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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) manifests differently in each individual. It is a developmental impairment that influences how people speak, conduct, and interact with others.
What Is the causes of Autism?
The causes of autism spectrum disease are not entirely understood by experts. It appears to be inherited, although other factors such as parental age and prescription medicines used during pregnancy might have a role.
Some autistic children exhibit symptoms as early as a few months of age. Others appear to develop normally for the first few months or years of their lives before developing symptoms.
However, up to half of parents of children with ASD noticed problems by the time their child was 12 months old, and between 80% and 90% noticed problems by the age of two. Children with ASD will have symptoms for the rest of their life, but they may improve as they become older.
The autism spectrum disorder is quite broad. Some people may have obvious concerns, while others may not. The common thread is disparities in social skills, communication, and conduct as compared to non-spectrum individuals.
What impact does Autism have on a child’s social skills?
A youngster with autism has difficulty engaging with others. Some of the most common symptoms are difficulties with social skills. They may desire intimate interactions.
If your kid is on the autism spectrum, they may exhibit certain social symptoms at the age of 8 to 10 months, such as:
- By their first birthday, they are unable to respond to their name.
- They are uninterested in playing, sharing, or conversing with others.
- They would rather be alone.
- Physical touch, especially embracing, is avoided or rejected.
- They avoid making eye contact.
- They dislike being consoled when they are distressed.
- They don’t comprehend emotions, either their own or those of others.
- They may not extend their arms to be lifted up or walked with.
What effect does Autism have on communication?
Around 40% of children with autism spectrum disorders do not speak at all, and 25% to 30% develop some language skills during infancy but then lose them. Some autistic children begin communicating later in life.
Most have some communication issues, such as:
- Speech and language abilities are delayed.
- Singsong voice, robotic speaking voice, or flat voice
- Echolalia (repeating the same sentence repeatedly)
- Pronoun issues (saying “you” instead of “I,” for example)
- Not using or only rarely using common gestures (such as pointing or waving), and failing to respond to them
- Inability to maintain focus when speaking or answering questions
- Not understanding sarcasm or humour
- Difficulties expressing wants and feelings
- Not picking up on cues from body language, tone of speech, and facial expressions
What are Autism behavior patterns?
Children with ASD may also act in unexpected ways or have strange interests, such as:
- Hand flapping, swaying, bouncing, or whirling are examples of repetitive activities.
- Pacing (constant movement) and “hyper” conduct
- Fixation on particular activities or items
- Specific routines or rituals (and being irritated when a pattern is even slightly altered)
- Touch, light, and sound sensitivity to the extreme
- Not engaging in “make-believe” play or imitating the actions of others
- erratic eating habits
- clumsiness, lack of coordination
- Acting rashly (without thinking)
- Aggressive conduct, both toward oneself and toward others
- Attention span is limited.
How can I identify Autism symptoms?
The earlier autism spectrum disorder therapy begins, the more likely it is to be beneficial. That is why learning how to recognize the signs and symptoms is critical.
Make an appointment with your child’s physician if they fail to complete certain developmental milestones, or if they do but then lose them:
- 6 months of smiles
- By 9 months, the child can imitate facial expressions or sounds.
- 12 months cries or babbles
- 14-month-old gestures (points or waves)
- By 16 months, he speaks in single words and by 24 months, he uses phrases of two or more words.
- By 18 months, he or she is engaging in “make-believe” play.
What are the autism treatments?
There is no one conventional treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at the moment.
Among the treatment options available are:
Therapy for behavior and communication.
Many programs address the social, language, and behavioral difficulties that are common in autism spectrum disorder. Some programs emphasize problem behavior reduction and the acquisition of new skills. Other programs teach children how to behave in social situations or how to communicate more effectively with others. Through a reward-based motivation system, applied behavior analysis (ABA) can assist children in learning new skills and generalizing these skills to a variety of situations.
Educational treatments are available.
Highly structured educational programs often work well for children with autism spectrum disorder. A team of professionals and a range of activities to develop social skills, communication, and conduct are often included in successful programs. Children in preschool who get intense, tailored behavioral therapy frequently make significant progress.
Family counseling.
Parents and other family members may learn how to play and connect with their children in ways that improve social interaction skills, problem behavior management, and the teaching of daily living skills and communication.
Other treatments.
Speech therapy to enhance communication abilities, occupational therapy to teach activities of daily living, and physical therapy to improve mobility and balance may all be effective depending on your child’s requirements. A psychologist can provide suggestions for dealing with troublesome behavior.
Medications.
Specific medications can help control symptoms but do not improve the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. For example, if your child is hyperactive, certain medications may be administered; antipsychotic drugs are occasionally used to address severe behavioral issues; and antidepressants may be prescribed for anxiety. Keep all of your child’s health care professionals up to speed on any drugs or supplements he or she is taking. Some medications and supplements can interact, resulting in potentially dangerous side effects.
Children with autism spectrum disorder often continue to learn and adjust for difficulties throughout their lives, although the majority will require some level of assistance. Planning for your child’s future options, such as work, college, living situation, independence, and support services, will help make this process go more smoothly.
Autism: Symptoms, Signs, Causes & Treatment – MedicineNet