Autism is a unique and complex disorder that affects individuals in different ways, making it a fascinating and often misunderstood topic. With its spectrum of symptoms and potential causes, autism has captivated the attention of researchers, healthcare professionals, and the public alike. While there is still much to learn about this disorder, increased awareness and understanding can help us support individuals with autism in leading fulfilling and meaningful lives.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Autism is a “spectrum” of disorders associated with complex neurobiological disorder of development, leading to disability in children, usually affected before the age of 3. In ASD there are wide variations in the type and severity of symptoms. Because of ASD, a child’s ability to learn, master and adopt to various skills are delayed or never reached to the common standards, but some individuals with autism may excel in certain areas, such as music, art, or mathematics. ASD is found to be occurring in all ethnic, racial, and economic groups. 

What are the Signs of Autism?

People with ASD have difficulty with social communication and interaction and have restricted interests and repetitive behaviours. Not all people with ASD will have all behaviours, but most will have several of the behaviours. The Signs of Autism can vary greatly from child to child to person, but some common signs observed like Does not responding to name, Avoiding eye-contact, Preferring to play alone, Not sharing interests with others, interacting only to achieve a desired goal, Having flat or inappropriate facial expressions, Avoiding or Resisting physical contact, facing trouble in understanding other people’s feelings or talking about own feelings, Delay in development of speech and language skills, Repeating words or phrases over and over (echolalia). Giving unrelated answers to questions, not pointing to or not respond to pointing, Using few or no gestures (ex. not waving a goodbye), Talking in a flat, robot-like, or sing-song voice, Not pretending in play, Not understanding jokes, sarcasm, or teasing. Lining up toys or other objects, Playing with toys in the same way every time, liking towards parts of objects (e.g., wheels) rather than whole toy, Very organized, Getting upset by minor changes, Having obsessive interests, Following certain fixed routines, Flaping hands, rocks body, or spins self in circles. 

What are the causes and risk factors for ASD?

The exact cause of autism is not yet fully understood, but present evidence supports the idea that genetic factors— ie genes, their function, and their interactions—are one of the main underlying causes of ASDs. Scientists say that as many as 12 or more genes on different chromosomes may be involved in autism, to different degrees. 

What are the Risk Factors contributing to Autism?

As per data, not everyone who has these risk factors develops ASD, but research indicates following as Risk Factors: Having children at older age, Having a sibling with ASD, Certain genetic imbalances, Being born with a very low birth weight, Illness during pregnancy, pre mature delivery, Asphyxia during birth, Exposure to pesticides and air pollution and Stress during Pregnancy etc., 

How is Autism diagnosed?

Autism is quite different from most childhood ailments like fever, cough or any infection, where taking a blood sample or doing an imaging test can determine the diagnosis and lead to treatment. In Autism, there is nothing organically wrong with the brain as it is not diseased or structurally different, rather Autism is a malfunction in the way brain acts, so the only way to diagnose it is to observe a child’s behaviour. Hence the diagnosis of autism is subjective, based on the answers a parent gives to a series of questions, and the observations of the child by expert doctor. 

What are the treatments for Autism?

Autism can be treated and there are many of ways to help minimize the symptoms and maximize learning. Persons with an ASD have the best chance of using all of their individual capabilities and skills if they receive appropriate behavioural and other therapies, education, and medication. In some cases, these treatments can help people with autism function at near normal levels. 

Some recommended treatments for Autism are:

Behavioural Therapy In general, behaviour management therapy works to reinforce the desired behaviours and reduce unwanted comportments.

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA): Different applications of ABA commonly used for people with autism include: Positive Behavioural Interventions and Support (PBS), Pivotal Response Training (PRT), Incidental Teaching, Milieu Therapy, Verbal Behaviour, and Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT), among others.

Speech Language Therapy: Can help people Autism improve their general ability to communicate and interact with others effectively, as well as develop their speech and language skills. Occupational therapy: Can help people with autism find ways to adjust tasks and conditions that match their needs and abilities.

 Physical Therapy: Designs activities and exercises to build motor control and to improve posture and balance in Autism affected children

Medication: Medicines can improve the behaviour of a person with autism. Specialist doctors often use medications to deal with a specific behaviour, such as reducing self-injurious behaviour. With the symptom minimized, the person with Autism can focus on other things, including learning and communication.

 Parents & Family Support: Can play a critical role in supporting a child with autism. Like having a clear understanding about Autism and following all recommendation of expert doctor. Developing a routine and structure to the child’s day, communicating with the child in a clear and consistent way and Encouraging socialization and play etc. They can also join or build a strong support network and utilize their services. Autism can be treated and high successful rates under certain conditions like, the Age criteria, Early identification and adopting to proper therapies, parental training etc