Autism

Autism is a development disorder of the brain. The condition can exist to varying extents, which led to the creation of the Autism Spectrum Disorder. People with severe cases may be aggressive and try to harm themselves, whereas other people with a milder form may appear to have a personality disorder. Autism is often diagnosed before the age of three and it is important to distinguish it from hearing disorders. Autistic children may have learning and speech disabilities.

Symptoms: a child is usually unresponsiveness to other people and the environment, indifferent to affection, agitated, withdrawn into themselves, unusual behaviours (e.g. constant rocking or sitting in silence for hours) and may cry whenever they are awake.

Who to consult: Dietician, GP, herbalist, learning consultant, neurologist, paediatrician, psychologist, speech therapist.