WHAT IS AUTISM?

Autism is a wide range or spectrum of neurodevelopment disorder/condition predominantly characterized by four impairments behavior, communication social interaction, and sensory dysfunctions. No lab test to diagnose, there are tests that can help us manage underlying symptoms. Children are screened for developmental delays during periodical checkups and specifically for autism at 18-24 months’. Delay in speech or speech loss immediately after acquirement is a major concern for autism or related issues. It is incurable but trainable. Early intervention is the key to the treatment process. The cause is unknown, still under research.

What is a spectrum (spectrum means)?

Spectrum is a wide range of symptoms, skills, and severity of the disorder.

What are the general symptoms of autism?

All children are unique and the symptoms might vary depending on the level the child is. Some might have all the symptoms some might not as autism is a spectrum disorder and the level of affected areas vary from one child to another.

Symptoms:

Lose of eye contact
Do not respond to her/his own name
Two extreme either or nor in the fear of height and danger
Stereotypic behavior – spinning object, lining up an object and flapping hands or any continuous action
Delayed communication skills, communication skills include gestures and all mode of communication
Delayed socialization skills
Echolalia
Verbal or non-verbal
Poor concentration and sitting tolerance
Impulsiveness
Aggressiveness depends on individuals.
Seizures- depends on the individuals
Cognitive dysfunction/learning difficulties
Difficulty in the following instruction
Sensory processing disorder
Trouble in regulating emotions
Sleep disorder
Difficulty maintain relationship
Difficulty in the routine break
Hyper or hypoactivity.

When to see a professional?

Babies develop at their own pace, and many don’t follow exact timelines found in some parenting books. But children with autism spectrum disorder usually show some signs of delayed development before age 2 years.

If you’re concerned about your child’s development or you suspect that your child may have autism spectrum disorder, discuss your concerns with your doctor. The symptoms associated with the disorder can also be linked with other developmental disorders.

Signs of autism spectrum disorder often appear early in development when there are obvious delays in language skills and social interactions. Your doctor may recommend developmental tests to identify if your child has delays in cognitive, language, and social skills if your child:

Doesn’t respond with a smile or happy expression by 6 months
Doesn’t mimic sounds or facial expressions by 9 months
Doesn’t babble or coo by 12 months
Doesn’t gesture such as point or wave by 14 months
Doesn’t say single words by 16 months
Doesn’t play “make-believe” or pretend by 18 months
Doesn’t say two-word phrases by 24 months
Loses language skills or social skills at any age.

Treatment

Medicines are prescribed for some associated conditions otherwise we many structured programs to guide the professional in training our children. There is one specific treatment for autism. It is a teamwork special educator, occupational therapist and speech therapist work together in the development of the children.

Early intervention and its benefits:

Early diagnosis and early intervention are considered to have long-term positive effects on symptoms. It helps the children to get a better chance to develop to their full potential significant improvement is noted. The earlier they start the greater the chance for learning and progress.

Brain is still forming, and it has chances to change or ‘plastic’ to mold than the older age. The more we delay the more the gap and it delays in all means and development. Most of the case studies have proven the progress and overcome of autism with early intervention.

A dietary change that may help in the relief of the symptom of autism:

There is no specific diet for autism or ASD. Elimination of certain proteins can assist children in concentration or focusing and hyperactivity. GFCF means gluten and casein-free diet. Gluten is the protein in wheat and casein in milk products. In addition to it the elimination of sugar can assist children in calming, focusing, and sleeping disorder.

Conclusion:

Autism is a condition, not a disease to be cured. I could be a lifelong liability for some but it’s trainable and achievable to a certain level of progress. Dedication, determination, and teamwork always display evolution.