| Autism Prognosis - Autism is a developmental disorder that is usually diagnosed during early childhood. Bright Tots information on child development |
It is impossible to make an overview of how any individual child will grow up and develop. All children continue to grow, regardless of delays or the existence of unusual behaviors. The prognosis for children with autism is surprisingly alarming and consistent across a broad range of studies about 2% will attain normal functioning, with perhaps 30% labeled "high-functioning autistic." These high-functioning autistics generally show some oddity in behavior, have a tough time relating to others, and have few or no personal friends. While the majority of individuals with autism live an unconventional and confused life, dependent on the care of others to survive. The outcome for these individuals depends on the severity of their disability and the level of therapy they receive.
People with autism have normal life expectancies. Autism symptoms vary from mild to severe. Individuals with autism can live very active lifestyles. They are very capable of performing physically. Also, an active lifestyle is more likely to help with weight control, stamina, strength, cardiovascular endurance, self-esteem, and self-confidence.
This life- long disorder will have an effect on the individual's life. Early intervention that includes behavioral modification and speech therapy may also change the outcome positively. A child diagnosed with autism will receive beneficial intervention beginning at an earlier age than was possible many years ago. This means each child's chances for improving behavior are greater today than in the past.
With proper therapy sessions, individuals with autism can improve their ways of communication and social interaction to live productive independent lifestyles in society. Autistic children with IQ scores of 70 and above can live and work more practical independent lives. (Gale Encyclopedia of Psychology)
Progress and Treatments
For many children, autism symptoms such as compulsive behavior, challenging behaviors appear to improve with treatment and with age. Some individuals with autism eventually lead normal or near-normal lives. It is important to find effective services, treatments and education for children with autism as soon as possible. The earlier these children receive appropriate treatment, the better their prognosis.
Intervention must address both communication and behaviors and it must be structured, intensive, and individualized. This is especially important in children who have good cognitive abilities. Appropriate early intervention may allow some children with autism to enter the educational mainstream, or at least require a less restrictive educational placement. It is extremely important to provide structure in everyday life, making strict guidelines and being consistent.
There is currently no cure for autism, but appropriate treatment may promote fairly typical development and reduce abnormal behaviors. Since there is no cure for autism, proper treatments such as therapy must be taken to help these individuals manage their difficulties. During adolescence, some children with autism may become depressed or experience behavioral problems. Parents of these children should be ready to adjust treatment for their child as needed.
Since the individual with autism is often judged by others in negative ways, parents may need to be protective and become advocates. Quality of life for a person with autism depends on being involved with other people and being included in activities with others. It appears that advocates, friends, and family who include, interpret, and assist the individual with autism is vital to their success.
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Bright Tots ~ Information on childhood developmental disorders, including autism, attention deficit disorder (ADHD), behavior disorders, bipolar disorder, cerebral palsy, childhood disintegrative disorder, depression in children, diabetes in children, down syndrome, emotional disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder , selective mutism, separation anxiety disorder, speech and language disoreders and spina bifida..
Resources, articles and information on autism including Asperger's syndrome, assessing autism, autism and tantrums, autism in childhood, autism therapies, characteristics of autism, discipline strategies, early signs of autism, echolilia, fragile x, hyperlexia / dyslexia, immunization worries, oral care and autism, pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), Rett syndrome, savant syndrome, and more.
Understanding developmental disorders. Find Early Intervention in your area.
Information and articles on autism therapy and autism treatment including: ABA therapy, autism diets, chelation therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, key to learning, medications for treating autism, play therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, sensory integration, signed speech, speech therapy, TEACCH Method and more
What is a learning disability? What are developmental domains? Tips on teaching a child with autism, age appropriate behavior (milestones), parenting rules, oral care and autism, baby tooth decay, is your child over weight? For those hard to understand terms, visit our Glossary
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