Autism-IIAHP Therapy Center

Autism

Autism, often known as an autism spectrum disorder, is a group of developmental disorders marked by the following characteristics:

• Communication stumbling blocks (verbal and non-verbal).

• Interactions with others are impaired.

• Repetitive behaviours or interests and activities that is limited.

Autism is a condition in which a person's brain functions differently than that of others. Individuals with autism differ from one another as well. The illness is not fully understood, and there is presently no cure; nonetheless, people with the disorder can have relationships, friends, jobs, and other activities just like everyone else, albeit with a little extra help from family or close friends. Although some persons with autism have learning impairments, their intellect ranges from normal to above average. People with the illness are more likely to develop new abilities and learn to operate independently in a supportive environment. According to studies, early identification and treatment services enable people with the disease to gain important social, communication, and life skills that are necessary for a good quality of life.

Symptoms

Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they usually appear between the ages of 12 and 18 months, if not sooner. Symptoms frequently last for the rest of one's life. Any of the following normal developmental behaviours may be absent in infants with the disorder:

• Words with only one syllable.

• Showing interest in something by pointing towards them.

• Smiling or reacting to the voice of the mother.

• With their hands, they are reaching out to others.

• Maintaining eye contact is important.

Children with autism may: Ignore the other kids.

• I'd rather be alone.

• Participate in pretend or make-believe games but do not exhibit any interest in it.

• Spend hours sitting silently, rearranging objects in a certain sequence or focusing on a single object or topic.

• Remain silent or avoid making eye contact with others.

• Use alternative speech patterns than usual, for example, instead of stating "I want water," ask "do you want water."

• In a conversation, repeat the opposing person's words.

• Develop compulsive rituals or behaviours.

• Become obsessed with objects to the point of obsession.

• Attempt to hurt them on purpose.

• Aggressive, hyperactive, impulsive, or destructive behaviour is displayed.

• Repeat a particular movement such as swaying, clapping, etc.

• Repeat phrases.

• Have a hard time comprehending other people's emotions.

• Have a hard time relating to other people's passions.

• Show odd reactions to sounds, tastes, and fragrances, for example.

• They lose skills that they used to have.

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes

Autism's actual cause is uncertain. According to studies on people with the illness, certain genetic and environmental factors, such as those listed below, disrupt brain growth and development at the foetal period.

• Defects in genes that regulate brain growth and development.

• Defects in genes involved in the control of communication between various brain cells.

• During pregnancy, environmental stimuli such as viral infection or air pollution influence or modify gene function.

Risk Factors

The risk of autism is high in the following children:

• Children born to parents who already have an autistic child.

• Prematurely born children.

• Low-weight babies are those that are born with a low body weight.

• Babies born to parents that is older.

• Tuberous sclerosis or fragile X syndrome are genetic/chromosomal diseases that affect children.

• When used by women during pregnancy, certain prescription medicines (valproic acid and thalidomide) can increase the likelihood of having an autistic child.

Diagnosis

There are currently no particular tests available to diagnose autism. In most cases, the parents of the kid will be asked to observe and document the child's behaviour and growth in order to aid in the diagnosis of the disease. Vision, hearing, language skills, and motor coordination may all be assessed by specialists. When a child exhibits the following symptoms from a young age and the symptoms have a major impact on the child's life, he or she is diagnosed with autism:

• Behavioural patterns, behaviours, and interests that is repetitive and limited.

• Interaction and communicating with people in a variety of social circumstances is difficult.

Autism is typically diagnosed in toddlers around the age of two. However, because some children's symptoms are faint at such an early age, they may not be diagnosed until they start school or until they reach adulthood.