April is National Autism Awareness Month. Autism is a developmental disorder that affects a person's senses and ability to communicate effectively with others. There is no known cause or cure for autism. However, with help from family doctors, specialists, teachers and parents, autistic children can learn to adjust and live with this disorder. The following Web sites can help you learn more about this condition that affects more than 1.5 million Americans.
"Autism and Your Child": familydoctor.org – Visit familydoctor.org to learn about the common signs of an autistic child. On familydoctor.org, you can find information to help you understand how doctors diagnose and treat autistic patients. On this site, you can also find information on Asperger Syndrome, a disorder very similar to autism. Information in Spanish is available on this site.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/autism/DS00348: mayoclinic.com – The Mayo Clinic Web site provides information on the different stages of development a child should be at during the first few years of life. If you think your child's development is delayed, talk with your family doctor. This Web site also provides information on how to adjust to living with an autistic child and how to cope with the diagnosis.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001526.htm: Medline Plus - Check this Web site out if you are wondering about different medicines and diets that might help your autistic child. Medicine and diet might not work for everyone, but they can sometimes reduce irritability and temper tantrums. Joining a support group also might help your family cope with this disorder.
http://www.autism-society.org: Autism Society of America – How does having an autistic child affect your family? Don't know how you are going to keep paying for your child's medical expenses? Worried about who will care for your autistic child as he or she gets older? Find the answers to these questions and more on this Web site.