Autism: Seeing the World from a Different Angle

What Is Autism?

Autism is a group of similar conditions that affects communication, interaction, behavior, language skills, and development. It is now referred to as autism spectrum disorder due to the broad range of symptoms and variations in its severity. That is, it may be so mild that the child can go well into adulthood without being diagnosed as well, so severe that it may be disabling. It could be a serious developmental disorder. The symptoms may have low influence when they are treated at the beginning age.

What Are the Causes?

Research to determine the exact cause is still in its early stages. But, just as we have many types of autism, we have multiple causes. It is now understood to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Genetic Factors:

It is not a single gene, but multiple genes that are involved. The most common genetic factors are:

1. It can be linked to a genetic brain disorder.

2. In some cases, a genetic mutation may be the cause.

3. Some other genes that affect brain development in children.

Environmental Factors:

The commonly involved environmental factors are:

1. Being born severely preterm.

2. Advanced parental age.

3. Infection in mother during pregnancy.

4. Exposure to drugs, toxins, and pollutants during early childhood or of the mother during pregnancy.

Signs and Symptoms:

1. Slow development of brain, speech, and other related behaviors.

2. Delayed and slurred speech.

3. The patient does not make proper eye contact.

4. Facial expressions can be plain and unexplanatory.

   Related Topics

   ---

   Are hiatal hernias related to autism?

   How is Asperger syndrome named today?

   How will a child with autism behave?

5. Lower awareness of one’s own feelings and feelings of others.

6. May resist cuddling and physical touch.

7. Prefers to play alone, due to poor social interaction and well being.

8. Pursues a single activity with great focus.

9. Repeated hand movements like hand flapping.

10. Sensitive to changes in schedule.

How do Autism Patients respond to Touch?

The patients with autism have a general aversion towards the touch. But their response towards touch can be highly unpredictable.

• A light touch can be unpleasant to them in general, it seems to be more unpleasant when the touch gets deeper.

• Unexpected touch, even from parents, siblings or a loved one, could give them an uncomfortable and obnoxious feeling.

• A new touch from any acquaintances or from complete strangers, even if is not meant to be comfortable or reassuring, is to some degree accepted by the patient.

-YTVID-U2whfqlsWd8-YTVID-

How Can It Be Diagnosed?

Diagnosing autism very early is difficult as a delay in achieving milestones are the only notable symptoms early on. This is especially hard for those not specifically trained to detect it. Unfortunately, this may cause a delay in parents seeking therapy and initiating intervention. There are no specific blood or imaging tests to diagnose ASD. Doctors use a specific evaluation model that includes questions and tasks. Doctors might take help from the Diagnosis and statistical manual book (DSM).

Behavior Changes in Autism Patients:

• Repetitive movement is a common indication that they are upset or insecure.

• Prefers sticking to a routine and gets distressed and upset if there is a minor change.

• Have a stiff body language and plain facial expression.

• Difficulty in body balance and coordination.

• Highly sensitive to loud noises, some specific smells, and bright lights.

• Maybe less sensitive to pain and temperature.

• Over-attention and focus on certain objects or activities.

• Very specific about the taste and texture of the food.

Famous Personalities With Autism:

You or your child are not the only ones. Look at the list of people who made wonders in spite of their disabilities. Knowing them may be a motivation to many. Taking them as examples we may overcome the issues with autism. There is something special about autistic people.

• Dan Aykroyd – A good comedic actor.

• Christian Andersen – An author for children.

• Benjamin Banneker – African American author, farmer, naturalist and surveyor.

• Lewis Carroll – Author of a famous english fiction “Alice in Wonderland.”

• Susan Boyle – Singer.

• Charles Darwin – Naturalist, geologist, and biologist.

• Henry Cavendish – Scientist.

• Paul Dirac –A physicist.

• Albert Einstein – Scientist and mathematician.

• Emily Dickinson – A poet.

• Bobby Fischer – Grandmaster in chess.

• Bill Gates – Co-founder of the Microsoft company.

• Temple Grandin – A popular scientist.

• Steve Jobs – A former CEO of Apple company.

• Alfred Kinsey – A biologist and sexologist.

• Michelangelo – Sculptor, architect, poet, and artist.

• William Butler Yeats – A great poet.

• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Classical music composer.

• Jerry Seinfeld – Comedian.

• Nikola Tesla – The great inventor of alternating current.

• Sir Isaac Newton – Mathematician, physicist, and an astronomer.

• Ludwig Wittgenstein – An Austrian philosopher.

What Are the Treatment Options?

As previously mentioned, each individual with autism has unique challenges, and so, their requirements are much varied. The child will need complete emotional, physical and tender care from the parents. The parents must stay motivated throughout life in properly engaging their kids. It is essential to customize the treatment to suit their personal needs. Treatment involves both therapy and medicines that help improve their communication skills and overall development.

1. Behavior therapy.

2. Communication therapy.

3. Social skills classes.

4. Education therapy.

5. Family therapy.

6. Speech therapy.

7. Occupational therapy.

8. Physical therapy.

Occupational therapy will focus on the stimulation of sensorimotor functions. Enhancing these functions will enable the person to improve the overall mental health.

Medications:

Medications may be prescribed by the Psychiatrist, to treat individual symptoms the child or person experiences. Medications may be required only during the crisis period. It is not recommended to depend on medications all the time.

Sadly, the awareness regarding this disorder is very low even among the medical and paramedical fraternity. This causes a delay in diagnosis and initiation of treatment. There have been numerous cases of misdiagnosis with a similar mental health disorder as well. For this reason, understanding by the family and public is crucial. If you are a parent and suspect your child to have trouble in many aspects of social skills, it is prudent to consult a professional with vast experience in this field.

Facing any issues related to autism, call a doctor online.

ADVERTISEMENT