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How Do I Know If My Child Has Autism?

There are no medical tests to diagnose autism. It's best to have an autism specialist make the diagnosis. The diagnosis of autism takes into account the child's complete medical and behavioral history, lengthy observation of the child's behavior, and ruling out other problems that may cause some of the same symptoms. It is important to distinguish autism from other disorders because a misdiagnosis may result in inappropriate or ineffective treatment.

What Are the Treatments?

There is no known cure for autism, but it is treatable. Many people with autism become more responsive as they come to better understand the world. Some children lose all symptoms of autism. The goals of treatment include:

• Stopping inappropriate behaviors so the child can relate better to others.
• Teaching the child to attend to purposeful activity. This can help the child succeed in educational settings.
• Helping the child learn self-care skills.
• Providing opportunities for the child to socialize with others.
• Improving the child's communication skills.
• Teaching parents how to provide helpful educational and social experiences for their child.
• In most cases, treatment is provided in an individualized program that focuses on behavior modification and skills development. Treatment also may involve medication to help control specific symptoms. Usually a team of specialists is involved. The team may include a psychologist, a special education teacher, a speech therapist, a child development specialist, and trained aides.
• In general, treatment programs tend to be more effective if they build on the child's unique interests; if they engage the child in highly structured activities according to a predictable schedule; and if they provide regular rewards for desired behavior. Also, the parents' involvement is very important to the development of autistic children.

The earlier treatment begins, the better the child's chance of developing important skills. Early treatment can greatly help most children with autism. No matter how late treatment begins, there is hope. Treatment usually reduces symptoms of autism regardless of the child's age or the severity of the condition.