ASD is a developmental disability that causes social, communicational, and behavioral changes. Differences in the brain cause it. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life. It can also last through a person’s whole life: the learning and thinking ability of children suffering from ASD range from gifted to severely challenged.
Signs And Symptoms Of Autism
Children who show suffer from ASD usually show changes in their behavior. These changes are:
Behavioural: Children who have ASD engage in inappropriate social interaction, make poor eye contact, show compulsive behavior, impulsivity, repetitive movements, self-harm, or persistent repetition of words or actions.
Developmental: They may face learning disabilities or speech delay.
Cognitive: They start to have an intense interest in a limited number of things. They have problems paying attention to other things.
Psychological: They stay unaware of others’ emotions or depression, and also feel anxious.
Physical: There is a change in their voice, increased sensitivity to sound, etc.
Early Signs And Symptoms Include:
- No Babbling or sound by age 1.
- I cannot speak single words by 16 months.
- The child cannot respond when his name is called.
- Losses of social interaction skills.
- I cannot make proper eye contact.
- I cannot respond to smile or talk.
Late Stage Signs And Symptoms Includes:
- They cannot make friends easily and is unable to handle social circles.
- He uses words repeatedly.
- Shows abnormal interest in one particular thing or for one agenda.
- He shows inflexibility towards daily schedules routines followed.
Strengths And Abilities
- Even though children who have ASD face many challenges, they also commonly develop many strengths and unique abilities.
- They have an above-average intelligence level. They can learn things in detail and for a longer period of time.
- Excellent in subjects like math and science. Interest and Excellence in music and art. They become strong visual and auditory learners.
- There is no certified medical test for ASD; it can be diagnosed only by a doctor who will observe the child’s behavior and get to a conclusion.
- Experienced professionals can diagnose it when the child is 2 years old. Big kids can be evaluated if their parents or teacher raises a concern. Kids having siblings with ASD are more prone to this disorder. Premature kids or kids born with low birth weight are considered at high risk of having ASD.
- A doctor, psychologist, or speech-language pathologist can confirm the ASD diagnosis by observing the child’s Cognitive level or thinking skills. Language abilities and Age-appropriate skills needed to complete daily activities independently.
Early Intervention For Autism
- Early interventions begin at or before preschool age, as early as 2 or 3 years of age. A young child’s brain is still forming during these years, and it is more changeable than at older ages.
- With early intervention, between 3% and 25% of children with autism make so much progress that they are no longer on the autism spectrum when they are older.
- This intervention includes family training and speech therapy to achieve the goals of communication, social, thinking, emotional skill development, nutrition services, and physical therapy for physical skill development.
Treatment And Medications
- Doctors may use appropriate medication for a child who has ASD. These medicines help them reduce the problems they have with Aggression, Repetitive behavior, Hyperactivity, Anxiety, depression, etc.
- Therapy is also a very reliable way of treating children having ASD. Working closely with a doctor is an important part of finding the right treatment program.
- Recording doctors’ reports and evaluations may help a child qualify for special programs.
- An autism expert can help develop an intervention plan and the required resources for your child. An autism support group is also a perfect way to share information. And experiences. It will help individuals with ASD, and their caretakers learn about options, make decisions, and reduce stress.
If you think your child might have ASD. Or, if You think there could be a problem with the way your child plays, learns, speaks, or acts, contact your child’s doctor. Share your concerns and get your child the required medicare and therapy he/ she needs for it. Source