You can get help for autism
recognition of the just ended Autism Awareness Month (April), I will this week focus on the subject of Autism Spectrum Disorder—which in short I will call autism.
AUTISM is a condition that is linked to the development of the brain and it causes people to experience challenges with how they see, interact and how they communicate with others.
The term “spectrum” in Autism Spectrum Disorder, refers to the wide range of symptoms and severity of the disorder.
For example, some people with autism may have advanced conversation skills, and others may be nonverbal.
Some may need a lot of assistance to enable them to undertake their daily living activities, whilst others can work and live with very little or no support.
Once born alive, all babies grow, but the reality is that they develop at their own pace and do not follow rigid timelines that we may read about.
But it is often in early childhood, usually between two and three years, that parents begin to note their children may have autism.
Some children appear to grow normal in the first year, but symptoms may begin to show during the second year.
Some symptoms of autism
Lack of response from a child when you call his or her name — some children may appear not to hear you when you are talking to them, they may come across as if they are ignoring you.
Withdrawal (some may not like to be held or to experience cuddling — they may prefer to play on their own, thus withdrawing into their own worlds).
Some may have reduced eye contact (they make look sideways when you are talking to them) as well as lack facial expression.
· Others may not speak (non-verbal), or their speech may be delayed or as they grow older, they may lose the ability to say the words or sentences which they may have learnt earlier.
In some instances, persons with autism may be unable to start a conversation, or if they do, they may struggle to keep up with talking — some may only start a conversation when they want to ask for something or to label an item.
◆ There are also cases when some repeat words or sentences, without being able to link the words and sentences in ways that make meaning.
Some may not express emotions or feelings, and they may come across as being unaware of other people’s feelings.
We also have cases of others that may approach social interaction with passivity, aggression or disruption –they may struggle to “read” nonverbal cues, such as people’s facial expressions, tone of voice or body postures.
The list of symptoms of autism is not exhaustive.
Each person may have his or her own unique way of behaving, as well as his or her own level of severity which ranges from low functioning to high functioning.
For example, some children with autism may experience difficulties with learning, thus exhibiting signs of below-average intelligence.
But some children suffering from the same condition may have a normal or high standard of intelligence, thus learning quickly, but also experiencing problems with communicating and applying what they know in their daily lives, thus struggling to adjust to social situations.
Causes of autism
There are many causes some of them associated with genes.
Some genes may negatively impact the development of the brain or the way that brain cells communicate. Genetic mutations may be inherited whilst others may just occur.
According to Mayo Clinic, research is being undertaken to determine whether environmental factors such as medical drugs or challenges experienced during pregnancy may cause autism, or if air pollution or viral infections are also linked to the developmental disorder.
But some children with autism may become more engaged with others and show fewer symptoms of unique behaviours as they grow older.
Prevention
We cannot prevent autism. However, with early diagnosis and early action, we can help our children to develop various skills.
The belief that as years go by children may outgrow autism is a myth, hence we need to give maximum support to our children so that they can learn to function well.
If you suspect that your child has this developmental disorder, there is need for you to consult a health care facility for tests to be undertaken.
These will ascertain if your child is experiencing developmental delays of a mental, language or social skills nature. Appropriate remedies that do not cure autism but that improve functioning, will be offered by qualified personnel.