Can an autistic child never lead a normal life? How should we treat them?
I think this very much depends on the degree of autism, as well as the degree to which the child recovers in the early years and whether he has comorbid conditions or learning disability or giftedness.There is really a very wide range of outcomes, from lifelong dependence to a normal, even blessed life with marriage, family, and professional accomplishment.I would point out though that the term “normal” is biased in a majoritarian way. The autistic person is typically less socially engaged than the neurotypical person, but by the same token may be more engaged in work. It’s been shown that Aspies take on more difficult work tasks for less reward. So there is a certain amount of judgment here. The autistic person will typically do poorly in some areas, but excel in others, and often suffers more because of society’s insensitivities than from autism itself.As to treatment, there is no cure, but specialized training, psychotherapy, educational programs, and in some cases medications such as SSRI’s can help. If I were to point to anything, it would be the damage done to autistic children by social rejection and schoolyard bullying. This leaves most autistic people emotionally scarred and socially phobic. The schools need to do a much better job of preventing bullying, and have to recognize that the autistic child does not naturally fit in a program of extrinsic rewards, which is to say he does not study to earn a good grade and please his teachers and parents, but will study avidly if his own interests are engaged.
Can a child (3 years old) with mild autism lead a normal life? Can mild autism be cured?
I'm 26 years old and I have Asperger's syndrome (that's a mild form of autism). I live a pretty normal life. I'm married, own an apartment and work full time. I'm highly functional, but am noticably quite different from other people. There have been obstacles in my life because of my autistic traits, but I have found ways to be successful. There are both advantages and disadvantages to autistic traits. Since autism is a spectrum disorder it's hard to say exactly how some particular autistic child's life will be. Most who have mild forms of autism can lead a pretty normal life once they grow up. I think in many cases the hardest part is childhood, when autistic children are always behind their peers in social development/maturity despite sometimes being ahead of their peers in terms of intelligence. It is very good when a child is diagnosed at such an early age and can get help right from the start. That usually helps a lot. There is no cure for autism, but there are many ways to help the person develop the skills they need and reduce the symptoms/difficulties they have. I'd say that a child with mild autism who is diagnosed so early and gets help right away has very good chances of living a pretty normal life when they grow older.
Do I have to hide my mental illness in order to lead a normal and healthy life?
As for normal and healthy life that is indeed possible after all we do have medications which are very effective in treating vast majority of cases - the catch is to find the right ones so the doctor role is important (a good doctor is critical). When you take the right medications the issues related to illness will dissipate. As for hiding that is a good question - there is still quite a stigma associated to those types of illnesses even among doctors (non-psychiatrists) I did encounter a doctor which asked my why I take medications for "crazy people" (When told about use of SSRI). This is what makes most people to avoid seeking help in the first place - resulting in self-medication attempts usually with alcohol.I don't hide it and if asked I am honest about it. In almost all cases they are somewhat surprised (as it often challenges their stereotype) and curious but never openly hostile. Sometimes it's turn out they suffer from similar problems too.As for coming to terms with it. I accepted the fact that this is illness (depression and insomnia) just like the others and seeking treatment is normal behavior - after all I want to live normal life and be productive which is exactly what happened. The difficult part for me was fact that medications while working well are required in my case (when discontinued most symptoms return) - that makes used to made me fell just like alcoholic or junkie. I do not deny fact that I am dependent on their effects for maintaining normal and productive life but still it would like some permanent cure (like diabetic would like to become insulin-free). This is what I am usually talking with doctor about and he address my concerns as it is better to take medicine and be healthy rather than be "clean" and be dysfunctional or even worse medicate with alcohol (which quite often leads to even more dysfunction).
Can a child diagnosed with autism lead a normal functioning adult life if he undergoes therapy? Why?
It depends very much on the particular conditions of the child. The diagnosis of autism covers a wide spectrum ranging from high functioning Asperger’s to very severe disability. In the latter case, it is quite unlikely that the child will participate normally in society in adulthood, and it may always need special assistance.For high functioning autistic children, it makes often sense to see their brains not as faulty, but as wired in a different way than normal people. Their attention is directed on other things, perhaps they may perceive with greater detail and less generality, they may have less instinctive empathy, they may be sensitive to noise and smell, they could be more interested in ideas than in people. They will probably never be “normal”, like the majority of other people, but they can be totally “normal” among the right peers, and live an amazing life, contributing to society in many ways in which “normal” people cannot. Many of the greatest scientists and artists have some form of autism, because it takes an unusual ability to focus on things beyond everyday social interactions and unusual interests to achieve unusual things.The mind of an autistic child can learn to compensate for many quirks over time. The first step in that is to acknowledge and accept the difference, and then to find ways of how to interact in useful ways with the world.
Can people with Asperger's Syndrome lead a normal life?
