Autism
 

What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex
neuro development condition that involves persistent challenges in social
interaction, communication & speech, associated with restricted or
repetitive behaviors. The symptoms and severity of condition differ among
children.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong
condition, usually first diagnosed in childhood with signs appearing around 2-3
years old, and some children with autism develop normally until toddlerhood,
then they loss previously acquired skills or stop acquiring any new skills.

Incidence: one child among 69 children had
(ASD) with the disorder more common in boys, four time more common in boys than
in girls.

Symptoms: 

Symptoms can range from mild, moderate to severe. The severity and characteristics in children vary among children with ASD, with great range of abilities or symptoms profile. 

Symptoms appear in three domains: 

Social impairment
  • Poor eye contact – lack of interest in people. 
  • Problems in social responsiveness & reciprocity. 
  • Capacity for empathy or sharing emotions or interest is reduced. 
  • Difficulties in responding to social cues such as eye contact and social expressions. 
  • Deficits in developing/ maintaining/ understanding relationships. 
Communication impairment: 
  • Delay in speech. 
  • Impairment in nonverbal ways of communication. 
Restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests or activities
  • Insistence on routines and rituals. 
  • Resistance to change. 
  • Hand flapping, and toe walking. 
  • Playing with toys in an uncommon way (such as lining up cars or flipping objects). 
  • Attachment to unusual objects (feel of zips). 
  • Lack of pretend play. 
Signs of autism spectrum disorder often appear early before age 2 years: 

Delay in language, communication or social skills can be manifested in the following signs: 

  • Doesn’t respond with a smile by 6 months. 
  • Doesn’t mimic sounds by 9 months. 
  • Doesn’t gesture as pointing or waving by 14 months. 
  • Doesn’t babble by 12 months or say single words by 16 months. 
  • Doesn’t play “pretend” or “make – believe” by 18 months. 
  • Doesn’t say two-ward phrases by 24 months. 
  • Loss of acquired language skills or social skills at any age. 

Diagnosis: 

There is no specific medical test for diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). 

The specialist may: 
  • Have a comprehensive history including speech, communication, social skills and other milestones. 
  • Observe the child: (developing language – verbal or nonverbal communication – play – ritualistic activities – social interactions. 
  • Do tests to assess: hearing, developmental level, social and behavioural issues. 

Treatment: 

Early interaction during the preschool years can help your child learn and acquire social & communication skills. 

Treatment option may include: 
  • Behavioral therapy: many behavioral programs are used focusing on reducing problem behaviors and teaching new skills. Applied behavior analysis (ABA), one of the best used therapy. 
  • Other therapies: depending on your child’s needs: speech therapy – occupational therapy – sensory-based therapies. 
  • Medications: No medication can cure the main features of autism but specific medications could be used to control some symptoms. For example, hyperactivity or sever behavioral problems. 
  • Treatment of other medical or psychiatric disorders: for example, epilepsy or anxiety disorder. 
  • Family and school based interventions: parents, relevant caregivers and class teachers need to learn more about autism spectrum disorders, for better understanding of the child, with need to learn how to interact or play with the child. Learn how to teach the child daily living skills and communication skills. 
  • Providing needed care and support for families of children with (ASD): Raising a child with autism spectrum disorder can be physically and emotionally exhausting, helping these families to cope with the challenges of autism spectrum disorders is very important.