Autism Spectrum Disorder

 

Autism Spectrum disorder(ASD) is a condition related to brain development that affects people's behaviour in society, Causing problems in social communication. This disorder includes repetitive patterns of behaviour. The term “Spectrum” in autism spectrum disorder means a wide range of symptoms and severity.

Autism Spectrum disorder includes several stages of conditions that separate autism from the disorder which includes Asperger's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and an unspecified form of pervasive developmental disorder. Many people still use the term “Asperger's syndrome”, which is generally referred to as the mild end of autism spectrum disorder.

ASD usually begins in early childhood and in order to that causes problems in society like socially,in school, work or functions. For example, mostly children show symptoms within the first year. But a small number of children appear to be normal in the first year, but between 18 to 24 months of age children develop their autism symptoms.

Now, there is no cure for ASD(spectrum disorder), but you can live well with this disorder through an early treatment. It makes a big difference in the lives of many children.

Causes of autism

Till now, there is no cure for ASD. Research shows that there’s no single cause for ASD. Risk factors includes -

• Having a close family member who’s autistic
• Some genetic mutations
• X syndrome and other genetic disorders
• Born to older parents
• Having Low birth weight
• Metabolic imbalances
• Exposure to heavy metals and toxins
• Viral infections of maternal history
• Fetal exposure to the medications

Signs and Symptoms of ASD

Social Communication and Interaction Skills

People with ASD have many challenges in Social Communication and Interaction. Some Examples of social communication and social interaction characteristics related to ASD can include -

• Avoiding or not wanting to keep eye contact.
• Does not respond to name under the age of 9 months
• Not showing any facial expressions like happy,sad,angry under the age of 9 months
• Does not play any games by 12 months age
• Use few gestures or no gestures by 12 months of age
• Does not share objects with others by 15 months of age
• Does not point to objects / places something interesting to you by 18 months of age
• Does not notice anybody who are upset or hurt by the age of 24 months
• Does not mingle with other children to play by the age of 36 months
• Does not pretend like some others like a teacher, or superhero, during play by 48 months of age
• Does not show any interest in singing, dancing or acting for you by the age of 60 months

Restricted or Repetitive Behaviours or Interests

ASD people have some set of behaviours or interests that can seem unusual.

ASD apart from these behaviours or interests of conditions defined by problems with social communication and interaction only.

Some examples of people WIth ASD has set of restricted or repetitive behaviours and interests includes -

• Make line of toys or objects and gets upset if there is any change in order
• Shouting repetitive words or phrases over and over
• Play with same toys in the same way
• Whether he/she is focused on parts of objects
• More often gets upset by small changes
• Has more obsessive interest
• They should follow same routines
• spins self in circles or rocks body and flaps hands
• Giving unusual responds to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel

Test to diagnose autism

An Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis involves:

• several screenings
• genetic tests
• evaluations

Developmental screenings

Screening can only help to identify ASD in children early. Earlier diagnosis and treatment has many benefits with ASD people. It's more important to consider that screening is not a diagnosis. Most children who have a positive screen for ASD do not have it necessarily. In addition to that, Screenings do not always identify ASD in every child who’s autistic.

Other screenings and tests

• Take DNA test for genetic diseases or problems
• Do more often behavioural evaluation
• Make sure to visual and audio tests to rule out any issues with vision and hearing that aren’t related to ASD
• You can use occupational therapy screening
• developmental questionnaires

Determining the diagnosis

Diagnosis should be done by a team of specialists. This team may include:

• child psychologists
• occupational therapists
• speech and language pathologists

Treatment

There is Big NO “cure” for autism, there are several interventions that can improve a child’s behaviour:

Applied behavioural analysis: It involves systematic study of child’s functional challenges, which is used to create a structured plan for improving child's behaviour and decreasing inappropriate functioning of children. 

Social skills training:  It can be done in groups or individually. This type helps children with autism improve their behaviour to navigate social situations.

Speech & language therapy: this therapy can improve the child’s speech patterns and understanding of language.

Occupational therapy: This therapy helps to adaptive skills deficits with activities of daily living, as well as problems with handwriting

Parent management training: Parents must learn the effective ways for problematic autistic children's behaviours. And also encouraging appropriate behaviour in their child. Groups like Parent support groups help parents to cope with the stress of raising a child with autism

Special education services:

Using the Individual Education Plan provided by their school, which accommodates their social communication problems, not more of interests, and repetitive behaviours, children with autism will achieve their fullest potential academically. This plan includes special day classes for very young children for language, social, and life skills.

Treating co-occurring conditions:

Children with autism may experience various issues like insomnia, anxiety, and depression more often than peers without autism. They also have ADHD more often. The effects of these conditions can also be cured with the proper services, which include all of the above treatment plans, in addition to that list, psychotherapy and/or medication treatment.

Medication: A child psychiatrist can evaluate the problems facing by autistic problems like depression, anxiety, and impulsivity. Appropriate medications can be helpful for autistic people. For example, autism-related problems can be reduced by medications such as aripiprazole and risperidone.

Tips For Parents

• Try to learn as much as possible about autism spectrum disorder
• Provide consistent structure and routine to your child
• Make a strong connect with other parents of children with autism
• You must seek professional help for specific concerns
• Make sure to take time for yourself and other family members

Conclusion

If you have a child with autism it will affect the whole family. And also, it can be stressful, time-consuming and expensive for any of them. Giving more attention to the physical and emotional well-being of the whole family is important. Many international and local advocacy organisations provide tips, information, resources and also give support to individuals with autism (ASD) and their families.

The most effective therapies can be used for early and intensive behavioural support. If a child is identified in these programs in early stages, the better their outlook will be.

Make a note, ASD is complex. It takes more time for an autistic person, whether a child or adult to find the support best suited for people with ASD.