Delving into the realms of a mysterious malady

Eye to-eye gaze. Facial expressions. Body postures. Gestures that regulate social interaction. These are just some of the normal social behaviors that should be developed among children. But, if you see manifestations of qualitative impairment in your child's social interaction specifically the obvious impairment in his or her use of multiple nonverbal behaviors, then you might want to know more about the concept of autism.

SEEING THE UNKNOWN ENEMY

As defined, autism refers to the severe disorder of communication and behavior that usually develops among children before age three. Unlike normal children who are slowly developing their verbal, social, and motor skills, an autistic child is unable to use language meaningfully or to process information from his or her environment. Other characteristics of autism in the child include his or her fascination with mechanical objects and their vehement resistance to constant changes in the surroundings.

In most cases, the possibility of autism can also be seen in the child's failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level manifested through the absence of the need to share with others and lack of social or emotional reciprocity. The obvious delay or total lack visible development of spoken language, repetitive use of idiosyncratic language, restricted repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, and the persistent preoccupation with parts of object are also some of the indicators that a child may indeed be suffering from this peculiar illness.

LOOKING FOR A POSSIBLE CURE

However mystifying the illness may be, practitioners of modern science were still able to unravel even a little piece of this puzzling disorder and were able to develop possible answer through autism therapy.

The popular autism therapies today involve the concept of intensive care. These therapies are believed to do wonders by helping autistic children improve their skills and behaviors. Also, these kinds of therapy are believed to be more effective if it is introduced to the "special" child in such an early phase because it gives the child a greater the chance of learning.

One successful therapy that is said to help autistic children is the ABAKidz-which was a joint project of two young Tasmanian experts. With their unwavering passion to help children with autism enjoy a quality of life that all children deserve, the two worked on ABAKidz based on the widely used Applied Behavioral Analysis. This therapy is basically an intensive, one-on-one therapy that involves long-term goals of teaching children to be independent. It

The therapy is believed to work wonders for especially for children with varying levels of autism because it gives them a chance to complete normal schooling. Aiming to bring out the best in autistic children, ABAKidz works by segregating all tasks and work on these tasks separately so the children would be able to learn its step-by-step procedure.

Another autism therapy that is believed to be effective but rare is behavioral therapy through early intervention. This concept of early intervention is possible through a special-education preschool because it can improve his communication skills, social skills, and can possibly help himself to overcome his shyness. But since it is so expensive, some experts suggest that it should be done at home.

Because of the complex nature of autism, it is understandable that behavior combinations can occur. Hence, no specific approach is proven to be ultimately effective in alleviating all symptoms of autism. Other therapies available include behavior modification, speech and language therapy, sensory integration, vision therapy, music therapy, auditory training, medications and some dietary interventions.