Autism is a condition that falls under the umbrella of pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) that lasts a lifetime. Therapy that teaches new abilities to people with autism is beneficial. Given the nature of the disorder, knowing and understanding autism or Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is paramount before considering any Autistic Spectrum Disorder Treatment.
Here is a detailed compilation for you to understand the Autism condition better so that you can make an informed decision regarding the treatment:
What is Autism?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that includes the following characteristics:
- Language development can be delayed or absent in people with autism and intellectual difficulties, impaired motor coordination, and attention deficits.
- Difficulty in social communication, both verbal and nonverbal communication, pose a challenge.
- Social interaction deficits.
- Sensory issues and exhibit restricted repetitive behavior patterns, interests, or activities.
What are the primary characteristics of a child with ASD?
The American Psychiatric Association changed the word autism to autism spectrum disorder in 2013. ASD has become a catch-all term for the following conditions:
- Asperger syndrome.
- Autistic disorder.
- Pervasive developmental disorder — not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS).
People with ASD have difficulty interacting with others and comprehending and using nonverbal and vocal communication in social situations. Individuals with ASD may also struggle with the following issues:
- Exhibits interests that are rigid.
- Assertion on the sameness of the environment or the sameness of the activity.
- Fiddling with hands or rocking are examples of repetitive sensory and motor responses.
- Reactions to sensory input are either increased or diminished.
The degree of an individual’s symptoms determines how effectively they can cope in daily life. Because the degree of autism and its effects on everyday life vary so significantly, some people’s symptoms aren’t always obvious.
Also Read: How Mindfulness Makes You More Resistant To Stress
What are the symptoms of autism?
ASD symptoms can range from moderate to extremely disabling, and each person is unique. The indicators listed below are considered red flags, indicating that your young kid may have autism.
Don’t hesitate to contact your kid’s healthcare practitioner to discuss a recommendation for an autism evaluation if your child exhibits any of the following symptoms.
The following are examples of warning signs:
- Your youngster either doesn’t reply or replies inconsistently when their name is called.
- By the age of six months, your child does not have a big smile or make warm, cheerful expressions.
- By the period of ten months, your child is not smiling, making sounds, or making faces with you or other people.
- By the period of twelve months, your child has not begun to speak gibberish.
- No back-and-forth gestures like showing, pointing, reaching, or waving are exhibited for one year.
- By the age of 15 months, there were no words.
- By 23 months, there were no meaningful two-word phrases (not including mimicking or repeating).
- Any age-related loss of speech, babble, or social skills.
What is the procedure for diagnosing autism?
There are still no laboratory tests that can be used to diagnose ASD. On the other hand, certain healthcare providers obtain specialized training and can provide checks and assessments as needed, as well as ask parents or instructors to keep track of observations. Specialized doctors, psychologists, and speech and language therapists are these providers.
Summing Up:
Over the last twenty years, much has been discovered about Autistic Spectrum Disorder through study. The causes of ASD, early identification and diagnosis, mitigation, and therapies are all currently being researched.
As a kid grows older, the symptoms of ASD often become less noticeable. Before deciding on a treatment plan, parents of children with autism will have to be flexible with the child, understand the condition, and be willing to adjust.
Also Read: Top 9 Blood Tests to Keep You Healthy, Happy, and Active