Autism Spectrum Disorder can be defined as a development-related disability, stemming from differences in the brain region. It is characterized by friction in social communication, and social interaction, & often displays repetitive as well as narrowed-down behaviours, patterns or interests. Those who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder often have distinct methods or ways of learning, paying attention, movements etc. These characteristics and behaviour patterns can make social interactions and daily life very challenging for those who have Autism.
This article aims at explaining the disorder and related aspects. Read on!
Understanding the Disorder
Those who have autism display different behaviour, and have behavioural patterns that can be characterized as unusual. Such behaviours might include repeating certain words or phrases over or over, lining up objects, toys, and other items in a particular order and getting significantly upset when the order is disturbed or changed in any manner whatsoever, playing with toys in the same and repetitive manner every time, excessive focus or attention to detail towards a part or an object in particular as compared to others, and strict insistence on following certain patterns or routines.
Socially, those who have autism get upset by seemingly minor or trivial changes, have obsessive interests, have different and unusual bodily movements, often flapping their hands, or spinning themselves in circles, coupled with an unusual or unpleasant reaction towards how things smell, taste, sound, or feel like. Thus, as a whole, their behaviour, mannerisms and attitude are distinct as compared to peers around the same age.
Why a Spectrum?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is often characterized and widely known as a “spectrum” disorder based on the underlying fact that there are wide and significant variations in the nature and severity of displayed symptoms that people experience. It is not universal and linear in nature but is different based on several factors, which are yet to be understood. Persons from all races, ethnicities, and economic and social backgrounds can be diagnosed with Autistic Disorder.
When it needs Medications/Therapy,
Those who have Autism Spectrum Disorder might require treatment in order to significantly reduce the symptoms displayed that end up interfering with their quality of life, as well as social interactions, and affect their day-to-day functioning.
Because Autistic Disorder has a distinct impact on each individual, each person with Autism Spectrum Disorder has various strengths, problems, and treatment needs. As a result, treatment programmes frequently involve several specialists and are tailored to the person.
Treatments may be offered in a variety of venues, including those related to education, health, the community, or the home. To make sure that treatment goals and progress are meeting expectations, it is crucial that professionals communicate with one another, the person with ASD, and their family.
Additional supports can help with health and everyday functioning as well as social and community engagement as people with ASD graduate from high school and enter adulthood. Some people may require assistance in order to find work, finish job training, continue their education, secure housing, and access transportation.
What is Developmental Delays?
A kid/child may have a developmental delay if his overall growth is slower than average, is consistently sluggish in one area (such as using language or physical abilities), or appears to have stopped. Parents are questioned about the child's developmental history, including the pregnancy and delivery, and medical history, in order to make a diagnosis of a developmental delay.
Data on the child's verbal, physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development is gathered through one-on-one diagnostic play sessions and instruments supported by empirical research. A final report is produced using the data and observations of the child made in-depth, and it is presented to the parents at a feedback session. Treatment for developmental delay may include occupational, physical or speech therapy.
What parents with autistic children should know?
For any parent, learning that their child has been diagnosed with autism can be a challenging experience. There are various doubts about how the child will adjust and adapt to life, how the family will adjust, and the day-to-day challenges that a child with autism might face. It is a vital point for every stakeholder involved, and thus the parent must know and understand certain aspects that can pave the way for a positive bonding experience and future for the child and the family as a whole.
Parents of those affected with autism must find strategies for effectively raising a child with autism, as well as resources that might be employed and required for the holistic development of a child with autism. Parents must also know that they are not alone, as several people are grappling with such issues. Parents must know that there is no stigma associated with autism and children with autism can function just as well as their counterparts, just with the help of a little aid. Parents must also actively employ strategies in order to reduce and mitigate the negative effects of the diagnosis of autism in the family. Lastly, parents must know and believe that a positive future lies ahead for the child and the family.
Care
Various techniques can be employed by health care providers, parents, and teachers to assist those who have Autistic Disorder. Some of the methods of providing care to those with Autism Spectrum Disorder are as follows-
Behavioural techniques concentrate on altering behaviours by comprehending what takes place prior to and following the behaviour. The most effective methods for addressing symptoms are behavioural ones. Both educators and healthcare professionals now accept them broadly.
Developmental approaches concentrate on enhancing a narrow range of interconnected developmental abilities, such as language skills or motor skills, or a broader range of developmental abilities. For those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, speech and language therapy is the most popular developmental therapy.
Social-relational treatments concentrate on enhancing social skills and fostering emotional connections, while educational treatments are delivered in a classroom context. In certain social-relational strategies, parents or peer mentors are involved.
The primary signs and symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder cannot be treated by medicine.
Co-occurring symptoms are treated by several drugs, which can improve autistic patients' functioning.
People with Autistic Disorder can benefit from psychological strategies to manage their anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. One psychological strategy that emphasises understanding the relationships between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours is cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT).
Some people, including parents, employ therapies that don't fall under any of the other categories. These procedures are referred to as complementary and alternative procedures. Alternative and complementary therapies are frequently utilised in conjunction with more conventional methods. Specialized diets, herbal supplements, chiropractic adjustments, art therapy, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques are a few examples.
For those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, speech and language therapy is the most popular developmental therapy. The person's comprehension and use of speech and language are both improved by speech and language therapy. Some grappling with Autism Spectrum Disorder uses verbal communication.
Symptoms
Those diagnosed with Autistic Disorder often face a myriad of symptoms which can range from differences in movement to problems in social interactions and cues. Some of the symptoms displayed by those having Autistic Disorder are as follows-
- Non-Response on calling by name by the completion of the age of 9 months and above.
- No display of emotions, which characterize happiness, sadness, pain, anger, or surprise, by the completion of the age of 9 months and above.
- Inability or problems in maintaining eye contact.
- Use few/no communicative gestures by the age of 1 year and above.
- Distinct interests, or dissimilarity of interest with other children by the age of 15 months and above.
- Inability to point towards objects of interest by the completion of the age of 1.5 years and above.
- Inability to notice the emotions of others, e.g. hurt, sadness, by the completion of the age of 2 years and above.
- Does not enjoy playing with other children, or does not join in group social activities by the age of 3 years and above.
- Does not sing/dance/hum/pretend-play by the age of 5 years and beyond.
Awareness
Public awareness of autism is very important. Early diagnosis is necessary for the early use of multidisciplinary care, which enhances the outcome. In order to avoid delays in the delivery of such services, increased public awareness is required. Increased knowledge would also aid in reducing any potential social stigma that might be attached. There is a serious research deficit in ASD in developing nations, and these topics have gotten little attention in our region. Planning effective initiatives for autism education and awareness will require this knowledge.
It is important to raise awareness of the need to support efforts to enhance the quality of life for people with autism so they can contribute fully to society. Thus, it can be understood that increasing awareness can help in different dimensions when it comes to Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Statistics
According to World Health Organization, about one in 100 children has autism, as of 2022, worldwide. This estimate represents an average figure and reported prevalence varies substantially across studies. Some well-controlled studies have, however, reported figures that are substantially higher. The prevalence of autism in many low- and middle-income countries is unknown.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that Autism Spectrum Disorder is very prevalent, and common worldwide. With proper treatment, most of the symptoms of autism can be easily controlled and a child with Autistic Disorder can lead a normal life compared to his or her peers. Thus, steps must be taken to address the symptoms of Autistic Disorder in the long term, and for a positive developmental path for the child and family in the long run.