Blog

Autism(ASD)

Overview:

Autism(ASD) or Autism spectrum disorder (ASD),  is a broad term used to describe a group of neurodevelopmental conditions. These conditions are characterized by differences in communication and social interaction. People with ASD often demonstrate restricted and repetitive interests or patterns of behavior.

There is often nothing about how people with autism(ASD) look that sets them apart from other people, but people with ASD may communicate, interact, behave, and learn in ways that are different from most other people. The learning, thinking, and problem-solving abilities of people with autism(ASD) can range from mild to severely challenged. Some people with autism(ASD) need a lot of help in their daily lives; others need less.

What are the symptoms of autism(ASD)?

Symptoms of autism(ASD) typically come during early childhood, between ages 12 and 24 months. However, symptoms may also appear earlier or later.

Early symptoms may include a marked delay in language or social development.

The symptoms of autism(ASD) are mainly divided into two categories: A child  diagnosed with autism must experience symptoms in both of these categories.

• problems with communication and social interaction
• restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior or activities

Problems with communication and social interaction

Here’s a general timeline of developmental milestones which may be hampered in autism(ASD) and look like:

• From birth: trouble maintaining eye contact
• By 9 months: not responding to their name
• By 9 months: not displaying facial expressions reflective of their emotions (like surprise or anger)
• By 12 months: not engaging in basic interactive games, like peek-a-boo or pat-a-cake, not using (or only using a few) hand gestures, like hand-waving( Bye Bye)
• By 15 months: not sharing their interests with others (by showing someone a favorite toy, for example)
• By 18 months: not pointing or looking where others point
• By 24 months: not noticing when others appear sad or hurt
• By 30 months: not engaging in “pretend play,” like caring for a baby doll or playing with figurines
• By 60 months of age: not playing turn-taking games, like duck-duck goose

Usually, autistic children might have trouble expressing their feelings or understanding those of others starting at 36 months. They might have difficulty talking or very limited speaking skills.

As autistic children begin talking, they might also talk in an unusual tone that can range from high-pitched and “sing-songy” to robotic or flat. Autistic(ASD) children might develop language skills at an uneven pace. But if there’s a particular topic that’s very interesting to them, they might develop a very strong vocabulary for talking about that one topic. But they might have difficulty communicating about other things.

Sometimes Children on the autism spectrum might learn to read earlier as early as age 2. But they tend to not comprehend what they’re reading. This is known as signs of hyperlexia. But hyperlexia does not always accompany autism.

Nonverbal communication, like maintaining eye contact or body language, might also remain difficult.

These challenges with communication can persist throughout adulthood.

Restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior or activities

In addition to the communication and social issues, autism also includes symptoms related to body movements and behaviors.

These can include:

• repetitive movements, like rocking, flapping their arms, spinning, or running back and forth
• lining objects, like toys, up in strict order and getting upset when that order is disturbed
• attachment to strict routines, like those around bedtime or getting to school
• repeating words or phrases they hear someone say over and over again
• getting upset over minor changes
• focusing intently on parts of objects, like the wheel of a toy truck or the hair of a doll
• unusual reactions to sensory input, like sounds, smells, and tastes
• obsessive interests
• exceptional abilities, like musical talent or memory capabilities

Other characteristics

Some autistic people might experience additional symptoms, including:

• delayed movement, language, or cognitive skills
• unusual levels of fear (either higher or lower than expected)
• excessive worry or stress
• hyperactive, inattentive, or impulsive behaviors
• seizures
• unexpected emotional reactions
• unusual eating habits or preferences
• gastrointestinal symptoms, like constipation or diarrhea
• unusual sleep patterns
• “Stimming”-it is a term used to describe self-stimulating behaviors, often involving repetitive motions or speech. For example, rub an object, clap their hand or repeat a phrase. Though nearly everyone does some form of stimming, whether that’s rubbing their hands together or biting their nails. It’s typically associated with autistic people. stimming can sometimes get in the way of daily life or cause physical harm.

What causes autism(ASD)?

We do not know all of the causes of autism(ASD). However, we have learned that there are likely many causes for multiple types of ASD. There may be many different factors that make a child more likely to have an ASD, including environmental, biologic and genetic factors.

• having an immediate family member who’s autistic
• certain genetic mutations
• being born to older parents
• fragile X syndrome and other genetic disorder
• low birth weight
• metabolic imbalances
• exposure to heavy metals and environmental toxins
• a maternal history of viral infections
• fetal exposure to the medications valproic acid or thalidomide (Thalomid)

What are the different types of autism(ASD)?

Earlier autistic people may have received a diagnosis of:

• Autistic disorder
• Asperger’s syndrome
• Pervasive development disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)
• Childhood disintegrative disorder

But as per recent study of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, autism(ASD) have five different subtypes, or specifiers. They are:

• with or without accompanying intellectual impairment
• with or without accompanying language impairment
• associated with a known medical or genetic condition or environmental factor
• associated with another neurodevelopmental, mental, or behavioral disorder
• with catatonia

One  ASD child may be diagnosed with one or more subtypes. It should remember that previously or earlier  diagnosed Autistic persons need no reevaluation. Even the broader aspect of ASD may include  Asperger’s syndrome as per recent guidelines.

