What is autism and what are its symptoms
Miscellaneous / / October 06, 2021
This is not a disease, but the help of specialists is needed.
What is Autism
Autism, or, more correctly, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), is a large group of diverse conditions in which a person hasWhat is Autism? / Autism Speaks Canada speech disorders, behavioral features, problems with social skills and non-verbal communication. According to the WHO, such disorders occurAutism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) / WHO one in 160 children.
What causes autism
No one knows exactly why this violation develops. But researchers believeAutism Spectrum Disorder / Medscapethat certain factors increase the risk of its occurrence. Here they are:
- Genetics. In families where there is already a child with autism, the risk of having a second child with the same disorder is 18.7% higher than in families with children without disorders. ASDs also often occurAutism Statistics and Facts / Autism Speaks Canada the twins. However, scientists believe that defective genesdue to which the disorders develop are not always inherited. Sometimes it's spontaneousGenetics of Autism Spectrum Disorders / Medscape mutations.
- Obstetric complications. For example, arterial hypertension, diabetes, threatened abortion, breech presentation, premature birth are dangerous, preeclampsia and fetal distress. Also, the prognosis worsens if a woman has given birth more than four times or has developed uterine bleeding before or after childbirth.
- Infections during pregnancy. It is believed that the likelihood of developing autism increases if the mother has had rubella. The virus can harm a child.
- Exposure to toxins. Some medications, such as epilepsy, have a negative effect on the development of the fetus. Also dangerous are organochlorine compounds, which are used in agriculture, and even polluted air.
- The age of the parents. The risk increases if the mother is over 35 and the father is over 50.
Research also showsAutism Spectrum Disorder / Medscapewhat's in between vaccinations and the development of the disorder there is no connection.
What are the symptoms of autism
Most often, the first signs appear at the age of 2-3 years, but sometimes they can be noticed sooner or later. Symptoms are varied, and not all of them affect a particular child. Sometimes some behaviors resemble ASDs, but are not. Therefore, any assessment of the condition should be given by a specialist. Depending on the age, they drawLearn the Signs of Autism / Autism Speaks Canada attention to such deviations:
By 6 months
- The child rarely smiles and practically does not show emotions.
- The baby does not make eye contact well.
By 9 months
The child smiles a little, makes almost no sounds, rarely demonstrates emotions.
By 12 months
- The child babbles little or no.
- He barely responds to his name.
- The kid rarely uses gestures. For example, does not reach out pens and does not point to objects.
By 16 months
The child practically does not speak.
By 24 months
Cannot create simple two-word phrases on his own. Imitation or repetition does not count for someone else.
Any age
- The child's social skills have disappeared, speech has deteriorated, babbling has disappeared.
- He avoids eye contact with others.
- Prefers loneliness.
- Difficulty discerning the emotions of others.
- There is a delay in speech development.
- Repeats the same phrase or word over and over.
- The child has limited interests. He is only curious about certain activities or toys, and he does not react to others.
- Repeats the same movements. For example, swinging, clapping, or spinning.
- Reacts unusually or very harshly to light, sound, taste, texture, or odors. It can be screaming or crying.
There are other features as well. For example, some children may sayAutism spectrum disorder / Mayo Clinic an unusual melodious voice or like a robot. Many people misinterpret the facial expressions of others and do not know how to express their emotions. Also, with ASD, the child is able to repeat the phrase verbatim, but not know how to use it and when. And from the outside it sometimes seems that the baby does not understand simple requests and instructions.
Sometimes the behavior of such children is frightening. They may bounce their heads, bite, or move strangely or awkwardly due to lack of coordination.
What to do if you have signs of autism
See a pediatrician. He will conduct an initial examination and refer you to a neurologist if an ASD is suspected. He will study the child's behavior and make a diagnosis if he finds symptoms of the disorder. In this case, they usually rely on directory DSM-5 of the American Psychiatric Association.
Helping people with autism
Doctors use a variety of methods to help alleviate the disorder, help your child develop, learn, and interact with others. In each case, an individual therapy program is drawn up. It can includeAutism spectrum disorder / Mayo Clinic:
- Behavioral and communication therapy. Specialists help children with autism develop social skills and apply them in different situations.
- Correctional pedagogy. This is a special, well-structured educational program that includes both regular activities and additional ones. During the latter, professionals are working to improve the social skills of children.
- Family therapy. These activities teach parents and other relatives how to interact and play with the child.
- Medicines. Sometimes doctors prescribe drugs that reduce anxiety, reduce hyperactivity, or resolve sleep problems.
- Other methods. For example, classes with a speech therapist, speech pathologist, occupational therapy and physiotherapy.
The more children with autism interact with others, the less often and less symptoms they develop.
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