Is Autism just another made up 'illness' designed to boost doctor's bank accounts?

Question

I found this as a definition of autism:
"Autism is a disorder of brain function that appears early in life, generally before the age of three. Children with autism have problems with social interaction, communication, imagination and behavior. Autistic traits persist into adulthood, but vary in severity. Some adults with autism function well, earning college degrees and living independently. Others never develop the skills of daily living, and may be incorrectly diagnosed with a variety of psychiatric illnesses. The cause is unknown."
Which sounds like so much bs to me. What is being described here is just an average person.

Sheesh folks! Lighten up! I only asked a question and said that I _thought_ the disease was bs and most of you flamed me for it.
dtwladyhawk, thank you. Yours was (and so far is) the only response to that question that actually described someone with autism. I _have_ looked farther than the dictionary and the 'autistic' child that I was shown appeared _to me_ to be a misbehaved brat but not ill in any way.

Answer 1

I can tell you are a bit cynical, due your question alone. Illnesses based on genetics have been around for centuries. Once a list of criteria is met, nowadays, there is a 'name' given to the illness so doctors don't just call it the 312th illness. Autism is hereditary and both parents carry the gene, another reason for genetic testing. These children rarely have eye contact with anyone. They don't come to mommy for hugs. They live pretty much in their own head-and that is where the question becomes very sad, what are they thinking?? Anything?? Yes, some autistics are fortunate in that their symptoms are such that they can function. But, they are still autistic. It really is a wonderful time in medicine because we do recognize illnesses quicker and they are treated earlier. I do not discount at all the possiblity that environment has a role in these illnesses, autism is increasing geometrically. I had breast cancer and there is no cancer in my family, but I do live on the Ohio River with industry everywhere. So, where is Erin Brokovich when you need her.

Answer 2

No, it is a very real disorder. From your post I can tell you've never met an Autistic child, so why don't you go to a labratory school, like the ones on many college campuses and see for yourself. Children who have various Autistic Specrum Diorders, suffer in almost all aspect of life. One example is in social settings. For instance, when trying to move to a different activity, a child with a Autism usually has a difficult time transitioning, and might through a tantrum that can last upward of 30-60 minutes, this however happens with really young children, and usually subsides about 6 or 7. But this is only one example, kids with Autism don't see the world the same as "normal" children or adults do.

Answer 3

Autism is a very real diagnosis. Any parent of an autistic child will attest to that. Asperger's syndrome is a form of autism with many of the same characteristics, but people with Asperger's are able to function at a higher level.

Asperger's syndrome and autism have become controvercial lately because it has been popularized as a "catch-all" diagnosis for people whose symptoms and characteristics are not easily explained by another diagnosis. I have seen children with odd social skills given this diagnosis, even though no one really knows what is going on.

Autism and Asperger's are VERY REAL, however, just as ADD and ADHD were diagnosed all over the place a few years ago, the same is being done with Autism and Asperger's.

Answer 4

Unfortunately Autism is a real disability.

Computer Assisted Axial Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, an Electroencephalogram, and even genetic testing can all be used to detect autism. FMRIs (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) can often be, for a trained technician or physician, an easy way to detect such disabilities.

In addition to pathological evidence found in lab work, several organizations have classified autism through various resources. These organizations include the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Psychological Association (APA), and the American Psychiatric Association. In addition, autism is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV).

Main points of controversy surrounding autism most likely relate to its existence as a mental disorder and whether or not it should be treated. Like all mental disorders, the diagnosis of autism may rely heavily on anthropological factors. One criterion for the classification of mental disorders is the abnormality of behavior compared to that of those who are “normal” in a society. Clearly autistic people can sometimes function normally, but there are always aspects, especially in severe cases, where life in our modern society is far from the norm. My opinion is that through these societal, neurological, psychological, and psychiatric perspectives autism is most definitely a disorder. Whether or not it should be treated? If I had an autistic child I would be the greatest support I could, but I would do as much as I could to treat and help that child develop. For more information on the ethical side, you may want to get answers or talk to parents of autistic children.

Answer 5

Yeah-that's freaking retarded. Thats why we've medical doctors and medication. As for what's incorrect with human beings- i imagine the election of GW Bush confirmed that stupidity is the norm in united states. I mean- in case you do not have self assurance in technological information, why would you've self assurance some thing a medical specialist has to assert? talking of which, technological information isn't some thing which will be "believed in" because we've data for it- notwithstanding the Creationists look to have confident numerous those who technological information is as made up as faith. Oh yeah, i became pissed when I stated it became WI too. Then I stated they moved there from CA, and became a lot less shocked... :(

Answer 6

Autism is referred to as a "spectrum" disorder, meaning there is a wide variety of types and severities. Although there is still much to be learned about this disorder, there are clinical diagnoses already being used. Even in infancy, children follow a pattern of social interaction, and those who do not show these signs may be at risk. Fortunately, with early diagnosis, more can be done to help minimize the effects.

Answer 7

HI there,

Not really. Autism is not made up. It's a reality. But, it is such a wide spectrum, that's why, some autistics might become independent at some stage in their life, and some may remain non-verbal and dependent all their life.

You may like to visit the following sites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autism#DSM_definition

The following is a PDF file of a characteristics-picture poster that might help you understand the nature of autism straight away.

http://www.nas.org.uk/content/1/c4/78/29/Pin%20People%20poster.pdf

Also, you may like to borrow video cassettes from and autism
related organisations and watch the behaviours of autistics.

However, until recently the causes of autism was not known.
But this has changed and scientists now agree that there surely lies a genetic factor behind autism.
Try googling BBC and autism.

Regards,
Anna.

Answer 8

Autism is a very real disorder. For someone who hasn't been exposed to it this is a very legitimate question. People shouldn't be so quick to jump down your throat about the question.

I have a 9.5 year old son who was diagnosed at the age of 3. He had many issues that are very typical of a 3 year old typically developing child. The one thing that caused alarm bells to ring was his loss of language and the temper tantrums that in a typical child last for a few minutes. My son's tantrums ran for hours on end. Primarily out of frustration because he had no means to communicate with us. Most of those issues ebbed considerably when a form of communication called PECS www.pecs.com was introduced to him.

After we stopped vaccinating him (and his older sister) and began to address the physical issues associated with autism (I prefer to call it mercury poisoning) with supplements and chelation we began to see improvements. The day may come when we can recover him. If not well I guess God has his reasons. I have learned from my son than anyone else in my 45 years of life.

For those interested I have a group on yahoo called autism and vaccinations. The link is: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/autism_and_vaccinations

Answer 9

Hey, I think it's great that you looked up the definition for autism, which obviously confused you more than before. I think to truly understand it, one must know a person with autism. There are many degrees of the affliction ie aspberger's syndrome. I suggest you try to find a local chapter of autism in your area and do some type of volunteering so you may learn more about it. Or go to the public library and see if there are any documentary video tapes/dvd's on autism. Good luck.

Answer 10

You've clearly never dealt with an autistic child. The two I know both have definite problems interacting with others. The one I knew well is very, very smart, and will probably do well as an adult. I don't know enough about the other one to make a prediction.

I suggest you wait until you have actual first-hand information before you make a judgement call on this issue.