Many people with Asperger's syndrome lead very "normal" lives. There is nothing in the diagnostic criteria that makes anything that can be done by a person impossible, difficult often times but not impossible. You can be diagnosed with this and still hold full time jobs, have careers outside of some restrictive interest, date, get married, have children be sociable, the possibilities are endless provided you're willing to acknowledge your weaknesses and determine what your normal will be. Being comparative will make you feel like you've missed out on a lot and that things will never change but it can. One of the good things about Asperger's is that with proper training and practice you can teach yourself to appear less autistic which is about as normal as any normal person really is, they have their quirks and anomolies as well no one is exactly adherent to some norm. If you have access to a medical system that can test and treat AS then look into that, if not research self help online and join a forum site or two, people going through the same thing can be very helpful and inspiring. Its not hopeless, just believe that and be patient with yourself.
Can a person with cerebal palsy lead a normal life?
I think it depends on how severe it is and the part of the brain that is damaged (cerebral palsy is brain damage.) My older brother has cerebral palsy. He is 40 years old and he averages out to function at the average 8 year old level. His speech is garbled. He walks funny. He doesn't know how to read, or do math. He never picks up the toilet seat when he uses the bathroom. But I love him, he is smart in other ways though. He keeps busy. He attends a sheltered workshop during the day. He loves to be outside. He has to be busy doing something. He does not give up. He is funny. He is happy. He will never live on his own. After my parents get too old to take care of him he will live with me if he wants to. He may go to a group home with staff there 24/7. I am not going to lie to you. It was hard growing up with him, but I would not trade it for anything. And your question about can he grow out of it, he most likely will not. They are still looking for a cure.
Do children diagnosed with autism lead normal lives as adults?
There are generally two types of autistic: high functioning and low functioning. Low functioning autistic adults need constant care. They generally live at home with their parents or in residential facilities where their needs can be constantly addressed. For most of these individuals, the world is a far away place that they cannot reach. Group homes and residential facilities are rare and highly expensive so many low functioning autistic adults are taken care of by their families. On the other hand, high functioning autistic adults can be highly successful and lead relatively normal lives. They can work, support and care for themselves, and live on their own. This is not to say they do not face any problems. In fact, many high functioning autistic adults see their main problem as the way others perceive them. The ability of adults with autism to take care of themselves is often directly related to the need-based education they received as children. If properly taught social responses and accepted behaviors, autistic adults can function as contributing members of society. They can have families, careers, and social lives. However, the majority of even high-functioning autistic adults live at home or in residential facilities. In terms of employment, autistic adults usually are best suited to jobs that address their particular strengths. According to research, autistic adults generally have limited short-term memory, but excellent long-term memory compared to most people. In addition, there are support groups and services that help autistic adults take care of themselves. It is difficult to offer general advice for adults with autism because autism is a spectrum disorder. Some may need constant care, while others are brilliant and innovative thinkers. Each person with autism is profoundly different and requires different levels of help.
Can autistic children lead normal lives as adults?
It depends very much on the severity of the autism, but what is really important for the degree of independence he will reach is how his parrents will educate him. Most importantly they need to reason from what this child could possibly could do & not what he maybe can't do. For example my steph-brother (G) is autistic (precise diagnosis is PDD-NOS) & his other steph-brother (R) also is autistic (Asperger's I think). Some years ago G & R both were quite reluctant to try new food or drinks. However, at a certain moment my mom & my steph-father induced G to try new food. R on the other hand got exactly the opposite treatment from his mother. G's mother & steph-father at the same time remained neutral: they didn't encourage nor discourage eating new food. The result is that nowadays G will at least try new food the first time, while R even refuses to drink cola if it isn't a certain brand.
Can autistic children lead normal lives as adults?
This is my favorite question. Yes, MANY people with Higher-Functioning autism or aspergers does lead to normal lives as adults. But there are so many high risks for most to develop depression. Yes many people with higher functioning autism are able to drive a car, be successful in school, and live on their own. That's why it's called "High-Functioning Autism" because they function better than most autistic children. He would definitely because a successful and independent adult, if he continue to seek treatment. In fact, colleges have excellent program for people with high-functioning autism. High functioning autism ONLY affect the ability to socially interact and read body language, while lower-functioning forms of autism affects the ability to socially interact AND be independent. I hope you understand why they call it "High-Functioning Autism" not that i explained it to you. For Example: Albert Einstein was thought to be High-Functioning autistic, Dyslexic, and ADD. That was because he had a hard time academically as a child and did not have many friends as a child. He had many issues growing up. But he was VERY VERY good at physics. That's how he become a VERY successful scientist. Here are a list of some famous people who have been diagnosed with high-functioning autism and some who have THOUGHT to have it: http://autism.lovetoknow.com/Famous_Peop...
I have asperger syndrome...can i still lead a normal life?
It is entirely possible. You will want to take some diagnostic tests regarding your work aptitudes to help you choose your major wisely. There is a question most of us ask while growing up that goes: "will I lead a normal life?" We all want to know that. First you must define what you want out of life. Talk with your family and doctor to see if your goals are realistic for your situation. If they are, then you have a great chance to lead that life. Just don't give up.