Autism

 The number of children diagnosed with some form of Autism has also exploded in today's society worldwide. Autism, less than 20 years ago was diagnosed 1 in every 166,000 children. Recent studies show that number is now 1 in every 150 children. Autism is a very unique disorder that is very poorly understood by most health care professionals, and requires very specified training and knowledge to diagnose and treat these children.

Autism Syndrome
 
The following is a partial list of symptoms of Autism:
 
Inappropriate laughing, giggling, or spoken outbursts
No fear of danger, risk taking
Insensitive to pain
Does not like to be held or cuddled
Sustained or unusual repetitive play
Avoids eye contact
Prefers to play alone
Difficulty in expressing needs and may gesture
Insists on sameness
Echolalia (repeats everything)
Difficulty interacting with others