Autism in children. It appears in early childhood, causing deficits in many key areas of development such as learning to speak and interacting with people. The symptoms of autism vary as much as it affects. Some children with autism experience only minor damage, while others have more difficulties to overcome.
what is autism?
Autism is a neuropsychiatric developmental disorder resulting from impaired brain development and is characterized by:
- Difficulty with social interaction.
- Cognitive difficulties.
- Difficulty communicating (verbal and otherwise).
- repetitive behaviours.
The term autism is derived from the Greek word (autòs: same) which means “to be alone with oneself”. Because it is expressed through a group of symptoms, the term “autism spectrum disorder” is used more commonly. Autism spectrum disorders appear in early childhood, causing delays in various areas of development, such as language acquisition, and the ability to play and interact with others. Being a “spectral” disorder, it can vary from very mild to very severe forms; Therefore, all experts agree on the need for early diagnosis and timely intervention as soon as the first signs appear.
Causes of symptoms of autism
The causes of autism are not fully known yet, and many experts believe that genetic and environmental factors may be responsible. Some prenatal factors have been questioned that could somehow contribute to the onset of autism, such as the use of antidepressants during pregnancy, the age of the mother or father, Or infections of the mother during pregnancy, or complications during or shortly after childbirth, and exposure to pollutants.
Autism
Compared to the past, the incidence of autism diagnoses seems to have increased. In fact, there is greater awareness and accuracy of diagnosis than there was in the past. Autism affects about 1 in 88 people, with a rate 3-4 times greater in men than in women. The prevalence in the world varies from country to country.
What are the symptoms of autism?
Appear. Symptoms of autism. Usually between 18 and 36 months. Early detection of the disease can make a big difference in controlling the disease. The role of the parents is very important, namely in knowing how to understand the very first signs, by carefully monitoring the development of the child, that is why it is necessary to bring the child to health check-ups at 15-18 months and 24-36 months. At this time, parents are asked a series of questions about their child’s psychomotor and behavioral development that allow the pediatrician to identify any signs of autism spectrum disorders. Some children, as we mentioned, may show symptoms of autism in infants. at a very early stage and is:
- Decreased eye contact.
- Not responding to the name of the adult who takes care of him, such as the father and mother.
On the other hand, other children show normal growth in the first months of life but then suddenly stop growing or regression in the already acquired stages. The three primary areas for acquiring child developmental milestones include:
- Physical skills: such as learning to sit without support, crawl, stand, and then walk.
- Social skills: such as responding to a look, smiling, and playing.
- Communication skills: speaking, gesturing and imitating others.
However, it is very important to remember that every child has their own timing of acquiring developmental milestones and that any delay does not necessarily indicate autism. If your child shows developmental delay, speak to your pediatrician who will know how to deal with the condition, and assess the potential need for further discussion with a specialist.
Symptoms of mild autism
Symptoms of mild autism. As a parent, you are in the best position to spot early warning signs of possible autism, so you are able to notice the behaviors and “oddities” in your child, and know them better than anyone else. The key is learning to recognize what is normal and what is not. Monitor your child’s development well Autism involves a variety of developmental delays, so monitoring milestones in the social, emotional and cognitive areas is an effective way to identify a problem early. Take action if you’re worried, every baby, as we said, develops at different rates, so don’t panic too much if your little one learns to talk or walk a little later than average, there is in fact wide individual variation, but if the baby doesn’t pick up the stages as per life expectancy , even if it accounts for this discrepancy, talk about your suspicions with your pediatrician. Don’t wait too long if you’re very concerned, don’t put off the problem or else valuable time may be lost. So trust your instincts and schedule an examination, especially if you notice a clear ‘dip’ in your Phases already acquired. Symptoms of onset autism often appear between 12 and 18 months and if caught early, ie within 18 months, prompt treatment can improve the picture. Early signs of autism include the absence of normal behavior – not the presence of abnormal behavior, which makes it difficult to identify. Young children seem very ‘quiet’, independent and permissive, so these early cues can be misunderstood and misinterpreted.
Early signs (within 24 months)
Signs of autism in children. The following must be observed during the first months:
- Avoid looking directly in the eye: for example, he doesn’t look at you while you’re feeding him or he doesn’t respond to your smile.
- He does not respond to his own name, nor to a familiar voice.
- It doesn’t follow things visually and it doesn’t follow your gestures.
- Not using gestures when communicating.
- Makes no sound to get your attention.
- Not responding to hugs and not making contact with you.
- He does not play with other children and does not show any interest.
Alarm bells are in the development stages
Subsequent delays in achieving normal developmental milestones require immediate evaluation by a pediatrician
- Within 6 months: He does not smile, does not respond to smiles, and does not use any facial expressions.
- By 9 months: Doesn’t make or respond to sounds, smiles or smiles face features.
- Within 12 months: Not responding to his own name, unable to babble, and unable to perform gestures such as pointing, offering, and reaching.
- By 16 months: Inability to say any words.
- Within 24 months: Unable to say two-word sentences or repeat or imitate sentences they hear
Symptoms of autism in adults
Disorder. Autism in adults. The way in which autism manifests itself in individuals differs according to the stage of a person’s life. They explain that people with autism typically have difficulty with cognitive and behavioral flexibility, altered sensory sensitivity, sensation processing, and difficulties with emotional regulation. Characteristics of autism can range from mild to severe and can fluctuate over time or in response to changes in context. A significant number of adults with autism experience social and economic exclusion. In addition, their condition is often overlooked by healthcare, education and social care professionals, as some become obstacles that make it difficult for these people to access the supports and services they need to live independently. All autism spectrum disorders are identified as autism, starting with autism itself, Asperger’s syndrome, and atypical autism (or pervasive developmental disorder not specified). However, different individuals and groups prefer a variety of terms for autism, including autism spectrum condition, autism spectrum disorder, and neurodiversity. The presence of autism must be considered by the medical team when a person presents with one of the following:
- Persistent difficulty with social interaction
- Persistent difficulty with social communication
- Stereotyped (rigid and repetitive) behaviors, resistance to change, and limited interests
and one or more of the following:
- Problems obtaining and maintaining a job or education
- Difficulties in initiating or maintaining social relationships
- Previous or current contact with mental health services or learning disabilities
- A history of neurodevelopmental disorders (including learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), or mental disorder.
In adults with probable autism who do not have moderate or severe learning disabilities, the use of the Autism Spectrum Quotient, 10 Items (AQ-10) is recommended. If the person has difficulty reading, the ten items should be read aloud. If a person has scores above 6 or if autism is suspected based on clinical judgment (taking into account the history provided by the patient or companion), a comprehensive evaluation for autism is required. It is important to identify and assess factors that may lead to or maintain challenging behavior, including:
- physical disorders.
- Social environment (referring to relationships with family, co-workers, and friends).
- Physical environment, including sensory disturbances – associated mental disorders (depression, anxiety, psychosis).
- Communication problems.
- Changes in routine or personal circumstances.
Whenever a disorder is diagnosed. Autism in children. Early, this was better for the speed of medical intervention to contain the disease and manage it properly.