What is Autism
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the brain’s normal development of social and communication skills. Autism affects information processing in the brain by altering how nerve cells and their synapses connect and organize; how this occurs is not yet known. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that autism affects 1 in 68 children, but this number may be increasing.
Autism is considered a spectrum disorder because it affects individuals differently. Some people with autism have mild symptoms, while others have severe symptoms. While some people with autism are nonverbal or have delayed speech development, others can speak but struggle to make eye contact or understand other people’s feelings and emotions. Some people with autism don’t like being touched, while others crave affection from others.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that more than half of all children with autism also have intellectual disabilities — meaning they have below average intelligence — which can make it difficult for them to learn new skills or adapt to change.
What are the Symptoms of Autism?
Autism is a complex disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate, interact socially and use language. Autism can range from mild to severe, and symptoms may vary from child to child. The following are some of the most common signs of autism:
Problems with social interaction
A child with autism may not be able to make eye contact or understand nonverbal cues such as facial expressions or tone of voice. The child might not respond when called by name and might seem unaware of other children’s feelings.
Repetitive behaviors (such as lining up toys) or unusual preoccupations (such as intense interest in parts of an object)
Children with autism might have trouble adjusting their behavior to different situations and resist change. For example, they may insist on eating foods they have previously rejected. They might become upset at minor changes in their routine or in the way things look or sound. In many cases, these behaviors start soon after birth or before age 3 but can continue throughout childhood and into adulthood. Many children with autism engage in repetitive movements such as rocking back and forth or flapping their hands — sometimes for hours at a time.
Types of symptoms of Autism:
-Lack of social skills
-Poor gait/balance
-Irregular sleep pattern
-Refusal to speak
-Unusual reactions to sounds or social touch.
Signs to Watch For
1. Developmental delays (not meeting milestones)
2. Repeating body movements
3. Lack of eye contact
4. Flapping arms or hands
5. Cooing, squealing, screeching
6. Avoiding eye contact and cuddling objects
What are the Causes of Autism?
Many studies have been conducted to determine what causes autism, but no definitive cause has been found. Theories range from genetic causes to environmental factors to brain abnormalities.
The most widely accepted theory is that autism results from problems in early brain development. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke explains that studies have shown differences in some parts of the brain in children with autism compared to those who do not have the condition. This suggests that autism has a strong biological basis.
Genetic factors: Among the many genes associated with autism, there are some specific types of genetic mutations that increase the risk of developing autism. The most frequently occurring are mutations in a gene called MECP2, which encodes for a protein involved in regulating gene expression and brain cell communication. Other genes also related to autism include PTEN, NRXN1, GRIN2A, and many more.
It’s important to note that some people have these genetic mutations without ever experiencing any symptoms of autism—these mutations alone aren’t enough to cause the disorder. Rather, they are simply markers for the presence of one or more other causes of autism.
Pre-natal infection: While there isn’t conclusive evidence about exactly what kind of infections may be associated with the development of autism, there is scientific literature supporting an association between prenatal exposure to viruses such as rubella (which causes German measles), varicella zoster (which causes chickenpox) and herpes simplex.
What are the Treatment and Medications for Autism?
Treatment usually involves a team of doctors and therapists who work with the child and family. Early intervention is important. The earlier you start, the more successful your child’s outcome is likely to be. Treatment focuses on helping your child develop his or her potential for communication and social interaction.
Behavioral treatments — These may include learning to respond to your child’s cues (like pointing or eye-contact). They may also involve teaching your child appropriate behaviors, such as asking for things he wants instead of resorting to throwing a fit.
These may include learning to respond to your child’s cues (like pointing or eye-contact). They may also involve teaching your child appropriate behaviors, such as asking for things he wants instead of resorting to throwing a fit. Medications — Many kids on the spectrum are prescribed stimulant medications like Ritalin or Adderall.
How to cope with Autism?
ASD affects a person’s ability to communicate, form relationships with others, and interact with his or her environment. There are many challenges associated with ASD, but there are also strategies for coping.
The lack of predictable responses from individuals on the spectrum can make it difficult to communicate with them. It may be hard to understand an individual’s feelings, needs, or desires. Communication challenges can be frustrating and may lead to behavior problems. Some people talk about being non-verbal; however, most individuals on the spectrum can learn to speak. Still, some people have speech that is often difficult to understand because of their unique way of communicating or because they talk in a monotone voice and use terms that are no longer in common usage or have strange meanings to others.
Many people on the spectrum exhibit repetitive behaviors or have unusual reactions to things they see or hear. These behaviors may be due to sensory processing issues or a need for sameness in their environment. Repetitive actions include hand flapping, spinning objects, rocking back and forth, jumping up and down repeatedly.
5 Early Signs of Autism
1. No smiles, emotion or eye contact
Sights and sounds catch the attention of infants. Babies often smile and gaze into their parents’ eyes. Toddlers communicate by pointing to objects and showing things to their caregivers. They respond to others with laughter and other emotions.
2. Not copying sounds or gestures
Babies and toddlers learn to copy gestures, like waving hello. They begin to clap. They start to show interest in games like peekaboo. Children with autism may have little interest in these activities. Other people don’t interest them. They may not babble or copy sounds.
3. Lack of empathy
Facial expressions help people figure out what others are thinking. That’s not true for people with autism. Toddlers with autism may not be able to empathize—understand or be sensitive to other’s feelings. Young children with autism may show little interest in making friends.
4. Delayed or lost speech
By the age of two, children can usually speak in two-word phrases. But, children with autism may not say anything early on. Sometimes they even lose speech skills they already developed. Babies who once babbled may stop and become silent.
5. Unusual reactions
Autism can cause children to have trouble coping with how things sound, smell, look, feel or taste. When they are in a new environment, they may react in an unusual way to sounds or other stimulation.