Everything You Need to Know About Autism

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2 years ago

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

  1. Needed

Lack of adaptability, ineffective organization and planning, weak social skills, and trouble establishing interactions

  1. Substantial

Disadvantages in verbal and nonverbal social communication

  1. 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.

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