Autism

Overview

Autism is a serious neurological disorder related to developmental disabilities involving challenges with communication, learning and behavioural indifferences. Autism is a lifelong chronic disorder and can be diagnosed at any age but it is considered that symptoms can appear generally in the first two years of life. Autism is also referred to as autism spectrum disorder.

What is Autism?

Autism, now known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in brain development. People with ASD may experience challenges in social interactions and communication, both verbal and nonverbal. The disorder involves persistent difficulties with social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. While ASD is a lifelong condition, the impact on daily functioning varies widely among individuals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in 36 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

Autism vs. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) — Know the difference
In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association renamed autism to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is an umbrella term encompassing various levels of autism, previously considered separate conditions, including autism, Asperger syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder {not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)}.

Symptoms of Autism

Autism symptoms vary widely, from mild to severe, and differ for each individual. Early signs can be observed by parents, caregivers, or pediatricians before a child turns one, but symptoms often become more apparent around ages 2 or 3. In some cases, autism-related issues may only become noticeable when the child begins school and interacts with peers. Signs of autism include difficulties with social interactions, specific behaviors such as:

• Has poor eye contact and lacks facial expression
• Fails to respond to his/ her name or appears not to hear you at times
• Can’t start a conversation and keep one going
• Doesn’t speak or has delayed speech
• Losing the ability to say words or sentences
• Speaks with abnormal tone
• Performs repetitive moments
• Develops specific routines
• Likes to talk about the topics that interest them
• Specific food preferences
• Usually sensitive to light, touch or sound
• Doesn’t engage in imitative play
• Prevention for Autism

Causes for Autism

The exact cause of ASD is unknown. Current research indicates that multiple genetic factors may contribute to the risk of developing autism, but the interplay of these factors is complex. Much remains to be discovered about the causes and their effects on individuals with ASD.

Tests and Treatments for Autism

There is no cure for autism, but symptoms may become milder as a child grows. Your doctor will focus on behavior and development, recommending various effective interventions to enhance your child’s functioning, as per the APA:

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA): Systematic study of functional challenges to create structured plans for improving skills and reducing inappropriate behavior.

Social Skills Training: Enhances social navigation through group or individual sessions.

Speech & Language Therapy: Improves speech patterns and language understanding.

Occupational Therapy: Addresses deficits in daily living skills and handwriting.

Parent Management Training: Teaches parents strategies for managing behavior and offers support through groups.

Special Education Services: Schools provide tailored support under an Individual Education Plan for communication, interests, and repetitive behaviors.

Treating Co-occurring Conditions: Addresses issues like insomnia, ADHD, and anxiety through additional services, psychotherapy, or medication.

Medication: Evaluated and prescribed by a child psychiatrist for conditions such as irritability, with medications like aripiprazole and risperidone, as approved by the FDA.

There is no laboratory test for diagnosing autism. Instead, healthcare providers use specialized screenings and evaluations to assess the condition.

Prevention for Autism

While there’s no prevention for autism spectrum disorder. There are certain measures parents can take to have a healthy baby. Preventions include:

Avoiding harmful substances: Avoiding regular exposure to certain environmental factors is advised during pregnancy for the mother and the baby. As toxic pollutants, substances can pose risk to foetal development

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: By persuading a healthy lifestyle, by having a healthy diet, sufficient sleep and regular exercising is proven beneficial for the mother and the baby.

Genetic counselling: Families with a history of autism are advised to consider genetic counselling sessions as it might now provide a preventive measure but the techniques to know and act on the genetic factors.

Parental age consideration: Advanced parental age increases the risk of autism, researchers suggest. So, planning out accordingly might lessen/ reduce the risk of passing on autism to the child.

Early intervention: After parents find out that their child is associated with autism, early action is mandatory for improvement in the changes and challenges, the affected child is undergoing or will be undergoing.

Tips for Parents

If you have concerns about your child's behavior, seek a specialized evaluation from a developmental pediatrician, pediatric psychologist, child neurologist, or child and adolescent psychiatrist. This evaluation includes interviews, observations, and possibly additional tests to rule out other disorders.

- Educate yourself about autism spectrum disorder.
- Establish a consistent structure and routine for your child.
- Connect with other parents of children with autism and utilize community resources.
- Seek professional help for specific issues.
- Make time for yourself and other family members.