The Jambar

As a young boy, Sean Barron liked to open the lid of the washing machine, while it was operating, and watch it spin. He said he also used to stick his arm in there; it was almost "hypnotic." If Barron got hurt from doing this, he didn't know it because he said he had a high tolerance level for pain, a result of being diagnosed with classic autism in 1965.

The report, "Identification and Evaluation of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders," lists key points and screening processes that can assist parents and pediatricians in identifying autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in children. Neuropathological symptoms Brain tissue studies from people with autism display many abnormalities.

The report, "Management of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders," lists educational and medical intervention programs designed to help parents and pediatricians minimize the core deficits of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Early childhood intervention programs for children with ASDs share these common values: -admission into intervention when an ASD diagnosis is gravely considered -rigorous intervention with child commitment in an activity for at least 25 hours a day for a year -low student-teacher ratio to allow proper one-on-one time -parent training -interaction with developing children -measurement and records of progression integration of structured elements: expected routine, visual activity schedules and clear physical boundaries - implementation of strategies to apply learned skills to new environment -utilization of assessment-based curricula -Educational interventions for young children include: -applied behavior analysis (ABA) -structured teaching - the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) method developmental models -speech and language therapy -social skills instruction -occupational therapy and sensory integration therapy Medical management Children with ASDs may have other health problems including epilepsy, fragile X syndrome (a form of mental retardation caused by a faulty gene on the X chromosome) or tuberous sclerosis (an inherited disorder of the skin and nervous system that is characterized typically by epilepsy and mental retardation).