Autism_and_Nutritional_Concerns

Autism and Nutritional Concerns Autism and Nutritional Concerns Autism is one of many developmental disorders. Infantile autism is described as a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by abnormal emotional, social, and linguistic development in a child. Symptoms include abnormal ways of relating to people, objects, and situations (Mosby, 1998). Autism tends to affect more males than females. The ratio of affected males to females is approximately four to one. Autism and its associated behaviors have been estimated to occur in as many as 1 in 500 individuals (Autism, 2001). It is estimated that one half million people in the United States today have autism or some form of pervasive developmental disorder (Autism, 2001). The etiology of autism is unclear and can be determined in only approximately 20 percent of the diagnosed children (Huffman, 2001). Researchers continue their search for the cause. It has been noted that autism may have multiple causes, including structural abnormalities of the brain, viruses, genetic disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, metabolic disorders, or seizure disorders (Ekvall, 1993). Autism is a physical condition linked to abnormal biology and neurochemistry in the brain. The exact causes of these abnormalities remain unknown, but this is a very active autism, children, food, autistic, 2001, ekvall, been, therapy, developmental, problems, persons, often, feeding, disorders, behaviors, association, should, one, include, dietetic, child, american, nutritional, intake, dietary, development, calcium, abnormalities, abnormal, 1997, unusual, teaching, supplementation, risk, provide, preferences, physical, need, must, medications, levels, journal, help, disabilities, causes, caregivers, brain, affect, 1993