Autism is an ailment of the mind, which comes across within the first couple of years of a child's life. The suffering child would have problems in communication, be withdrawn and would not have too many interests. Autism affects three times as many boys as girls and its cause is unknown, although some believe it to be hereditary.

According to statistics provided by National Institute of Mental Health, over half a million people are autism patients in the US. However early intervention in terms of diagnosis and treatment can have a very positive impact on the improvement of a child's language and communication skills, though no cure has still been found. A disorder in the process of development of the brain, autism reduces the power of self control in a child and this in turn can make him participate in some activities which could be harmful to both the child and others.

To rehabilitate an autistic child's expressing abilities and restore self discipline, the child needs personalized attention. Angry outbursts or depression attacks would mostly be controlled by drug therapy recommended by doctors. Since no two patients are alike, treatment modes also has to be customized. Thus the right kind of care and treatment for an autistic child becomes very expensive.

A balanced and nutrition-rich diet can add much value to any behavioral therapy which the autistic child is subjected. As parents need to give their autistic children balanced healthy meals, they need to be careful that gluten, dairy products or sugars are banned from their diets. The child must have two meals per day focusing on fresh fruits and vegetables as well as doctor recommended vitamin supplements. Stevia is considered to be the ideal sweetening agent for people suffering from autism and diabetes. Available at all major health stores, stevia is a native herb of South America and is a good choice against sugar.

Generally, treatment for an autistic child is a never ending exercise, as the person will continually need guidance. Not many patients of autism can manage to live life without taking help from others though some are known to possess some unbelievable talents. Most autistic people would not be able to cross from the school level to the work place mainly due to their childlike nature. There are some who feel that autism is a state of mind and not quite a disorder and there could be some truth in it as you see the incredible artistic or musical talents of some autistic people.