Autism is a severely handicapping disorder, which begins at
birth or within
the first 2 ½ years of life. It affects about five
children per 10,000. Most
autistic children are perfectly normal in appearance, but
spend their time
engaged in puzzling and disturbing behaviors, which are markedly
different
from those of normal children.
The causes of autism are poorly understood, although it is
clear that autism
is a biological brain disorder. In recent years there has
been a marked
increase in the percentage of children who have been able
to attend school
with normal children, and to live more or less independently
in community
settings. However, the majority of autistic persons remain
severely
handicapped in their ability to communicate and socialize
with other people.
For more information on the disorder, please visit the Autism
Research
Institute at www.autismresearchinstitute.com.
The Autism Research Institute
(ARI), a non-profit organization, was established in 1967.
ARI is primarily
devoted to conducting research, and to disseminating the results
of research,
on the causes of autism and on methods of preventing, diagnosing
and treating
autism and other severe behavioral disorders of childhood.
The institute
provides information based on research to parents and professionals
throughout the world.
Dr. Zupa provides care for individuals who have autism and
related disorders.
She focuses on hyperactivy/ADD, PDD, OCD, depression, candida,
and allergies
among others. Dr. Zupa treats patient through the use of megavitamin
therapy
and other naturopathic treatments.