Disability+Research

Autism is a developmental disorder that appears in the first 3 years of life, and affects the brain's normal development of social and communication skills.

The main cause of autism is yet unknown, however, excessive research is being done to formulate a correct hypothesis as to discovering the factors that led to this condition. It is believed that a combination of factors is probably the main cause. Through research, it has been found that genetics or families with inherent neurological problems seem to have an abundance of autism cases. Some other causes that are believed to spark this condition, but have not yet been proven are:
 * Diet
 * Digestive tract changes
 * Mercury poisoning
 * The body's inability to properly use vitamins and minerals
 * Vaccine sensitivity

Some symptoms of autism include:
 * Problems developing non-verbal communication
 * Failure to establish friendships
 * Lack of interest in sharing emotions
 * Lack of empathy
 * Delay in learning to talk
 * Problems taking steps to start conversations
 * Repetitive use of language
 * Difficulty understanding listener’s perspective
 * An unusual focus on pieces
 * Preoccupation with certain topics
 * A need for routine
 * Repetitive actions and behaviors

The treatment for autism is rather complex, for it is not based on the administration of medicine, although it does consist a part of the entire process. In order to properly treat victims of autism, the victim is usually sent for behavioral training and management, where he learns to improve his social skills and communication. Also, specialized therapies are recommended for the specific case of each individual so as to train the part of their social appearance that is evidently lacking. These are the main ways to treat autism victims.