What is autism?
Autism also called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects the normal development of the brain causing challenges with social interactions, communication, learning process, and general behavior.
It is called a spectrum because it entails a wide range of signs and symptoms that are unique from one person to another.
What are the common signs and symptoms of Autism?
Just like any other condition, autism also has signs and symptoms that you should look out for to know the appropriate action to take. Here are some of the signs and symptoms of autism:
1. Challenges with social interactions and communication:
- Having difficulty maintaining eye contact.
- Not responding to the name when called.
- Not showing facial expressions for different emotions like anger and happiness.
- Use of hand gestures does not come easily, for example, waving goodbye.
- Not noticing the emotions of others like sadness and happiness.
- Dislikes being held or cuddled and prefers to be left alone.
- Not able to speak or having delayed speech.
- Does not easily recognize nonverbal signals for example tone of voice, and facial expressions.
2. Restrictive and repetitive behavior also called stimming
- Does repetitive movements such as body rocking, spinning, and flapping hands.
- Engages in activities that could harm them, such as banging their heads on the wall.
- Prefers to stick to routines, any slight changes make them irritable.
- Has difficulty with body coordination, for example, may walk clumsily.
- Being hyper-sensitive or under-sensitive to sensory input, such as loud noise, bright light, and differences in texture.
Positives of autism
When people talk about autism, they often focus on the challenges and forget about the positives that come with living with autism. Here are some of the strengths of autism. Note that, it does not apply to all people with autism:
- Learn to read at an early age.
- Visual thinking and learning.
- Creative and artistic talents.
- Have mathematical and technical abilities.
- Character strengths such as honesty, loyalty, and reliability.
- Strictly follow routines and schedules.
- Able to remember facts for a long period.
Diagnosing autism
Autism can be diagnosed by health care providers through assessment of a child’s behavior and development. ASD is reliably diagnosed by the age of 2 years. Early diagnosis enables early treatment and support and allows time to consider additional therapies to help the child. The diagnosis assessment includes:
- Medical and neurological examinations.
- GARs test
- Assess the child’s cognitive such as thinking and remembering.
- Assess the child’s language abilities such as speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
- Observe the child’s behavior
- Interview parents and caregivers about the child’s behavior and development.
- Assess activities of daily living such as dressing, brushing the teeth, and eating.
The diagnosis of autism can be done by a team of professionals such as neurologists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and pediatricians. They work hand in hand to find the best possible support for your child.
Therapies, treatments, and interventions
Therapies and treatment should begin as soon as the diagnosis is done. Early treatment for ASD will help your child learn new coping skills hence significantly reducing individual challenges.
People with ASD experience a wide range of challenges. Therefore, there is no one best treatment. Caregivers should work closely with healthcare providers to find the right combination of treatments, therapies, and intervention