Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD)

 


Autism spectrum disorder is usually based on a condition which is related to brain development which impacts how a person socialises with other people causing problems in social interaction among people and communication problems. This disorder has some limited and repetitive patterns of behaviour. The word "spectrum" in autism spectrum disorder means a wide range of symptoms and severity.


Autism spectrum disorder has some conditions that were previously considered as autism,Asperger's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and an unspecified form of pervasive developmental disorder.Till now some use the word "Asperger's syndrome," which is usually be at the mild end level of autism spectrum disorder.


Autism spectrum disorder generally starts in early childhood and eventually causes problems which actively functioning in society like socially, or school and at work. In the first year of children, symptoms will show slowly . Actually many children appear to be normal in their first year and then between 18 and 24 months of age when they develop autism symptoms.


Till now, there is no evidence of curing autism spectrum disorder. So, if you take any treatment at an early stage it makes a big difference in the lives of many children.



Autism vs. autism spectrum disorder (ASD) 


In the year of 2013, the American Psychiatric Association changed the term autism to "autism spectrum disorder".  Autism spectrum disorder now acts like an umbrella term which covers the different levels of autism. This autism spectrum includes some conditions which, includes:

  • Autism.

  • Asperger syndrome.

  • Pervasive developmental disorder 


Signs and Symptoms



The following are some signs shown by people who experience autism spectrum disorder.


Social communication and interaction


People includes child or adult with autism spectrum disorder may have some social interaction and communication skills problems which includes any of these signs:


  • Appear not to hear you at any times or fails to respond to his or her name

  • More restrictions like not to cuddle and holding others and always need to play alone and retreating into his or her own world 

  • No eye contact with others and less facial expressions

  • He or she doesn’t speak or has delayed speech ability or losing their previous ability to speak words or sentences 

  • Do not start any conversation with others or only start speaking when another person requests him or her.

  • He or she speaks with an abnormal or unusual tone or rhythm and also speak like robot-like speech and may also use a singsong voice  

  • Repeats words or phrases by copying others but doesn't understand the meaning and doesn't know how to use them 

  • And doesn't look like a person to understand simple questions or directions

  • Look like a unaware of others feelings and does not express any emotions or feelings with others 

  • Does not share anything like toys or foods

  • He or she approaching others by being passive, aggressive or disruptive

  • Have difficulties to recognize the nonverbal clues like  interpreting other people's facial expressions or emotions or body posture and voice tone.


Patterns of behaviour


People includes child or adult with autism spectrum disorder may have limited, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities to do repeatedly which includes any of these signs:


  • Usually they performs repetitive movements, such as rocking, spinning or hand flapping

  • Some activities like self harming by biting or hand banging 

  • They usually develops specific routines or rituals and it becomes disturbed when they change anything

  • And also has problems like coordination with others or he or she has odd movement patterns, such as clumsiness in all works  or walking on toes, and has odd exaggerated body language

  • He or she more fascinated by details of an object does not know the actual functioning of them, such as the spinning wheels of a toy car

  • They unusually more sensitive to  some kind of lights, sounds or touches, it may be indifferent to each person

  • Has some specific food restrictions, such as eating only a few kind of foods, or refusing foods to eat with a certain texture


Causes of autism


No one knows the exact and clear-cut cause of autism spectrum disorder. Some research shows that genetic and environmental factors are some causes of autism. Scientists believe that there could be many causes of autism spectrum disorder which act together to change the ways people develop. They still have a lot to learn about the cause of  autism spectrum disorder and how they impact ASD.


Risk factors for autism


This field is top most  in research study. Let us know the risk factors for ASD includes:


  • Parents who give birth at the age of 35 or older.

  • During pregnancy, use of valproic acid or thalidomide by the birthing parent.

  • Immature or premature labour and birth.

  • Lots of complications during birth.

  • Newborn low weight.

  • Some people have a sibling with autism.


Complications of autism


A wide variety of physical and mental conditions usually come along with autism. Some of the conditions may include:


  • Born baby feeding issues.

  • Poor or lack of sleep.

  • Digestive problems like Gastrointestinal (GI) problems.

  • Epilepsy diseases.

  • Disorders like Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

  • Anxiety and depression.

  • Some other mental health conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.


Prevention


You can’t able to prevent autism but you can lower the risk of having a baby with autism by taking specific steps, includes:


  • Live a healthy lifestyle: You should make sure that you must see your healthcare provider regularly, and eat a nutritious meal with exercise. You should get parental care and follow your doctor’s recommended vitamins and proteins.

  • Take care with medications: You should ask your healthcare provider which medications are safe and not safe to be used and which you should stop taking during your pregnancy.

  • Don’t drink: During pregnancy, no amount of alcohol is safe.

  • Keep up with your vaccinations: Before you get pregnant,get all of your healthcare provider’s recommended vaccines, including the German measles (rubella) vaccine. These vaccines help to prevent rubella-associated autism.


Tips For Parents


  • You should learn as much as possible about autism spectrum disorder

  • Always follow consistent structure and routine

  • Try to contact with with other parents of children with autism

  • Whenever you need,seek professional help for specific concerns

  • Most importantly, take time for yourself and other family members to create a bond with each other


Frequently Asked Questions


Q1. What are 5 disorders of ASD?

Ans: There are five major types of autism which include Asperger's syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, Kanner's syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified.

Q2. How is ASD treated?

Ans: The most common developmental therapy for people with ASD is Speech and Language Therapy.


Q3. When do autistic babies talk?

Ans: Some children with autism may start talking at 12-16 months. Most don't start talking until later.


Q4. What is ASD in a child?

Ans: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction.


Q5. Is there recovery from autism?

Ans: At present, there is no complete cure for Autism. The doctors will tailor a treatment program to each child to maximize their ability to learn, interact, and otherwise function well in society.

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