Symptoms and Causes of Autism

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Autism Resources: Using the Web to Understand the Autistic World

According to the Wall Street Journal, somewhere between one in 500 and one in 166 children in the United States have autism. Autism has no definite causes or cures, and can seem like a devastating diagnosis for the patient and for his or her loved ones. However, people with autism can live successful, happy lives. In this Autism Resources Web Guide, you'll find valuable information for those with autism, and gain the knowledge you need to make life as rich as possible for you and your family.

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What is Autism?

Use the sites in this section to understand what autism is, learn about its potential causes and ... read more »

Symptoms and Causes of Autism

Many of the symptoms and causes of autism are difficult for scientists and medical professionals to determine with certainty. The Web can help you learn about symptom trends and possible causes of autism.

Insights for Symptoms and Causes of Autism

Autism symptoms are generally evident within the first 18 months of a child's life. Keep in mind, however, that children at that age often exhibit sporadic or quirky behavior. After reading this section, be careful not to project and read into symptoms that may not be there.

Many medical Web sites offer an "Ask the Expert" feature. This feature can be helpful in offering a basic overview of a condition and answering simple questions, but it should not be used as a substitute for a face-to-face appointment with a doctor.

Top Sites for Symptoms and Causes of Autism

For symptoms of autism ...

Yale Developmental Disabilities Clinic has a page that answers several frequently asked questions about autism and other PDDs. Roughly the first half of the questions deal with symptoms and diagnosing autism.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers an in-depth look at the symptoms of autism. "Possible Red Flags for Autism Spectrum Disorders" offers a helpful, concise list of warning signs.

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National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders explains how normal speech and communication patterns develop in children, and highlights the speech and language problems evident in some autistic children.

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For possible causes of autism ...

The Environmental Illness Resource has an overview of autism that includes a discussion of its theoretical causes. Scroll down the page to "Possible Causes of Autism" to read about genetics, vaccines, yeast/candida, thimerosal and mercury exposure, diet and more.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

says there isn't evidence that vaccines and autism are connected. The site links to research that the agency is involved in, as well as the CDC's Immunization Safety Office.

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