Zoloft is an antidepressant medication that has been linked with autism spectrum disorder. Autism spectrum disorder pertains to a complex developmental disability that has problems with communicating and interacting with others. There is no cure for autism or for those under the spectrum but treatments can be done to minimize the symptoms. Behavioural therapies are one of the treatments done to reinfornce positive behaviors and remove the undesirable ones. These therapies can also be in conjunction with medications just like talk therapies and antidepressants in kids with OCD.
Symptoms of Autism
Generally, these signs and symptoms are seen in people with autism regardless of the severity of the condition.
· Troubles with both spoken and unspoken communication. Problems with communication may depend on the type of the disorder that the person has under the spectrum.
· These individuals have difficulty in dealing with people and social situations. Usually, these individuals find it difficult to share their feelings, hold a conversation and relate to others.
· Routines or repetitive behaviors are also evident in people with autism. Repetition of actions not just evident but words as well. Most people with autism obsessively follow a particular routine or behaviour and they are greatly upset if changes in these routines occur.
Disorders Under Autism Spectrum Disorder
· Autistic Disorder
This is otherwise known as classic autism.
This is viewed as the most severe where communication problems as well as problems with social interaction are distinguished. These people can get distracted over specific sounds, colors and patterns. They have a ritual or routine and changes are upsetting to them.
· Asperger’s Syndrome
Individuals with Asperger’s have autism-like symptoms though their intelligence are normal as well as their verbal skills. They however have impairment in social interaction and communication. They also tend to have a distinct obsession with a single object or topic and most often, they ignore other objects or topics. This disorder is considered to be the mildest form of autism.
· Atypical Autism (Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified)
This has symptoms of the classic autism and other conditions under pervasive developmental disorders. Individuals having this condition may have problems in speech and interaction and they are extremely sensitive to the environment. There are a lot of factors that may be considered as risk for the child to acquire autism and one of them is medications.
Studies show that autism and other conditions under the spectrum are associated with Zoloft birth defects which is why women should be careful when taking the drug.

October 22nd, 2011
sergit
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