WHAT IS AUTISM?

• BY DR. AK RANA

ASD (autism spectrum disorder) is a developmental disability.

People with ASD interact, learn, talk in a way that’s different from others.

ASD varies a lot and the exact reasons are not known.

It includes –

• Autism
• Kanner syndrome
• Rett syndrome (seen exclusively in females)
• Asperger syndrome
• Heller syndrome

Even the cause of ASD varies from genetic causes to others that we don’t know yet.

Some of them may be able to speak fluently, others might not speak even a line.

Some may have very high IQ, others very low.

Some may work and support themselves while others need full support.

So, autism (now called ASD) differs from one person to another.

ONSET OF ASD

ASD begins before the age of 3 years and remains throughout the life.

It’s not a disease that you can cure, it stays, however symptoms might improve as the child grows up.

In school/college they face difficulties in making friends or communicating with others or to express their views clearly.

Autism is more common in boys than in girls.

If one child is diagnosed with autism, there is higher chances for next child to also have ASD.

CHILD WITH AUTISM

• They find it difficult to interact with other people (even more with strangers).

• Learning the language is very important skill for communication and expression. They have delayed language development or absent in some cases.

• When we smile or show gestures or do eye contact, this is a type of non-verbal communication. They find it difficult to understand or to use it.

• Repetitive motor behaviours may be present like flapping arms or repetitive speech etc.

• When they are interested in a topic or thing, they get keenly engaged in that.

• People with autism want their surroundings or routine to be same always. They don’t like any disturbances in that.

• Sensory aversions are also seen like not being able to tolerate loud noises.

NORMAL DEVELOPMENT OF CHILD

AGE =                      MILESTONE

1 month = child gets alert to sound

2 months = social smile

3 months = recognize her mother

4 months = laughs aloud

6 months = produce monosyllables sound like ma, pa

There is stranger anxiety in the child

9 months = says disyllables like mama, dada

Waves bye- bye

12 months = when called, comes towards you and play simple ball games.

18 months = vocabulary of 8-10 words

Copy their parents in the task

2 years = starts using pronouns like I, me, you.

Ask you for food, water, washroom

3 years = starts asking questions, know her full name and gender.

Shares toys with others

In autism, smile or joyful expressions are not shown by the child.

They can hear your voice but don’t respond or look at you when you call their names or seek their attention.

They don’t show any gesture like waving their hands, playing small games with you. Even after 1 year of age, they are not babbling or saying any word.

DIAGNOSIS OF AUTISM

There is not one perfect test for it.

It is a series of observation and evaluation on both sides – parents and the healthcare expert.

By regular monitoring, filling questionnaires, maintaining checklist – a diagnosis is reached.

TREATMENT

There is no specific cure for autism. Every child with ASD is special and require individualized treatment plan which needs to be modified according to age and needs.

This is developed by professionals which help in developing skills and tackling the core deficits.

A STORY TO SHARE

I once visited an office for some work, and met one person, she was very nicely dressed and keenly working on her files.

I would have not known if I hadn’t tried to ask her about my issue.

There was nothing wrong in her talking, she instead solved my concern in much more detail than anyone else over there.

I am little poor in technical stuff, so it became quite easy to get my work done with her guidance.

I saw some of her colleagues laughing or making fun of her (I know not everyone do so, but there are still some people like them.)

It might have bothered her, and I felt sad to see that.

Before coming back, I sincerely thanked her, she gave me no reply and returned back to her seat; getting busy with her work again.

Those who are capable of working and are trying their best, instead of showing our support, we should never do the opposite.

It’s not like people with autism don’t have feelings or emotions. They know who cares for them, although they might not know how to act in that way.

As a family, it might be hard for you because you love them and it hurts to see them like this.

Sometimes it’s the frustration that takes over on your hopes to see them getting better or their symptoms getting improved.

It needs a great deal of patience, love, and strength to move ahead.

It’s necessary to stay in contact with counsellors and experts in the concerned field. They can guide in the matters that you might find hard to tackle.

On the other note,

We should respect, love, and treat them as a normal human being. They can be different but they are one among us.

SHARE YOUR REVIEWS AND STORIES OR ASK QUESTONS IN THE COMMENT SECTION, OR

CONTACT OUR TEAM OF HALLEYS CLINIC halleysclinic@gmail.com

also read DEPRESSION IN EVERYDAY LIFE

also read DO I HAVE ADHD?