What Is Autism?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a child’s communication and thinking abilities, social interaction, interests, imaginative play, and attentiveness. This disorder alters the way the brain and body cells process information. According to research done by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental disorders, the symptoms of autism manifest themselves at around the age of three. Children with autism usually exhibit communication deficits, unnatural interests, stereotyped behaviors and poor social interactions. Unfortunately, these deficits usually continue throughout adulthood. Other forms of behavior associated with Autism are; not reacting to pain, dislike of change, tantrums, and epileptic seizures during teenage years. The physical appearance of autistic people is normal and ordinary. Basically, autism interferes with how a child perceives sensory input causing them to be over-reactive or under-reactive to sensations such as sound, sight, smell among others. This disorder is marked with communication deficits, poor interactions, stereotyped behaviors, and constrained interests. However, these symptoms may vary from one person to another. People with autism generally face difficulties relating well to the world and generally comprehending it. Anyone can develop autism regardless of their race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. According to the U.S Centers forDisease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 child in every 68 children suffers from autism disorder A good number of parents notice various signs and symptoms of autism in their infants when they are three years old. Toddlers with autism will smile and interact less often than normal children. Besides, they will tend to communicate physically instead of vocally. Autism can greatly impact on people’s lives making it tough for one to take care of an individual with this disorder. Autism makes simple tasks like washing, eating, brushing andgoing to bed very difficult. Types of autism According to medical experts, autism is more common in boys as compared to girls. The following are the types of autism based on age and severity factor. 1) Classic autism This one is most dangerous autism as people with it have extreme communication deficits. They are extremely sensitive to sensations and may also portray repetitive behavior. For example, one can watch one movie many times. 2) Asperger Syndrome This type of autism has less severe symptoms. Those affected portray social interaction deficits, odd interests and behaviors. However, Asperger Syndrome sufferers do not experience communication and intellectual disabilities. 3) Pervasive Developmental Disorder Also known as atypical autism, this type of autism shows fewer symptoms. It causes social and communication challenges. 4) Rett Syndrome This type of autism is common in girls in their early stages of development. It slows down the physical and mental development of a child. What are the causes of Autism? Genetic makeup Medical researchers have established that particular genes inherited from a child’s parents could be responsible for causing autism. Cases of autism run in some families. However, experts have not identified specific genes causing this disorder but it may be triggered by rare genetic syndromes such as Fragile x syndrome, Angelman syndrome, and Williams’s syndrome. Lifestyle factors Dr. Bernard Rimland (1967) conducted a research in which he suggested that autism could be caused by several environmental factors such bacterial or viral infections, vaccines and metal toxicity in genetically sensitive toddlers. Other health conditions that make one vulnerable to autism include: muscular dystrophy, Down’s Syndrome, cerebral palsy, infantile spasms, and neurofibromatosis. The following are some the symptoms of autism General unresponsiveness Unlike other normal kids, a child with autism may not respond immediately you call them by their name. In fact you can call them repeatedly and their will never respond. They will also fail to someone else around them, or if they do, they will keep a distance from them. Less eye contact This is one of the earliest signs in infants. They will ever avoid eye contact with their mother and other people. Besides, they don’t want to be held or cuddled. Repeated activities Autistic children will perform the same activity again and again. For example, they will tend to play obsessively with an object. They can also go through a certain sequence of motions over and over again. Trying to stop them from such actions will only cause a terrible meltdown. Repetitive movements Autistic individuals are fond of rocking and twirling more often. Experts have identified this kind of behavior as self-stimulatory so as to shut the world around them when they are overwhelmed. Engaging in self- injurious actions Children with autism will bang their head or even bite their hands when they feel frustrated. Overly delayed speech This is one of the most common signs in kids with autism. Some kids wont talk up to the age of 7 years. In severe cases, the child may not speak their whole lifetime. Obsession with particular objects They may give attention to a specific thing leaving out everything else. For example they can play with one toy all day without touching a different toy. Although they may be slow learners in school, you will find them performing well in a specific subject , which is of course their favorite. It can be mathematics, art and craft or music. They will focus all their energy in that subject and nothing else. Autistic children can be educated in speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, psychological services and special education. Autism has no cure but many people have recovered and never shown any signs of autism again. Contrary to the common misconception among many people out there, one can live a practically normal life with autism just that they will need lifelong care. So far there is no specific treatment program that has been identified since every case of autism is different . Therefore, the only way to help an autistic person is to work through some of the problems they have and ensure their quality of life is improved. Of course it can be challenging to take care of a child or adult with autism, but the good thing is that there are times when they are a pleasure to be around. In case your child shows any of the above-mentioned symptoms , its advisable to take him/her to a healthcare professional for assessment. The disorder can be easily controlled if it’s detected early enough.