Does your 2-year-old have difficulty maintaining social interaction or communicating properly? You might want to take a few tests for the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Children at an early stage can show the symptoms of this neurological disorder which makes them different from a regular child.
Yes, all children are unique, but when you see different patterns of behavior in one child that is not usual, it might get worrisome. In this blog, we will take empowering insights into Autism Spectrum Disorder, its causes, symptoms, and approaches for treatment. Let us understand this better to give the best care and support that a child deserves.
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder? 4 Major Types Of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder is classified as a group of neurological conditions that develop in early childhood. These neurological conditions are then categorized into different spectrums that help us understand the severity of autism.
The common symptoms that can help identify ASD in children are repetitive behavior, lack of social interactions, and expressing themselves clearly.
Male children are more prone to have this disorder than female children. Four major types of Autism Spectrum Disorder can be evaluated at this point. They are
1. Asperger’s Syndrome
This condition is usually called level 1 spectrum disorder and involves children to have a high intelligence quotient. These children are intelligent above the average range and have strong verbal skills, but they are unable to express their feelings. Social interaction is a barrier for them and they need help when there is a change in their ongoing activities.
2. Childhood Disintegrative Syndrome
This disorder is considered to be a severe form of ASD. Here, the children facing the challenges of Childhood disintegrative syndrome lose their social function, motor skills, and language skills. The regression period affects the developmental aspects of the children after they turn 3 or 10 years. The loss of language skills, motor skills, bowel control, social skills, and intellectual impairment is heartbreaking for both parent and child.
3. Rett Syndrome
This syndrome is usually seen more in a girl child than a male child. The symptoms of this neurological disorder can be identified during infancy. With Rett Syndrome, the child’s every aspect of life is affected and there is a loss of standard movement and coordination. Children might also have difficulty breathing and speech when facing the challenges of this syndrome.
4. Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified
This neurological condition is no longer used in this term and has now been known as Autism Spectrum Disorder since 2013. The symptoms of this condition can be seen in early childhood and last throughout their lifetime. Challenges in speech and social interaction are common for ASD and there is a delay in the development of language, walking, or other motor skills.
What Are The Main Symptoms Of Autism Spectrum Disorder?
According to the American Psychiatric Association, the symptoms of autism can be classified as below.
- Difficulty in fitting in the social occasions
- Cannot understand the emotions of others and may react inappropriately to them
- Cannot reciprocate the feelings of love
- Hates any alterations in their schedule or activity
- Have difficulty in playing normal games as Imaginative Doctor, or cooperative play
- Prefers their company to other children
- Unexpected emotional reactions
- Fear over unnecessary things
- Delayed cognitive development
- Unusual pattern of sleep cycle
- Have difficulty understanding the social norms or behavior
- Extreme reactions to loud noises or sensory input
- Engages in repetitive movements or activities
- Difficulty in adjusting to new environments
- Develop a speech impairment
- Verbal and non-verbal communication are hard to understand
- Cannot maintain any peer relations
- Would avoid social interactions
- Lack of eye contact
- Cannot hold a conversation
- Staring intently at a fixed object
- Gestures are hard to come by for them
- Lack of facial expressions
- Can be hyperactive, inattentive, or have impulsive behaviors
- Extraordinary food preferences
- Has a flat tone while communicating or is more like a robot
What Are The Primary Causes Of Autism Spectrum Conditions?
Studies have shown that there is no immediate cause for developing an autistic disorder. But some factors can contribute towards it:
- If there is a history of autism with immediate blood relatives
- Preterm babies or babies born without completing the full 9 months in the mother’s womb
- Fragile X syndrome genes
- Rare changes in genetic code
- Exposure to metallic pollution during pregnancy
- Increased age of parents
- Specific medicines that are taken during pregnancy can also contribute to ASD
Treatment Of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autistic children are often bullied at school and social events because of their lack of intellect or poor coordination. Treating the symptoms of ASD is highly important as it can help the children to thrive and live their full potential.
Since there is no cure for this condition, children need to manage their symptoms for a fulfilling life. The treatment options are:
👉 Behavioral And Communication Therapy
This is the most common therapy one can have for ASD. The Applied Behaviour Analysis approach is used where behavior and consequences play a major role.
👉 Family Therapy
Family therapy involves sessions with the family and the child with ASD. Here all the members work together to understand the traits and behavior of ASD to manage the symptoms.
👉 Speech Therapy
A speech-language therapist is appointed for impaired speech and improving non-verbal communication. Making eye contact, expressing themselves, and speaking is the main goal of this therapy.
👉 Occupational And Physical Therapy
Some ASD traits involve controlling physical actions. Here the therapist will focus on posture, balance, muscle control, and coordination of the patient.
ASD has a wide range of symptoms and the challenges faced by children are difficult even for adults. Early intervention therapy for autism is recommended by doctors as children can quickly adapt to the treatments. This involves self-dependency and improving cognitive skills for the rest of their life.
People with ASD are globally found but the treatments are not widespread. Awareness programs for therapies and early identification in educational institutions should be initiated more often. Understanding a child’s behavior is normally difficult, but with ASD things can get critical as the communication gap becomes more evident.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? (https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html) Accessed 2/26/2023.
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/autism/Pages/default.aspx). Accessed 2/26/2023.
- U.S. National Institute of Mental Health. Autism Spectrum Disorder (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml). Accessed 2/26/2023.