As the number of children with autism has grown, finding ways to treat autism has become more and more important. Autism was once very rare. In 1980, autism diagnoses were 1 in 5,000; today they are approaching 1 in 120. It has been conservatively estimated that 1.77 million individuals are now affected with autism. This makes it the most common developmental disability.

To learn more about how to treat autism, read the presentations from our scientific conference.

Children with Autism may have a range of behavioral symptoms including hyperactivity, short attention span, impulsivity, aggressiveness, self-injurious behavior and temper tantrums. They may show unusual responses to sensory stimuli as observed by a lack of response to pain or a hypersensitivity to particular sounds. In addition, children with Autism often have unusual eating and sleeping habits and are described as being either agitated and irritable or aloof and detached. These childhood developmental disorders (CDDs) interfere with the normal development of the brain in the areas of reasoning, social interaction, motor skills, communication skills, and attention. Children with CDDs typically have deficiencies in verbal and nonverbal communication, social interaction, and play activities. These disorders make it difficult to communicate with others and to relate to the outside world, leading to social isolation.

At Thoughtful House Center for Children, we're fighting to treat autism through research, medical treatment, and education.