How To Diagnose Autism(ASD)?

Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be difficult because there is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorder. Doctors look at the child’s developmental history and behavior to make a diagnosis. ASD can sometimes be detected at 18 months or younger. By age 2, a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered very reliable. However, many children do not receive a final diagnosis until much older.

An ASD diagnosis includes:

•  screenings-includes developmental questionnaires, occupational therapy screening, visual and audio tests to rule out any issues with vision and hearing that aren’t related to ASD.
• genetic tests-DNA testing for genetic diseases
• evaluations-behavioral evaluation

But usually Diagnosis is determined by Team of specialist which may includes Pediatricians, Child  psychologists, occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists.

How Autism(ASD) affects on Kids/ Adult?

Autistic children may not reach the same developmental milestones as their peers, or they may demonstrate the loss of previously developed social or language skills. As for example, A 4-year-old without autism may enjoy engaging in activities with other children. An autistic child may have trouble interacting with others or dislike it altogether.

Autistic children may also engage in repetitive behaviors, have difficulty sleeping, or compulsively eat nonfood items. They may find it hard to thrive without a structured environment or consistent routine.

Autistic children may find  certain exercises  helpful in easing frustrations and promoting overall well-being. Swimming and other in-water activities can serve as both exercise and a sensory play activity. Sensory play activities can help autistic people who may have trouble processing signals from their senses.

Being the parent of  autistic child, one may have to work closely with their teachers to ensure they succeed in the classroom.

Even who have autistic loved ones in family may be concerned about what life with ASD would be in Adulthood.

Each autistic person is different.

Some autistic adults go on to live or work independently. Whereas others may require continued aid or support throughout their lives.

Is there any impact of diet on autism(ASD)?

Though some autism advocates are exploring dietary changes as a way to help minimize behavioral issues and increase overall quality of life. There’s no specific diet designed for autistic people.

An autism diet may  focus on whole foods, such as:

• fresh fruits and vegetables
• lean poultry
• fish
• unsaturated fats
• lots of water
• avoidance of artificial additives. These include: preservatives, colors, sweeteners
• Some autism advocates also endorse a gluten-free diet. The protein gluten is found in: wheat, barley, other grains. Those advocates believe that gluten creates inflammation and adverse bodily reactions in certain autistic people. However, scientific research is inconclusive on the relationship between autism, gluten, and another protein known as casein.

What is the treatment of Autism(ASD)?

Currently, no treatment has been shown to cure ASD, but several interventions have been developed and studied for use with young children. These interventions may reduce symptoms, improve cognitive ability and daily living skills, and maximize the ability of the child to function and participate in the community

Many approaches involve therapies such as:

• behavioral therapy
• play therapy
• occupational therapy
• physical therapy
• speech therapy

Beside these approaches Dietary Approaches and Medication also given.

Dietary Approaches

Some biomedical interventions call for changes in diet. Such changes can include removing certain foods from a child’s diet and using vitamin or mineral supplements. Dietary treatments are based on the idea that food allergies or lack of vitamins and minerals cause symptoms of ASD. Some parents feel that dietary changes make a difference in how their child acts or feels.

Medication

There are no medications that can cure ASD or treat the core symptoms.

In Allopathy, there are medications that can help some people with ASD function better. For example, medication might help manage high energy levels, inability to focus, anxiety and depression, behavioral reactivity, self-injury, or seizures.

In Homoeopathy, treatment of autism(ASD) only and only dependent upon the symptoms totality. No specific medicine is there to treat ASD.

Autism(ASD) And AWARENESS:

2nd April is considered as World Autism Awareness Day.

It is estimated that there are over 18 million people with Autism in India. Around 1% to 1.5% of the children in the age group of 2-9 years are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  Around 10% of school-going children have been diagnosed with mild to severe learning challenges.

Statistics also reveal that the number of children in India diagnosed with Autism are on the rise. Factors like low awareness, lack of basic facilities and improper diagnosis, among others, have contributed to a staggering increase in the number of Autism cases in the country.

However, Government Of India  started screening and Early Intervention of Autism(ASD) of 0-18 years children under RBSK Programme since 2013.

Beside that Following NGOs are working commendably with others on autism(ASD).

They are:

Action for Autism

Swabodhini Charitable Trust

Centre for Autism & other Disabilities Rehabilitation Research & Education (CADRRE)

Arvind Foundation

Vasantham School and Home for People with Special Needs

Takeaway message…

Autism(ASD) is complex. The most effective therapies involve early and intensive behavioral support. The earlier a child is enrolled in these programs, the better their outlook will be.

Remember,  It takes time for an autistic person — whether a child or adult — to find the support program best suited for them.

READ ALSO: Developmental Milestones, Delays And It’s Homoeopathic Approach

READ MORE: BMI Calculator

READ MORE: Latest Homoeopathy Jobs News