Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism is a psychological disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide, yet it remains widely misunderstood and stigmatized. Here, we aim to shed light on what ASD is, its signs and symptoms, and share tips for parents.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the communication, social interaction, and behavior of an autistic person. It is called a spectrum disorder because the symptoms can vary widely from person to person and can range from mild to severe.
Parents often question when they should expect initial signs of autism to appear in their child. While some indications of autism may become apparent between ages 1 and 3, others may not manifest any symptoms until they are 24 months old. It is essential to remember that ASD is a lifelong condition. Although some individuals may experience an improvement in symptoms as they age, others may continue to struggle with it.
What Are The Symptoms Of Autism Spectrum Disorder?
The following symptoms are regarded as warning indicators that your young kid may be at risk for autism.
General Signs
- The child either does not reply to their names at all or responds oddly
- The child does not show a smile or make happy expressions
- The child does not babble by 12 months
- The child has not had his first words by 16 months
- The child does not make sounds or faces with you or other people
- The child does not show gestures such as pointing or waving
- The child does not say meaningful, two-word phrases by 24 months
- The child fears more than expected or ha no fear at all
- The child experiences a delay in developing language, cognitive skills, or motor skills
Signs of Repetitive Behavior
- Engages in repetitive behaviors such as flapping their hands
- Repeat words or phrases over and over
- Has obsessive interests in particular objects
- Have rigid routines or rituals
- Have sensory hypersensitivity, such as being irritated by the sound of a dripping tap
- Arrange things, for example, toys, in a very specific order
- Concentrate excessively on certain topics
Signs of Deficts in Social Communication
- They have difficulty with verbal and nonverbal communication
- They avoid keeping eye contact
- They have trouble understanding others' feelings and emotions
- They are unable to make or maintain friendships
- They literalize abstract concepts
What are the risk factors of autism spectrum disease (ASD)?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can run in families. It’s true! Recent studies have identified several genes associated with an increased risk of developing the disorder. But that’s not all – certain environmental factors, like air pollution, maternal obesity, diabetes, or immune system disorders, have also been linked to a higher likelihood of developing ASD. And get this: babies born to older parents, especially moms over a certain age, may be at a higher risk, too. Even being born prematurely can increase the chances of developing ASD. Interestingly, boys are more likely than girls to be diagnosed with ASD, although scientists still don’t know why.
How is autism spectrum disease (ASD) treated?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often a life-long condition, and there is no single “cure” for the condition. However, early intervention and a range of therapies can help individuals with ASD improve their symptoms and achieve wellbeing.
Autism affects every child and adult differently. Therefore, the approach to treatment is tailored to address particular needs. Treatment options for ASD may include:
Treatment options for ASD may include:
Behavioral therapy:
Behavioral therapies can help people with ASD learn new skills and improve their social, communication, and behavioral abilities.
Medications:
Some medications, such as antipsychotics or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may be prescribed by a professional Psychiatrist in USA to help manage other symptoms, such as anxiety or aggression.
Educational Approach:
Educational Approaches, such as specialized schools or individualized education plans (IEPs), can help individuals with ASD receive the support they need to require and succeed in a structured educational environment.
Developmental Approach:
The developmental approach is not a specific treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) but rather a general framework for understanding how individuals with ASD develop and learn.
Parent training and support:
Parent training and support groups can provide families with the skills and support they need to help their child with ASD grow and improve their overall quality of life.
Speech and language Therapy:
Verbal and nonverbal communication skills can be improved via speech and language therapy in individuals with ASD.
Are ASD and ADHD the same?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two distinct neurodevelopmental disorders that are sometimes mistaken for each other. Although they share some similarities, they are different in several key ways.
On the other hand, children who have been diagnosed with ADHD frequently struggle with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. People who have ADHD may fidget, have problems making eye contact with others, struggle to focus, finish work, or follow through on instructions. Additionally, they could be hyperactive, have trouble remaining quiet or sitting still.
Some autistic people also exhibit these symptoms. While there can be some overlap in symptoms between ASD and ADHD, the core features of each disorder are distinct. One significant distinction between the two is that those with ADHD typically do not lack social and communication skills. It’s also worth noting that some individuals may have both ASD and ADHD and in these cases, treatment plans may need to address both sets of symptoms
Some tips for parents having an autistic child
Although raising a kid with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be particularly difficult, there are several techniques that parents can use to support the development of their child and enhance their quality of life. Following are some pointers for parents of children with ASD:
Seek out support:
Joining a support group or receiving counseling can offer emotional support and useful guidance for managing the challenges of parenting a child with ASD.
Learn about ASD:
Learn about ASD and its impact on your child’s development. This might make it easier for you to support your child more successfully by understanding their strengths and weaknesses.
Create a routine:
Creating a consistent routine can help reduce anxiety and improve communication with your child. Make a daily routine that is regular for meals, playtime, and other activities.
Use positive reinforcement:
Remember praise and positive reinforcement can be very effective in encouraging positive behaviors and improving communication with your child.
Use visual aids:
Many children with ASD respond well to visual aids, like picture schedules or visual timers. These can make your child feel less anxious while understanding what will happen next.
Focus on your child's strengths:
Help your child develop their strengths and interests. This can boost their self-esteem and provide chances for improved social interaction and skill-building.
Advocate for your child:
Support your child’s needs in educational and social settings by acting as an advocate for them. This may include seeking out specialized services or accommodations to support your child’s development.
Always keep in mind that each child with ASD is different, and what works for one child may not work for another. It’s important to work with a psychiatrist to create a tailored treatment plan that addresses your child’s specific needs.