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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Autism

Symptoms & Signs

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

A person with autism may have many symptoms. Autism can vary in degree. It can range from mild symptoms to more severe forms with intense symptoms that may affect every part of a person's life.

All of the symptoms can vary in degree. Not every symptom is seen in each person who has autism. The symptoms include:

Difficulty communicating. Spoken language usually develops slowly or not at all. Words are often used in the wrong way. A person with autism may use gestures more than words. He or she may also tend to repeat words or phrases. A person who has autism may have a short attention span.

Difficulty in social interaction. A person with autism often has little interest in interacting with others. He or she may not smile in response to others or make eye contact . A person who has autism often spends a lot of time alone and makes little effort to form friendships.

Senses that are lessened or more intense. Some persons with autism have little response to any of the five senses. Others may have heightened senses. For example, when an autistic person hears a loud noise, he or she may cover his or her ears for a long time. An infant or child with autism may avoid hugging or any kind of touching.

Difficulty in play. A child who has autism may lack interest in playing with others. He or she may not be able to engage in imaginative play.

Extremes in behavior. People who have autism may be overactive or extremely passive. They may go from one extreme to the other. Some may show an obsessive interest in a single item, idea, or activity. They may use repeated body movements. Examples are flapping arms, rocking back and forth, or head banging. People who have autism may lack common sense. And they may be aggressive with themselves or others.

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