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AUTISM is a developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain. Autism appears to be four times more prevalent in boys than girls.
Many autistic infants are different from birth. Two common characteristics may include arching their back away from their caregiver to avoid physical contact and failing to anticipate being picked up. As infants they may be quiet most of the time, making little if any demands, or the other extreme, one who cries a great deal, sometimes nonstop, and may begin to rock and or bang their head against the crib.
Some autistic toddlers reach developmental milestones, such as talking, crawling, and walking, much earlier than the average child; whereas others are considerably delayed. Approximately one-half of autistic children develop normally until somewhere between 1 1/2 to 3 years of age; then autistic symptoms begin to emerge. Some people in the field believe that candida albicans, vaccinations, exposure to a virus, or the onset of seizures may be responsible for the onset of these symptoms.
During early childhood, autistic children may fall behind their same-aged peers in the areas of communication, social skills, and cognition. In addition, dysfunctional behaviors may start to appear, such as repetitive, non-goal directed behavior, (as rocking, hand-flapping), self-injury (hand-biting, headbanging), sleeping and eating problems, poor eye contact, insensitivity to pain, hyper-/hypo-activity, and attention deficits.
Autistic individuals sometimes have difficulty with the transition to puberty. As many as 25% have seizures for the first time during puberty which may be due to hormonal changes. In addition, many behavior problems can become more frequent and more severe during this period. Although some autistic individuals experience puberty with relative ease.
In adulthood, some people with autism live at home with their parents; some live in residential facilities; some live semi-independently (such as in a group home); and others live completely independent. There are autistic adults who graduate from college and receive graduate degrees; and some develop adult relationships and may marry. In the workplace, many autistic adults can be reliable and conscientious workers. Some autistic individuals may have difficulty getting a job since many of them are socially awkward and may have difficulty during a job interview.

Causes of autism may be contributed to by a variety of factors. There is some indication of a genetic influence in autism. Currently, a great deal of research has been focused on locating the 'autism gene' however, many researchers speculate that three to five genes may be associated with autism. There is also evidence that the genetic link to autism may be heightened by a weakened or compromised immune system. Some research has shown that depression and/or dyslexia are quite common in one or both sides of the family when autism is present. There is also evidence that a virus can cause autism. There is an increased risk in having an autistic child after exposure to rubella during the first trimester of the pregnancy. Cytolomegalo virus has also been associated with autism. Another growing concern is that vaccinations, such as the measles component of the MMR vaccine and the pertussis component of the DPT shot, may cause autism. It is currently under consideration that toxins and pollution in the environment can also lead to autism. Past research uncovered a high prevalence of autism in the small town of Leomenster, Massachusetts, where a factory manufacturing sunglasses was once located. Interestingly, the highest proportion of autism cases were found in the homes downwind from the factory smokestacks.

Several brain abnormalities in individuals with autism have been located by researchers. The reasons for these abnormalities are not known nor is the influences on their behavior. These abnormalities can be classified into two types--dysfunctions in the neural structure of the brain and abnormal biochemistry of the brain.
With respect to brain structure, two areas in the limbic system tend to appear as underdeveloped--the amygdala and the hippocampus. These two areas are responsible for emotions, aggression, sensory input, and learning. Researchers also have found there may be a deficiency of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum.
With respect to biochemistry, many autistic individuals have elevated levels of serotonin in their blood and cerebral spinal fluid, whereas others have relatively low levels of serotonin. It should be mentioned that other disorders, such as Down Syndrome, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and unipolar depression are also associated with abnormal levels of serotonin.
A dysfunctional immune system has also been associated with autism. It is thought that a viral infection or an environmental toxin may be responsible for damaging the immune system. There is also historical evidence of a genetic association to a compromised immune system. Researchers have found that many autistic individuals have a decreased number of helper t-cells which help the immune system fight infection.
Evidence exists that the gut or intestinal tract of autism children may be impaired. Researchers have documented yeast overgrowths (candida albicans), low levels of phenyl sulfur transferase, and measles virus in their intestinal tract. This further supports the role of virus' and vaccines in leading causes of autism.

Impairment of the senses in autistic individuals can involve the auditory, visual, tactile, taste, vestibular, olfactory (smell), and proprioceptive senses. These senses may be hypersensitive, hyposensitive, or may result in the person experiencing auditory interference such as tinnitus ( a ringing in the ears).
Sensory impairments may also make it difficult for the individual to withstand normal stimulation. For example, some autistic individuals are tactilely defensive and avoid all forms of body contact, while others seem to 'crave' deep pressure.
In some autistic individuals there may be hypersensitive hearing, discomfort when exposed to certain sounds or frequencies. These individuals often cover their ears and/or tantrum after hearing sounds such as a baby's cry or the sound of a motor. In contrast, some individuals may appear deaf because they appear unresponsive to sounds.

Lifestyle changes and Products which support responsive development in autistic individuals:
Remove wheat and dairy from the diet. Use rice or almond milk and non wheat, non-gluten products, such as quinoa, millet, oats, and rye grains in cereals and pastas.
Reduce carbohydrate intake and make sure protein is consumed at every meal!
Avoid all artificially sweetened products, sugars, sodas and carbonated drinks.