New enzymes may help treat specific autism symptoms

The American Academy Pediatrics Report explains that about one child of every 91 born in the United States has autism. Every single year, more than 24,000 new cases of autism are diagnosed, meaning about a new diagnosis every 20 minutes.

A study performed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explain the autism rate is lower than the rate of mental retardation but higher than rates for vision impairment, hearing loss, and cerebral palsy.

Males experience a four-fold risk of having autism than females.

Researchers explain signs of autism to include failure to respond to their name and the avoidance of eye contact. Additionally, children with autism may struggle to determine how a person is feeling as they have difficulties understanding social cues including facial expressions and vocal tones.

Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is testing certain enzymes to determine whether or not they may assist in treatment for children with autism. These medications may improve specific autism symptoms, including brain function.

According to the Autism Society of America, lifetime costs of caring for autistic children may be as high as $5 million. The United States notices costs of around $90 billion each year to pay for autism.