WHAT IS AUTISM?

Autism is a complex neuro-behavioral condition that includes impairments in social interaction and developmental language and communication skills combined with rigid, repetitive behaviors. It is also known as part of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Causes of Autism: Some of the causes include genetic factors, older age of parents, exposure to certain drugs or chemicals, alcohol, metabolic conditions of the mother such as diabetes, obesity, use of antiseizure drugs during pregnancy increase the risk factors. 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF AUTISM?

• Children with autism have trouble communicating and understanding what other people think and feel. This makes it very hard for them to express themselves either with words or through gestures, facial expressions, and touch.

• A child with ASD who is very sensitive may be greatly troubled by sounds, touches, smells, or sights that seem normal to others.

•  Children who are autistic may have repetitive, stereotyped body movements such as rocking, pacing, or hand flapping and  unusual responses to people, attachments to objects, resistance to change in their routines, aggressive or self-injurious behavior. At times they may seem not to notice people, objects, or activities in their surroundings.

• Some children with autism may also develop seizures while some people with autism are cognitively impaired to a degree.

•  Typical signs of autism spectrum disorder in early infancy include reduced eye contact, lack of response to their name or indifference. 

• Few children may develop normally for the first few months or years of life, but then suddenly become withdrawn or aggressive or lose language skills they've already acquired. Signs usually are visible by the time the child turns two.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Diagnosis: Evaluation of signs of developmental delays at regular checkups including observation in social interactions, communication skills and behavior. Tests covering hearing, speech, language, developmental level, and social and behavioral issues.  Recommend genetic testing to confirm if the child has a genetic disorder like Rett syndrome or fragile X syndrome.  

Treatment: The objective of treatment is to maximise the child's ability to function and support development and learning. Treatment options may include:

●     Behavior (ABA) and communication therapies

●     Educational therapies

●     Family therapies

●     Occupational therapy  

●     Medications

●     Physical & Mental Health Remedies

●     Managing other medical and mental health conditions

 IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. Discuss  with the specialist about the scientific evidence of any therapy that is being considered before finalising it.

2. Children with autism typically continue to learn and compensate for problems throughout life, but most will continue to require some support.

3. There's no way to prevent autism spectrum disorder.Early diagnosis and intervention is most helpful and can improve behavior, skills and language development.