| Children and adults with autism are unable to | | | | and aggression in autistic people. |
| relate to others in a meaningful way. They | | | | |
| have difficulty developing relationships or | | | | Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist |
| understanding other people's feelings and | | | | for: |
| often develop strange obsessions or odd | | | | |
| behavior patterns. Autism is believed to be a | | | | Massage Hand and foot massage (with or |
| brain development disorder, and while there | | | | without essential oils) can help autistic |
| is no cure there is hope. | | | | people learn to enjoy positive touch and be |
| | | | calm. Carers can be taught how to massage. |
| Autism is rare, affecting every two to four | | | | |
| children in 10,000, and nearly three times | | | | Music Therapy Trained therapists have had |
| more boys are affected than girls. It is also | | | | good results using music to communicate with |
| more common in higher social classes. Most | | | | autistic children and help them express |
| cases present themselves before the age of | | | | themselves. |
| two and a half or earlier. Although the cause | | | | |
| is unknown, it has been linked to epilepsy | | | | "Holding" Therapy When combined with other |
| (10 to 15 percent of sufferers develop | | | | treatments, holding - where the parent |
| epilepsy) and later schizophrenia (there is | | | | insists on comforting an unwilling child - |
| some indication that autism may be a form of | | | | has been found to be effective in improving |
| schizophrenia, although it does not, as yet, | | | | the behavior patterns of autistic children. |
| respond to the same medication). | | | | Families will find that they need support and |
| | | | advice from experienced therapists when |
| Most sufferers remain educationally | | | | attempting to use this form of therapy. |
| subnormal, although some have an isolated | | | | |
| special ability, for instance, with numbers | | | | Relaxation Techniques Learning relaxation |
| or music. | | | | techniques can help avoid violent outbursts. |
| | | | |
| Treatment | | | | Osteopathy Autistic children can benefit from |
| | | | gentle manipulation by specialized |
| There are a vast range of approaches that can | | | | osteopaths. |
| help people with autism develop, communicate, | | | | |
| and become more independent. | | | | Talking Treatments These can help the family |
| | | | deal with an autistic child. Behavior therapy |
| Diet and Nutrition High doses of vitamin B6 | | | | may help reduce difficult behavior and teach |
| and magnesium have been found to be helpful | | | | new skills. |
| in improving sleeping habits and attention | | | | |
| span, decreasing hyperactivity, irritability, | | | | Read out for Strength ball training. |