Cheryl had suspected something might be unusual about her son, Sean, since he was an infant. Unlike most children who mold themselves to a caregiver's body when picked up, Sean, who is now 10-years-old, arched his back as though in pain. Cheryl later learned that the behavior, the response of a child overly sensitive to touch, was an early sign of autism.

Autism, whose causes are not fully understood, is a life-long disability. The condition, which can be mild or severe, manifests itself in various and often-conflicting ways. For instance, while some infants with autism are markedly passive, others seem to be overly agitated. Similarly, some autistic toddlers crawl; walk and talk at an early age while other are late developers.

However, as they grow, children with autism usually develop classic symptoms. Normally these youngsters fall behind their peers in areas including communication, social skills and understanding. At the same time, certain dysfunctional behaviors can arise including rocking and hand biting.

The positive news for parents and children diagnosed with autism is that a number of treatments have proven effective in improving certain autistic symptoms. These include medication such as Ritalin, nutritional supplements including Vitamin B6 with magnesium and sensory integration training, a process used to reduce sensitivities. Another treatment involves the removal of certain foods and substances from a child's diet.

In a number of cases, such treatments are making significant differences, enabling children with autism to grow up, complete schooling, find a mate and otherwise live rich and fulfilling lives. It's a future that both Cheryl and Sean have put their faith in.

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