Everything You Need to Know About Autism
What Exactly Is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Illness (ASD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs an individual's capacity to recognize, socialize, and communicate with others. ASD is characterized by difficulties with social skills, repetitive behaviors, communication, and compulsive interests.
Individuals with Autism have difficulty comprehending what others are thinking or feeling, and as a result, they are unable to communicate themselves.
How prevalent is autism?
According to the WHO, one in every 160 children globally has Autism, with boys being affected four times more frequently than girls.
What causes autism?
Although the specific etiology is unknown, research have indicated that a number of variables including genetic, metabolic, environmental, and neurological disorders may all contribute to an individual's likelihood of having Autism. These variables may have an effect on early brain development and the way nerve cells communicate with one another in the brain. Figure 1: Autism's Causes
Genetic variables have a significant influence in causality.
A gene mutation, or a genetic condition (tuberous sclerosis/fragile X syndrome), or a family history of autism [parents, siblings, or grandparents] may all raise the risk.
Additional risk factors for autism in genetically susceptible individuals are included below [Table 1].
Enhanced Risk
Reduced Risk
No-Risk
Being born to parents that are older Maternal considerations
Pregnancy and birth difficulties (severe preterm [26 weeks], low birth weight, twin, triplet, etc.)
Pregnancies separated by less than a year
Exposure of the fetus to some drugs [valproic acid or thalidomide]
Exposure to heavy metals and poisons found in the environment
Congenital rubella syndrome and untreated phenylketonuria are associated medical conditions.
Prenatal vitamin [folic acid] consumption during pregnancy
Vaccines
Symptoms and Signs
ASD symptoms often manifest before the age of three, between the ages of 12 and 24 months; however, some children may exhibit symptoms [such as lack of eye contact] from early infancy.
Each autistic child has a distinct pattern of behavior and intensity, and so no two children will have the same clinical profile. One child may struggle with learning, while the other may be clever but struggles with communication.
Autism is frequently characterized by the following symptoms:
Restricted or repeated patterns of conduct
Patterns
Example
Movements that are repeated
Spinning or flapping of the hands, repetition of words or phrases
Observance of routine
Having difficulty adapting to changes
Unusual movement patterns or lack of synchronization
Slipperiness or walking on one's toes
Sensitivity to sensory information increases/decreases
Sensitive to light, sound, smell, and touch, yet oblivious to pain or temperature
Fixes his or her attention on an object or activity
Issues with social interaction and communication
Table 3: Aspects of social skills in ASD
Issues with
Description
Communication
Inability to express feelings or interests, or to continue a conversation
Does not talk or speaks slowly
Speaking in a monotone, flat, or robotic tone of voice
Does not comprehend straightforward questions or directions
Communication that is not verbal
Inability to maintain eye contact or read body language
Relationships
Not observing or listening to others
Refuses to be cuddled and held
Autism is diagnosed in several ways. Is there an examination for it?
ASD cannot be diagnosed medically. A paediatric psychologist or pediatrician makes the diagnosis based on the child's growth and actions. The set of questionnaires is supplied to the primary care provider, and an examination is conducted to see whether there are any deficiencies in social communication and interaction, as well as if a kid exhibits restricted repetitive behaviors.
Levels
Support is required.
Issues
Needed
Lack of adaptability, ineffective organization and planning, weak social skills, and trouble establishing interactions
Substantial
Disadvantages in verbal and nonverbal social communication
Extremely significant
Severe social problems, limited speaking, strange, repetitious behavior
Is Asperger's Syndrome curable?
Autism is incurable. However, early intervention can assist autistic individuals in coping with their challenges and acquiring necessary skills, therefore increasing their quality of life.
Various therapy strategies include the following:
Psychotherapy
Recreational therapy
Counseling occupational therapy
Orthopedic treatment
Therapy of the tongue
Medications that treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or anxiety
Modification of the diet
In contemporary culture, people with ASD experience stigma and prejudice, necessitating the creation of much-needed awareness about the illness. To live a happy life, they require psychological support and a caring environment provided by parents, friends, neighbors, and instructors.