ADHD Autistic Symptoms
Autism and ADD are two of the most talked about developmental disorders today. Two to six children out of every 1,000 births will develop a form of autism, with males being four times more likely to be diagnosed. This means that approximately 24,000 new cases of autism are diagnosed every year.
With attention deficit disorder, boys are three times more likely to among the 10 percent of children recorded as displaying the developmental disorder every year. Only 75 percent of boys and 60 percent of girls with ADD are also diagnosed with hyperactivity, so it is possible to have ADD without the hyperactive symptoms.
Both disabilities are considered "spectrum disorders," meaning they have several types with differing symptoms and ability levels within the overall diagnosis. Researchers are beginning to recognize that there maybe a correlation between ADHD and Asperger's syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism. However, experts clearly state that children who might show the signs of ADHD in early school years will clearly separate the symptoms into one diagnosis or the other in time.
-
Autism Symptoms
-
Many children with autism have difficulty with social interactions, whether is it playing with other children or making eye contact with adults. Giggling or laughing at inappropriate times can also be a symptom. Children with autism seem to go to extremes with activity--they are either noticeably underactive or extremely overactive. Overactive children show little response to treatment with stimulant medications. Anxiety over change of routine and in new situations can also present itself in children with autism.
ADHD/ADD Symptoms
-
Children with ADHD have trouble with turn-taking situations, whether it is in games, a conversation or waiting for a piece of playground equipment. They tend to be fearless or unaware of the consequences their actions may cause. Those diagnosed with hyperactivity tend to overactive all the time, even in their sleep.
-
Common Symptoms
-
Children with either disorder can have severe temper tantrums and refuse physical affection. They display delayed gross and fine motor skills on the playgrounds and in classrooms. Both make careless mistakes and their work is sloppy. Both diagnoses show sensory oversensitivity to outside stimuli such as clothing, bright lights, noises and textures.
Autism and Diet
-
Studies have shown that many children with autism display specific food allergies to casein and gluten. Foods with casein include dairy products such as milk, butter, cheese, yogurt and some kinds of margarine. Casein is added to some soy cheeses and soy hot dogs. Foods with gluten include whole grains, oats, spelt, semolina, couscous and even soy sauce and hydrolyzed vegetable proteins. Removing these allergens can greatly reduce the severity of the symptoms of autism in some children.
ADD/ADHD and Diet
-
Children with ADD and ADHD can also benefit from dietary changes. Changing from white flour products to whole grain products, adding in lean proteins and reducing sugar are all effective. Food additives have also been known to worsen ADHD behaviors. Supplementing diet with amino acids, vitamins and minerals is recommended.
-
