Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex condition that includes issues related to social interactions and behaviors. Autism can sometimes be a relatively mild issue or present as a disability requiring full-time care with special arrangements. Diagnosis involves assessing a wide range of symptoms and abilities.
People with autism have problems with interpersonal relationships or communication. They have difficulty understanding what other people are thinking and feeling, making it difficult for them to express themselves through words, gestures, facial expressions and touch.
People with autism may have learning difficulties. Their abilities may be unbalanced. For example, they may have difficulty communicating or expressing themselves but, contrary to expectations, may be exceptionally good at art, music, math, or memory, which makes them particularly good at analyzing or solving a problem. I can perform well in solving problems.
A slightly higher number of children affected by autism are coming forward than before. But the recent increase may not be due to an actual increase but to a change or improvement in the method of assessment.
Symptoms of Autism:
Usually, the symptoms of autism appear before the age of 3 years, while in some children, its symptoms appear at birth. Common symptoms of autism include:
• Inability to make eye contact.
• Limited occupations or excessive interest in certain topics.
• Repeating the same action, such as repeating words or phrases, rocking back and forth
• Special sensitivity to certain sounds, touches, smells, or sights that seem normal to other people.
• Detachment from seeing and hearing others.
• Looking away when another person points to something.
• Avoiding touching or hugging.
• Difficulty understanding or using speech, gestures, facial expressions, or tone of voice
• Speaking in a sing-song style or in a spot and machine voice.
• Difficulty adapting to changes in routine
Some children with autism may have seizures, but they don’t start until puberty.
Types of Autism Spectrum Disorder:
The types of autism used to be classified as separate disorders, but are now considered to be types of autism spectrum disorders.
1. Asperger’s Syndrome:
Children with this type of autism do not have any problems with communication, in fact they are in the average or above range in terms of intellectual ability. Moreover, the scope of their tendencies and hobbies are very limited and as a result they are prone to problems.
2. Autistic Disorder:
In children under the age of three, if there are problems with interaction and play, they come under the category of autistic disorder. When most people hear the word autism, this is what they think of –
3. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder:
These children develop normally for about 2 years, but after that there is a decline in their interpersonal and social skills.
4. Pervasive Developmental Disorder:
Doctors use this term when your child has autistic tendencies such as a lack of social and interpersonal relationships that do not fall under any other type of autism.
Causes of Autism:
The definitive cause of autism is still unclear. The disorder can be caused by problems in the parts of your brain that interpret sensory information and language. Autism is four times more common in boys than in girls. It can occur in people of any race or social background. Family income, lifestyle, or educational level do not affect a child’s risk of autism, but some risk factors include:
Certain combinations of genes may increase the risk of autism in children because it is also passed down from generation to generation.
Children of older parents have a higher risk of autism. Pregnant women who use certain drugs or chemicals, such as alcohol or anti-seizure drugs, are more likely to have autistic children. Other risk factors include maternal metabolic conditions such as diabetes and obesity. According to one study, autism is linked to untreated phenylketonuria, also known as PKU, a metabolic disorder caused by the absence of a certain enzyme, and rubella (German Also associated with measles). There is no evidence that vaccinations cause autism.
Diagnosis of Autism:
A solid diagnosis of autism is a difficult task. Your doctor focuses on behavior and development. Typically, for children, there are two stages to the evaluation.
• Through experiential screening, therapists assess whether your child is on track with basic skills such as learning, speech, behavior and movement. Experts recommend that children be screened for developmental delays during their regular checkups at 9 months, 18 months, and 24 or 30 months of age. You are checked for autism.
• If your child shows signs of a problem during these screenings, he or she will need more thorough testing. This may include hearing and vision tests or genetic tests. Your doctor may want to bring in someone who specializes in autism spectrum disorders, such as a developmental pediatrician or child psychologist. Some psychologists may also administer a test called the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS).
If you were not diagnosed with autism as a child, but you notice symptoms, talk to your doctor.
Is Autism Curable?
Although there is no proven cure for autism. But timely attention can significantly improve the development of a child with autism. If you think your child is showing signs of autism, see your doctor as soon as possible.
A method or treatment that works for one person may not necessarily work for another. Your doctor should decide the best treatment for you or your child. The two main types of treatment are:
Behavioral and conversational therapy helps in personality structure and organizational issues. One of these treatment methods is (Applied Behavioral Analysis). It promotes positive attitudes and discourages negative attitudes. Occupational therapy can help a person with skills such as dressing, eating, and relating to people. Sensory integration therapy can help someone who has problems with touch or sight or sound. Speech therapy improves communication skills.
It is best to use medication to help with conditions such as autism symptoms such as attention problems, hyperactivity, or anxiety.
Holistic therapy can help improve learning and communication skills in some people with autism. Complementary therapies include music, art, or animal therapy, such as horseback riding and even swimming with dolphins.
Be careful about changing your child’s diet—be sure to talk to your doctor before trying something different, such as a special diet. There is no solid evidence that special diets help children with autism. Autism is a complex brain disorder. While it may seem like giving up certain foods can relieve your child’s symptoms, it can actually cause more harm.
For example, children with autism often have bowed bones. Milk products contain nutrients that can make their bones strong. A study on casein, a protein in milk products, found that many children ate foods containing this protein. Their autism symptoms did not change in any significant way. Some evidence suggests that people with autism may have low levels of certain vitamins and minerals. It does not cause autism spectrum disorder. But supplements may be prescribed to improve nutrition. B vitamins and magnesium are two supplements that are often used for people with autism. But people can overdose on these vitamins, so megavitamins should be avoided.
However, certain dietary changes can help with some of the symptoms of autism. Food allergies, for example, can make behavior problems worse. Behavioral problems may improve by removing allergens from the diet.
The bottom line is that the best way to tailor your child’s diet to their specific nutritional needs and to determine the most beneficial foods is to work with your doctor and a registered dietitian. They will help you plan a diet for your baby.
Some children with autism have digestive problems such as constipation, abdominal pain, or nausea and vomiting. Your doctor can recommend a diet that won’t make them worse. And remember, nutritional needs change over time. Your child’s dietitian will help ensure that the foods they eat are still meeting their nutritional needs as they age.
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