Published on May 05, 2020 and last reviewed on Aug 01, 2023 - 5 min read
Abstract
Autism is one of the fastest-growing developmental disabilities in the world, yet many people are still unaware of what it is like and how we can learn more about it. Read the article to know more about this disorder.
Introduction
Autism is a developmental disability that affects a huge percentage of the population. It is the leading cause of developmental disability across the globe, yet many people are unaware of the disorder due to the stigma involved with disabilities. This article is based on a survey-based questionnaire and answers the important questions as well as provides guidance regarding its diagnosis. It focuses on the basics of Autism Spectrum Disorders, common misconceptions, and other crucial information. Better understanding and awareness about a disorder can aid the global community to help and connect with the differently-abled.
Autism is a spectrum disorder and not a disease. A disease has a specific cause and leads to specific changes in the physical or mental state of an individual. A disorder, on the other hand, causes an irregularity or disruption in the normal function. It lies amongst a spectrum, which means there are other disorders that manifest similar symptoms and characteristics. It is a group of neurological developmental disorders characterized by major deficits in three areas, including communication, social interaction, and behavior.
Communication Deficits:
Social Interaction Deficits:
Behavioral Deficits:
It usually starts to manifest in the first three years of life. Autism is one of the disorders which falls under the umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorders which include:
In 2020, the CDC (Center for Disease Control) reported that approximately 1 in 54 children in the US is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and every 1 in 160 children worldwide. It can happen to anyone regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, but it is four times more likely to occur in boys.
Currently, there is no specific cause identified. Still, it has been related to older aged parents, alcohol, and drug abuse history in parents, and increases risk if there is a family history.
Do Vaccines Cause Autism?
No. There have been some old theories and rumors stating that some vaccines or medicines cause autism, but they have been proven wrong.
There are several diagnostic and screening tests based on age and symptoms. It usually starts with a basic developmental screening test by the physician that checks for delays in speaking, listening, or behavior pertaining to the age of the child. It also includes a detailed history and interviews of the child's parents and other caregivers. If there is confirmation of developmental deficits, the child is assessed further by a pediatrician and a child psychologist to confirm the diagnosis further using a test called Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS).
Autism spectrum disorders are characterized by unique abilities and deficits, thus, one treatment for all cannot be applied. Another problem is that the exact root cause of the disorder has not been confirmed yet, so it cannot be targeted for treatment via a single drug. But, there are several therapies that have proven to show progressive results in improving the skills of children with autism spectrum disorders. The specialist recommends therapies based on individual patient's signs and symptoms, some of them are:
The future is unpredictable, and that is true for all children, not just children with ASDs. They do have certain deficits, which make them more dependent than other children, particularly in the early years of life. But therapies and training, as well as schools with teachers, specialized in teaching children with developmental disabilities, can make them independent.
There are remarkable people throughout the world who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and have accomplished great things in their fields.
Myth vs. Reality:
Myth 1: Autism occurs as a result of bad parenting. Truth 1: It is a disorder that can occur due to genetic and environmental causes.
Myth 2: A person with autism has no feelings or emotions. Truth 2: While some individuals show a lack of empathy, they do express emotions such as love, recognition, hate, anger, sadness, and happiness.
Myth 3: A person with autism does not want to communicate with people. Truth 3: Autistic people have difficulty in communication and expressing emotions, but they try to do it in their own way.
Myth 4: Non-verbal children with autism also have an intellectual disability. Truth 4: A person with autism can perform complex intellectual tasks with practice like every individual. Some may show deficits in communication, but they are not intellectually disabled.
Myth 5: A person with autism is usually a genius and can solve mathematical problems with ease. Truth 5: Autistic individuals have a tendency for repetitive patterns. Hence they happily perform tasks that require repetition, such as playing musical instruments, but it requires practice.
For any doubts and queries, consult a psychiatrist online now!
Conclusion
Autism is a neurological developmental disorder, which impacts on how people behave, communicate, and learn things. This condition shows symptoms in the early life of the person. There is no complete cure for autism. Treatment can help to deal with the signs and symptoms. Anyone notices any symptoms in children they should be consulted immediately with the doctors.
The five most common signs of autism in children include -
- Not responding when their name is called.
- Trying to avoid eye contact.
- Not smiling when others smile at them.
- Getting very upset when not liking some sound, taste, or smell.
- Repetitive body movements, such as rocking their body, flapping their arms, and flickering their fingers.
The four types of autism include -
- Autism spectrum disorder.
- Childhood disintegrative disorder.
- Asperger’s syndrome.
- Pervasive developmental disorder.
Social communication and interaction difficulties, as well as restricted or repetitive interests and behaviors, are frequently experienced by people with autism. It is possible that people with autism also learn, move, or pay attention differently.
The features of mild autism include -
- Being challenging to converse with and avoiding eye contact.
- Ignoring physical or verbal cues, like not paying attention to where someone is pointing.
- Unable to comprehend the feelings of others or talk about feelings in general.
- A preference for being alone or a reluctance to socialize.
The most prominent symptoms of autism include the following -
- Finding it hard to comprehend what others are thinking or feeling.
- Becoming extremely concerned about social situations.
- Having difficulty making friends or preferring to be by oneself.
Looking at the early signs of autism may help to determine whether a kid is born with autism. These signs include -
- They do not look behind them to see where the sounds are coming from.
- They do not show affection to anyone.
- They do not make sounds of laughter or squealing.
- They never reach for anything.
- They cannot smile by themselves.
- They do not try to get attention by doing things.
Stimming, also known as self-stimulatory behavior, is any unusual or repetitive body movement or sound. Some ways of stimming include mannerisms involving the hands and fingers, such as finger-flapping and finger-flicking. Surprising body developments, for instance, shaking this way and that while sitting or standing.
Genetics, biology, and environment are all significant factors in autism, even though causes in some people are known while in others, they are unknown. Having older parents, having a difficult birth, or getting sick while pregnant are all examples of things that could make someone more likely to have autism.
Autism typically begins before the age of three and can last the entire life, although symptoms may improve over time. Within the first year of life, some children exhibit symptoms of autism. In some cases, symptoms may not appear until the child is at least 24 months old.
Autism cannot be prevented, but there are treatments available. Early diagnosis and intervention are the most effective method of behavior, skill, and language development enhancement. However, intervention is beneficial regardless of age.
Some of the common challenges of autism involve -
- Excessive worrying.
- Social phobia.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Avoidance behaviors.
- Rigidity or resistance to change.
A variety of physical and mental health issues frequently accompany autism. The following are examples, but they are not the only ones -
- Issues with the digestive system (GI).
- Epilepsy.
- Dietary issues.
- Affected sleep.
- Anxiety related to lack of attention or hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Depression.
- OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
When an autistic child is having a meltdown, the following points might be helpful -
- Guide the child to a protected spot, if possible.
- Do not touch the child. Give them space, and keep other people away.
- Turn down lights and keep things calm, or give the child noise-cancelling earphones.
- Give the child one person to talk to, but do not say too much.
- Stay calm and stand by.
Last reviewed at:
01 Aug 2023 - 5 min read
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