one child has autism.
[{"role": "system", "content": "Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by troubles with social interaction and communication. Often there is also restricted and repetitive behavior. Parents usually notice signs in the first two or three years of their child's life. These signs often develop gradually, though some children with autism reach their developmental milestones at a normal pace and then worsen. Autism is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors include certain infections during pregnancy such as rubella as well as valproic acid, alcohol, or cocaine use during pregnancy. Controversies surround other proposed environmental causes; for example the vaccine hypotheses, which have been disproven. Autism affects information processing in the brain by altering how nerve cells and their synapses connect and organize; how this occurs is not well understood. In the DSM V, autism is included within the autism spectrum (ASDs), along with Asperger syndrome which is less severe, and pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). Early speech or behavioral interventions can help children with autism gain self-care, social, and communication skills. Although there is no known cure, there have been cases of children who recovered.\n"}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "I've been dealing with my child's autism and I can tell you it's hard."}, {"role": "user", "content": "sorry to hear that :( i have a friend with autism. he is socially awkward but he is such an amazing friend! And he knows so much"}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "Yeah they're having troubles with social interaction and communication. But people with autism are very amazing too."}, {"role": "user", "content": "they are! I feel like he is the most caring and kind friend i have. he is so sincere. Do you know how autism is diagnosed? "}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "Parents usually notice signs in the first two or three years of the child's life. After that it's time to go to the specialist."}, {"role": "user", "content": "interesting. Is there any treatment? Like therapy or support groups?"}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "Well yes there is constant therapy, although there isn't that much that can be done it can get better. Autism is caused by both genetic and environmental factors."}, {"role": "user", "content": "what environmental factors could cause autism/"}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "infections during pregnancy for example, such as rubella or valproic acid, alcohol intake, or cocaine use during pregnancy."}, {"role": "user", "content": "oh i didn't know that. thank you for the info!"}]