Information on Autism

Autism – is disorder that occurs as a result of violation of the brain activity and is characterized by abnormalities in social  interaction  and  communication,  restricted and repetitive behavior.

Causes of autism

To a large extent the development of autism is associated with genes, but the genetics of autism is complex and unclear, which has a dominant influence on the occurrence of autism spectrum disorders - the interaction of multiple genes or rare mutations with strong effect.

The main symptoms of autism

Signs of autism are the proximity of the child, undue attachment to inanimate objects, the desire of solitude and isolation. Autism disease is characterized by problems in speech development in the absence of disturbances of speech function.

There is a comprehensive approach for all aspects of life of the patient. At the same time it combines different drug treatment, assistance of a qualified therapist, diet, educational games, contact trainings and other treatments for autism.

Historical Background

The term “autism” (from the Greek autos - himself) was introduced by the psychiatrist E.Bleuler, and means “cut off from the association of experimental data, ignoring the real relationship.” Initially autism was seen as a feature of thinking of schizophrenic patients, a feature which is an escape from reality and withdrawal.

The Swiss psychiatrist L. Kanner in 1943 gave the first complete description of the syndrome which is observed in child psychiatric practice, and he identified it as Early Childhood Autism. The main violation of this disorder, as he describes in his clinical cases, is the inability of children from birth to establish relationships with other people and to respond to external situations. At first, Kanner attributed this disorder to the child’s form of schizophrenia, but then recognized its independence. Since then, the debate about the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical, treatment, prognosis of this disorder continues.