Early diagnosis of autism and adhering to the right follow-up treatment are very important. But not all people with autism may be getting the additional specialized care they may need. Finding treatment for both the physical and psychiatric ailments that often accompany autism can be a challenge.
One of the key symptoms of autism is difficulty dealing with most social situations. Autistic children therefore often seek out activities by themselves, such as playing video games.
Lyme disease is carried and transmitted by ticks, especially in the northeastern US. There has been some concern that children with autism have higher rates of Lyme disease.
Autism runs in families, past research has shown. But even when a family risk is known, children are not usually diagnosed with autism until they are toddlers.
Some medications are linked to disorders such as autism or to birth defects when taken during pregnancy. However, that risk must also be balanced against the medication's benefits.
