The Methods of Treatment and Handling of Autism - Essay Example

The symptoms list provided by the DSM-IV is quite comprehensive since the primary symptoms include qualitative difficulty in social interaction shown by things like impairments in the use of nonverbal behavior. This is particularly true if the child attempts their simultaneous use, a failure to develop relationships with peers lacks interest in different objects, and a failure to show emotional reciprocity (Autistics, 2002).

Additionally, a person with autism may show qualitative impairments in developing language skills, difficulties in maintaining conversations, idiosyncratic language, and a lack of make-believe play (Wikipedia, 2006). There are also minor criteria listed in the DSM-IV but the major symptoms are far more important for a diagnosis of autism which needs a physiological and neurological evaluation (Autistics, 2002). As a disorder, autism may present itself in a wide variety of ways, since people with autism may be nearly dysfunctional and appear to be mentally disabled to those whose symptoms are mild or remedied enough to appear normal to others (Wikipedia, 2006).

Even though the actual causes of autism are not known, there has been some evidence found that links genetics to autism. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have also linked autism to abnormal blood vessel function and oxidative stress. The majority of individuals with autism also have increased brain size but the link between the two is not clearly established as of yet. As the understanding of the causes of the disorder improved with time, the methods of treatment and diagnosis should also improve (Wikipedia, 2006).

The methods of treatment and handling of the disorder depend on early detection and intervention. The mitigation of the disorder requires intensive therapies such as applied behavioral analysis, parental and caregiver training, practice with the individual, and in many cases, special schooling. It must be noted that a complete cure for autism is often impossible since medical science has not fully understood this disorder. However, the improvement in life for a patient suffering from this disorder can be significant. In fact, with the proper care and treatment, many individuals with autism can continue to live healthy lives as the chances of treatment depend on the manifestation and type of autism (Wikipedia, 2006).