Guest guest Posted February 6, 2008 Report Share Posted February 6, 2008 Which Symptoms of Autism Should Be Treated? http://autism.about.com/b/2008/02/06/which-symptoms-of-autism-should-be-treated.\ htm Many people with autism live with constant discomfort or pain. Some cope with <http://autism.about.com/od/treatmentoptions/a/whatisspd.htm>sensory dysfunction resulting in physical pain to ears, eyes or skin. Others live with <http://autism.about.com/od/medicalissuesandautis1/f/nosleep.htm>sleep problems that result in exhaustion or depression. Also relatively common are problems with seizures, <http://autism.about.com/od/aspergerssyndrome/a/moodsasperger.htm>anxiety, depression or compulsion, and <http://autism.about.com/od/medicalissuesandautis1/f/GIautism.htm>gastrointestin\ al issues that cause painful bloating and constipation. These symptoms are not " autism. " They are issues often associated with autism, and as such they are amenable to treatment and, sometimes, to cure. Treatment may be covered under insurance, but just as often may be expensive or hard to find. Many people with autism cannot communicate with typically developing peers. Without spoken language, they have no tools to get their basic needs met, or to get across their own ideas and perspectives. Signing, <http://autism.about.com/b/2006/11/07/communicating-with-pecs-picture-exchange-c\ ards.htm>picture cards, computer-based assistive communication devices and other tools can change all that, and help people with autism gain a great deal of independence and respect. Then there are the symptoms, such as lack of eye contact, " passions " for particular areas of interest, disinterest in social interaction, and lack of social reciprocity, that actually <http://autism.about.com/od/whatisautism/a/symptoms.htm>define autism in the diagnostic criteria. These symptoms may cause far more discomfort to caregivers, teachers and families than they do to people with autism. Yet treatment for these symptoms, in the form of <http://autism.about.com/od/alllaboutaba/a/abaoverview.htm>behavioral therapy, <http://autism.about.com/od/whatisautism/a/SLP.htm>speech therapy and <http://autism.about.com/od/improvingsocialskills/a/socialthinking.htm>social skills therapy are often available - sometimes free of charge - through schools and other agencies. There's a great deal of debate within the autism community as to whether this last group of qualities are " symptoms " at all. In fact, many autism advocates feel they are personal traits which deserve respect and acceptance. Do you have a stand on this issue? If so, what's your point of view? Which symptoms of autism should be treated? comment: http://autism.about.com/b/2008/02/06/which-symptoms-of-autism-should-be-treated.\ htm ________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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