Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder is a broad term that encompasses a group of neurodevelopmental disorders. They may vary in degree from mild forms, like Asperger’s Syndrome, to severe impairment.
Causes of Autism
The causes of autism are still unknown. However, it is believed that autism may be genetic and is likely to have multiple genes responsible for the condition rather than a single gene. Researchers are also exploring the environmental factors that could play a role in autism spectrum disorder. Consequently, there is no link between vaccines and an autism spectrum disorder.
Signs of Autism
There are many signs that a child may have autism. This disorder is usually diagnosed between the ages of 2 and 6. Children with autism may present the following signs:
- May not make normal eye contact
- May not respond to their names
- Language skills are delayed
- Obsession with a particular item
- Focusing on one part of a toy or other object, rather than the whole
- Inability to interpret expressions or body language
- Lack of empathy
- Preferring to play alone
- Inability to converse
- Engaging in repetitive movements
- Inability to accept change
- Ritualized behavior patterns
- Oversensitivity to touch or sound
- Insensitivity to pain
These symptoms usually improve with age and effective treatment. Early intervention helps children with autism overcome these challenges better later in life.
Treatment for Autism
Treatment is a combination of applied behavioral analysis and medication. In some cases, alternative therapies are also used to improve emotional stability and normalize behavior.
- Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) – this is a highly structured protocol designed to improve language and social skills by dividing tasks into incremental steps and rewarding each small success. This is typically administered by a mental health care professional who specializes in ABA.
- Medication – While autism is not a curable condition, physicians can prescribe medications that can manage the symptoms related to the disorder, such as social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, sleep problems, and hyperactivity.
- Alternative Therapies – Some alternative therapies are being used to treat children with autism, including special diets, nutritional supplements, and chelation. Research on these alternative treatments is mixed as some of them can be risky. Before trying any of them, parents and caregivers must carefully study them first and weigh the research and financial cost against the possible benefits.
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