There are several great websites where you can go to learn more about Autism. One is
http://www.autismspeaks.org/index.php
Here is some general information from the site:
"Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). The other pervasive developmental disorders are PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified), Asperger's Syndrome, Rett Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Many parents and professionals refer to this group as Autism Spectrum Disorders."
"Today, it is estimated that one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. An estimated 1.5 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide are affected by autism. Government statistics suggest the prevalence rate of autism is increasing 10-17 percent annually. There is not established explanation for this increase, although improved diagnosis and environmental influences are two reasons often considered. Studies suggest boys are more likely than girls to develop autism and receive the diagnosis three to four times more frequently. Current estimates are that in the United States alone, one out of 70 boys is diagnosed with autism."
A great book I have read on the subject is Healing New Childhood Epidemics by Kenneth Bock. (
http://www.amazon.com/Healing-New-Ch.../dp/0345494504) For anyone who is affected by Autism or just wants to learn more, I would highly recommend checking this out of the library.
With Autism, every story is different. A lot of people are able to find some relief with dietary changes, supplements, and more recently glutathione accelerators. There is even some research that chiropractic care has successfully aided in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders.
It is quite alarming how quickly Autism is growing, especially among boys. As a society, we really need to take responsibility for our lifestyles and our environment and really find out what is causing this.
On an aside, another interesting (and somewhat related) story was done by CNN called Toxic America. You can see more of that here:
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2010/toxic.america/
It is absolutely amazing the things we live with simply due to our own ignorance and misplaced trust that our government and big corporations have our best interests at heart.
A lot of research shows that Autistic kids tend to have bodies that are inundated with toxins. Part of the treatment is finding a way for their bodies to flush out the toxins.
(Off my soap box. But this is just a fascinating subject to me and I have a child who is not Autistic, but....)