By: Uzma Nazir
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the full medical name of autism. A book namely the Diagnostic and statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, (DSM-5-TR) by American Psychiatric Association(APA) defines autism spectrum disorders as a difference in brain functioning that affects how a person communicates and interacts.
The brain difference also affects various aspects of a person’s behaviour, interests or activities. For example, they may repeat the same movement or sounds (a behaviour known as stimming) to regulate their emotions, may also prefer a fixed routine and value sameness over change. Thus, it is a developmental disorder that affects communication, behaviour and social interaction. It is called a spectrum disorder because it presents with a wide range of symptoms and levels of impairment.
Although the signs vary from person to person, but there is commonality as well. Some children show signs of autism spectrum disorder in early infancy, such as reduced eye contact, lack of response to their name or in difference to caregivers, other children may develop normally for the first few months or years of life but then suddenly become withdrawn or aggressive or lose language skills they’ve already acquired.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 are usually seen by age 2 years.
Each child with autism spectrum disorder is likely to have a unique pattern of behaviour and level of severity from low functioning to high functioning. Because of the unique mixture of symptoms in each child, severity can sometimes be difficult to determine. It’s generally based on the level of impairment and how they impact the ability to function. Some common signs shown by people who have autism spectrum disorder are:
Social communication and interaction
A child or adult with ASD may have problems with social interaction and communication skills including any of these signs:
Fails to respond to his or her name or appears not to hear you at times.
Resists cuddling and holding and seems to prefer playing alone, retreating into his or her own world.
Has poor eye contact and lacks facial expression.
Doesn’t speak or has delayed speech or loses previous ability to say words or sentences.
Can’t start a conversation or keep one going. Or only starts one to make requests or label items.
Speaks with an abnormal tone or rhythm and may use a singsong voice or robot like speech.
Repeats words or phrases Verbatim. But doesn’t understand how to use them.
Doesn’t point or bring objects to share interest.
Inappropriate approaches to social interaction by being passive, aggressive or disruptive.
Causes of Autism:
The exact cause of autism is still unknown, but research suggests that a combination of genetic and environmental factors are responsible for autism:
Genetic factors: Genetic mutations or syndromes, like Rett syndrome or fragile X Syndrome, may be associated with autism. Family history of autism can increase the likelihood chances of occurrence of autism in a person.
Environmental factors:
Prenatal factors, such as advanced parentage, premature birth, low birth weight or exposure to certain medications or chemicals during pregnancy may contribute to autism.
Infections or complications during pregnancy might increase the risk, although no single environmental factors causes autism.
Brain development:
Abnormalities in brain development structure and function are observed in individuals with autism though the specific vary.
Pattern of behaviour:
A child or adult with ASD may have limited, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities including any of these signs.
Performs repetitive movements, such as rocking. Spinning or hand flapping.
Performs activities that could cause self harm such as biting or headbanging.
Develops specific routines or rituals and becomes disturbed at the slightest change.
Has problems with coordination or odd movement patterns. Such as clumsiness or walking on toes and has odd, stiff or exaggerated body language.
Is fascinated by details of an object, such as the spinning wheels of a toy car but doesn’t understand the overall purpose or function of the object.
Has specific food preferences, such as eating only a few foods, or refusing foods with a certain texture.
Virtual autism:
Virtual autism is a condition in which children are not appropriately stimulated in their learning or playing, resulting in developmental delays that are not appropriate for their age. Children with virtual spectrum disorder have symptoms similar to autism or ASD but not bought on by genetic or structural abnormalities in the brain.
Virtual autism is caused by allowing children to spend too much screen time at a young age. Pediatricians have found a higher rate of autism like symptoms in pre school age children before age three with screen time exposure. The more time a child spent in front of a screen, the more they are prone to virtual autism
Furthermore, children’s lack of opportunities to play in groups is the reason fir their lack of social skills and symptoms of virtual autism. However, if a child receives behavioural adjustments and developmental stimulation. They can recover from virtual autism
Treatment :
No cure exists for autism spectrum disorder and there is no one-size-fits all treatment. The goal of treatment is to maximize your childs ability to function by reducing ASD symptoms and supporting development and learning.
Early intervention during pre-school years can help your child learn critical social, communication, functional and behavioural skills.
The range of home -based and school -based treatments and interventions for ASD can be overwhelming and your child’s needs may change over time.
Treatment options:
Behaviour and communication therapies: This type of therapy helps children with ASD learn new skills and behaviour, manage difficult behaviours. Examples of behavioural therapies include;
Applied behavioural Analysis(ABA): This is one of the most effective forms of treatment, helping individuals to learn new skills and reduce problem behaviours.
Speech and language therapy: It helps individuals improve communication skills.
Occupational therapy: It focuses on improving daily living skills and fine motor skills.
Educational therapies: Specialised learning programmes in schools can help children with autism to meet their educational goals.
Medications: While there is no medication for autism itself, certain medications can help manage symptoms like anxiety, hyperactivity or mood swings.
Conclusion:
As they mature, some children with above strategies become more engaged with the others and show fewer disturbances in behaviour. Some, usually those with the least severe problems, eventually may lead normal or near normal lives. Others, however, continue to have difficulty with language or social skills, and the teen years can bring worse behavioural and emotional problems.
If you are concerned about your children’s development or you suspect that your child may have autism spectrum disorder, discuss your concerns with your doctor.
The writer works as a Headmistress at Dream House School, Qammarwari sgr. uzmanazir6543@gmail.com
