Autism , or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition in which person face challenges with socializes, interaction, and communication with others. Autism spectrum disorder problem looks different for everyone. This spectrum disorder has wide range of symptoms. Scientists believe that there is multiple cause of ASD. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 36 children in 45 adults affected by Autism in the United States. Therefore, we have to learn and give awareness about it
Autism sign appear at the age of 2 or 3 and in U.S, mostly it diagnose at the age of 5. ASD is a life long disorder, although person can improve with proper treatment and care.
Diagnosis
ASD can be difficult to diagnose because there isn’t any specific medical test or hormonal test. Doctors will focus at the child behaviors and his development. They will examine their physical activities like learning, speaking, behavior. Some psychologists prefer a test called the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). Diagnosing ASD: Catching it Early vs. Missing the Signs Until Adulthood
Symptoms
Behavior and Development: Key Indicators in Autism Diagnosis However, there are some common signs describe by the physicians.
. Lack of eye contact.
. Not responding on his/her name.
. Resist to hold things and want to play alone.
. Speech delay or not ability to say words and phrases.
. Speak with a rhythm tone or abnormal tone.
. Repeat single word again and again and doesn’t understand how to make sentence.
. Doesn’t express their feelings, interest and emotions .
. Doesn’t engage with people or doesn’t like social activities.
. Always demand for specific food , such as eating only a few foods, or refusing other foods without it.
. Their senses are very high.
. Behave rudely to others without any reason.
Treatment
Autism affects each person differently, means that person suffer from ASD have face different challenges and different treatment needs. Dispelling Myths: Debunking the Notion of Precautions in Autism. Therapists can administer various therapies to autistic children to enhance their social and community engagement. These treatments generally can be categories into following.
Play Therapy
Autistic children want to play alone and didn’t interaction with others. Play therapy is build their communication skills and enhance their ability. You can start by simple or sensory activities like Swimming, playing with mud, Finger painting, Foot painting etc.
As your child’s abilities grow and they interact with others, you may be able to turn back-and-forth games and collaborative games.
Speech Therapy
Autistic children have face difficulty to make sentence. Speech therapy teaches them verbal skills. This process also help adults to improve their communication skill and rhythm of their speech. Speech Therapy is a complex field which is done by pathologist or occupational therapist.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Applied behavior analysis is one of the most widely treatment used for both Autistic adults and children. Many professional therapists recommend ABA therapy. It encourages desired behaviors and discourages undesired behaviors. ABA teaching styles are:
Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
It is step by step process of learning behavior. Autistic person get reward on desired behavior or answer and mistakes are ignored.
Pivotal Response Training (PRT)
.This strategy is used to improve a few “pivotal skills” that will help the person learn communication with others.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can help children to identify the thoughts and feelings and regulate their emotions . This type of therapy is useful in difficult social situations and challenges of life. It can be useful in addressing sleep issues.
Medication
There are currently no medication specially design for Autism . However, some medications used in common condition related to autism.
Antidepressants . Antidepressants medicine are given them because autistic child has face obsessive compulsive disorder (COD), anxiety ,and depression.
Anticonvulsants . Autistic person also have epilepsy issue ,so antiepileptic medicine given to them, it help brain to send normal signals .
Antipsychotics. Antipsychotic medications help to treat with aggression and behavioral problems in child and adult . Risperidone (Risperdal) and Aripiprazole (Abilify) are used to treat symptoms. These are only drugs approved by FDA for children
However, Research shown that medication give effective result when it’s combined with therapies.
Nutrition
Proper diet is most important. A nutrition specialist creates a meal plan or diet chat according to your child requirements. Autistic child may suffer from digestive issues like constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain. ASD children have thinner bones as compared to normal kids. so bone-development food is necessary for them. Gluten-free, Casein-free diet, vitamin C, Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin B-6 and magnesium should take properly with your doctor advice.
