What is Autism?
Autism is a developmental condition that can severely alter how you communicate and interact with others, impacting how each individual communicates and interacts. Autism affects each person differently and to varying degrees. Autism is considered a spectrum disorder as there can be different levels of symptoms and severity across individuals who experience this condition, often coexisting alongside learning disabilities and mental health conditions.
Children showing symptoms of autism should be evaluated by a developmental pediatrician, child and adolescent psychiatrist or psychologist, or pediatric neurologist. An assessment may involve interviewing parents, observing children in various environments, and conducting special tests.
People living with autism typically struggle with socialization and communication with others, learning, paying attention and reacting appropriately to their environment – this makes meeting everyday needs and reaching full potential difficult. Providers use a diagnostic manual to establish whether someone meets criteria for autism diagnosis – for instance a lack of give-and-take socializing (like conversation) and repetitive behaviors are two factors used.
What are the symptoms of Autism?
Early signs of autism in a child include delays in motor skills development, speech development or behavior. Children may repeat words or phrases over and over (echolalia). Nonverbal communication such as eye contact, body language or tone of voice may prove challenging, as well as understanding social cues such as sarcasm may prove challenging for these individuals.
Autism spectrum disorder, more commonly known as ASD, causes numerous sensory issues that include overly intense interest or activities as well as sensitivities to touch, sound, light or food. Some autistic people also struggle with changes to routine and transitions as well as self-stimulatory behaviors like flapping hands or spinning or rocking their body in circles.
Autism can include anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions as well as aggression or self-injury. Because autism is such a complex disorder, no two people will present with identical symptoms; however there are some general guidelines to help you recognize it in loved ones. Healthcare providers use criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM-5) in diagnosing autism.
What are the treatments for Autism?
Autism cannot be cured, but treatment can reduce symptoms and enhance functioning. Different therapies exist, including behavioral therapy, speech-language therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy; additionally some people living with autism use complementary and alternative treatments such as special diets, herbal supplements or animal therapy; these methods should always be discussed with a healthcare provider before initiating them.
Behavioral therapies can assist children with autism to communicate more effectively and manage difficult situations more successfully. Behavior therapy often utilizes techniques from applied behavior analysis (ABA), such as rewarding positive behaviors while discouraging negative ones.
Medication may help control some of the core symptoms of autism, such as irritability. Although only two medicines — risperidone and aripiprazole — have been approved by the FDA, they can help relieve core symptoms, improve social interaction and decrease tantrums, aggression or self-injury; additionally they may treat coexisting conditions like anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or sleep disorders.
How can I help my child with Autism?
No parent can be prepared to hear that their child has an illness that requires serious treatment, and an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis may be especially distressing. Parents may feel overwhelmed by all the available treatment options and conflicting advice.
Children with autism typically thrive best in environments with predictable schedules and routines. Strive to make things as consistent as possible in terms of meals, therapy sessions and bedtime – especially regarding therapy appointments and bedtime routines. Avoid any sudden changes that disrupt this routine and inform them beforehand of any modifications in daily activities that could disrupt it.
Reinforce what your child learns at therapy appointments or school at home to help generalise and apply skills across situations. Talk with the autism team or GP about getting your child some melatatin as many children with autism have trouble sleeping. Additionally, nutrition may be an issue; ask for their advice if there are specific allergies and intolerances present that need to be considered when giving your child food supplements or prescribing it to them.
