Autism What Causes Autism? Does Bad Parenting Cause Autism? Is Autism Caused By Atypical Brain Development? Is Autism an Immune Deficiency Problem? Is Autism Caused By Food Allergies? Is Autism Caused By Poor Nutrition? What Really Causes Autism Then? What can we do to help? Managing Autistic Children What Causes Autism? No one really knows for sure what causes autism. Most experts say that autism is probably caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Even those experts though, do not have a definite answer. For many people, this uncertainty is terribly frustrating. On the plus side, interest in and funding for autism research is on the rise, so new and better information should be forthcoming in the next months and years. The question of what causes autism is highly controversial. Many people are passionate about the issue, and hold strong beliefs. There are two theories that link autism and vaccines. The first theory suggests that the MMR (Mumps-Measles-Rubella) vaccine may cause intestinal problems leading to the development of autism. The second theory suggests that a mercury-based preservative called thimerosal, used in some vaccines, could be connected to autism. It is very likely that autism has a genetic basis of some sort. Many studies have shown that parents from families with autistic members are more likely to have autistic children. It is also the case that many families with one autistic child are at increased risk of having more than one autistic child. Does Bad Parenting Cause Autism? No. Dr. Kanner, the man who first identified autism as a unique condition, had the idea that cold “refrigerator” mothers caused autism. He was wrong. Dr. Kanner's misinterpretation of autism created a generation of parents carrying the guilt for their child's disability. Fortunately, our generation is spared that burden. Is Autism Caused By Atypical Brain Development? Some researchers have found differences between the autistic brain and the typical brain. Autistic individuals seem to have larger brains. They also seem to process information differently; in other words, their brains are "wired" differently. Research on this issue is ongoing at The University of Pittsburgh. Is Autism an Immune Deficiency Problem? There is some evidence that autism is linked to problems in the immune system. Autistic individuals often have other physical issues related to immune deficiency. Some researchers say they have developed effective treatments based on boosting the immune system. The NIH, however, states that the evidence is not yet strong enough to show a causal relationship. Is Autism Caused By Food Allergies? There is some evidence that allergies to certain foods could contribute to autistic symptoms. Most people who hold to this theory feel that gluten (a wheat product) and cassein (a dairy product) are the most significant culprits. Explore the Autism Institute's website for more on this theory. Is Autism Caused By Poor Nutrition? It seems unlikely that malnutrition, per se, can cause autism. But megavitamin therapies have been used for many years to treat autistic symptoms. Dr. Bernard Rimland, of the Autism Institute, has been a leader in this area. What Really Causes Autism Then? It seems likely, given the research so far, that several factors combine to cause autism. For example, it may be that certain children are genetically more susceptible to certain types of food allergies, or more likely to react badly to certain environmental toxins. Until we have more definitive answers, though, it seems to make sense to focus more on treatments -- and to support researchers as they learn more about causes. What can we do to help? Common to many children on the autistic spectrum, are sensory integration problems, and auditory processing difficulties. ILT treats the underlying sensory processing difficulties through HANDLE movement therapy and Rhythmic movements. We may also recommend the Listening program, which has had great success in helping autistic individuals to better relate to their world. We also believe diet is key to helping in many instances. Managing Autistic Children Managing an autistic child can be difficult at times, which is why having autism strategies in place can make the difference between coping and feeling overwhelmed. The strategies don’t have to be difficult or complex, it’s really simply a matter of ensuring that your child feels secure, comfortable, and calm, so that they can grow and develop in a positive environment. It’s important to remember that a number of the behaviors autistics display are those that they have developed in order to provide security and certainty to the world that surrounds them. Some of the behaviors that an autistic child naturally develops are designed to shut out situations they find too difficult to cope with. So applying the right approach can help a parent reach their autistic child instead of being shut out. The following is a list of 15 different autism strategy suggestions parents can utilize to help them manage their children with autism spectrum disorders: 
In addition, parents need to keep in mind that education is one of the best autism trategies they can apply in their efforts to manage their child’s autism. The more information you know about autism, the easier it will be to cope, understand the needs of your loved one and help provide them with the best environment to grow up in. 
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