they may demonstrate the loss of previously developed social or language skills.
For instance, a 2-year-old without autism may show interest in simple games of make-believe. A 4-year-old without autism may enjoy engaging in activities with other children.
An autistic child may have trouble interacting with others or dislike it altogether. Autistic children may also engage in repetitive behaviors, have difficulty sleeping , or compulsively eat nonfood items. They may find it hard to thrive without a structured environment or consistent routine. If your child is autistic, you may have to work closely with their teachers to ensure they succeed in the classroom.
Many resources are available to help autistic children as well as their loved ones. Local support groups can be found through the national nonprofit the Autism Society of America. Autistic children may find that certain exercises can help in easing frustrations and promoting overall well-being.
Back to Autism. If you think you or your child may be autistic, get advice about the signs of autism. This video shows how autism can affect everyday life and how you can help support and understand autistic people. Being autistic does not mean you have an illness or disease. It means your brain works in a different way from other people. It's something you're born with or first appears when you're very young.
Autism is not a medical condition with treatments or a "cure". Arlington, Va. Autism spectrum disorder in children and adolescents: Complementary and alternative therapies. Augustyn M. Autism spectrum disorder: Terminology, epidemiology, and pathogenesis. Bridgemohan C. Autism spectrum disorder: Surveillance and screening in primary care. Levy SE, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine treatments for children with autism spectrum disorder. Brondino N, et al. Complementary and alternative therapies for autism spectrum disorder.
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Volkmar F, et al. Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Autism spectrum disorder ASD. American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement: Sensory integration therapies for children with developmental and behavioral disorders. James S, et al. Chelation for autism spectrum disorder ASD. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Van Schalkwyk GI, et al.
Autism spectrum disorders: Challenges and opportunities for transition to adulthood. Natural Medicines. Autism: Beware of potentially dangerous therapies and products.
Food and Drug Administration.
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