Tell me please what we DO know about autism and how it works. I am not asking what we don't know.?

Answer 1

There's no cure for autism, and there's no "one-size-fits-all" treatment. In fact, the range of home-based and school-based treatments and interventions for autism can be overwhelming. Your doctor can help identify resources in your area that may work for your child. Treatment options may include:

Behavioral and communication therapies. Many programs have been developed to address the range of social, language and behavioral difficulties associated with autism. Some programs focus on reducing problem behaviors and teaching new skills. Other programs focus on teaching children how to act in social situations or how to communicate better with other people.
Drug therapies. Right now, there are no medications that directly improve the core signs of autism. But some medications can help control symptoms. Stimulants can help with hyperactivity, while antipsychotic drugs sometimes will control repetitive and aggressive behaviors.
Complementary approaches. Some parents choose to supplement educational and medical intervention with complementary therapies, such as art therapy, music therapy, special diets, vitamin and mineral supplements, and sensory integration — which focuses on reducing a child's hypersensitivity to touch or sound. However, there is no scientific proof that these therapies work. It's important to talk with your child's doctor before trying any treatment.

Autism has no single, identifiable cause. The disorder seems to be related to abnormalities in several regions of the brain. Researchers have identified a number of gene defects associated with autism.

Families with one autistic child have a one in 20 chance of having a second child with the disorder. In some cases, relatives of autistic children show mild impairments in social and communication skills or engage in repetitive behaviors.

Children with symptoms of autism have a higher than normal risk of also having:

Fragile X syndrome, which causes mental retardation
Tuberous sclerosis, in which tumors grow in the brain
Tourette's syndrome
Epilepsy
Some people believe autism is caused by vaccines — particularly the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR), as well as vaccines containing thimerosal, a preservative that contains a very small amount of mercury. But extensive studies have shown no link between vaccines and autism.

Answer 2

There are a lot of facts people do know about Autism. The single most helpful website that I have found about dispelling some of the myths is www.kylestreehouse.org. I also recommend www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm , this is an Autism fact sheet. I have done a great deal of research on it, considering I myself was diagnosed with asperger (which is almost identical to Autism) last year. If there is any other way I can help let me know.