‘What is Autism, Symptoms and Treatment’

In this blog ‘What is Autism, Symptoms, and Treatment’ we will know about, what autism is and its signs and symptoms.

What is Autism?

Autism is a type of disorder in which a person has to face problems in social interaction, communication, and behavioral issues. This is also called autism spectrum disorder (ASD) because every person’s behavior is different. That is why autism is divided into 3 levels. These are explained based on the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition). From these levels, we can see the intensity of support we need for our child based on repetitive behavior and social communication, from these levels we know “At what level our child falls”.

Symptoms of Autism

Autism symptoms usually start appearing between 18 months and 2 years of age. You must first find out whether your child has speech delay or autism, for this you can show your child to a developmental pediatrician. Some of these symptoms have been explained below:

Communication issues

Autism individuals have communication problems. In some cases, the child remains non-verbal and if some children speak, their speech does not develop properly. If their speech is compared with that of normal children, then the speech of these children is different. Some children’s speech develops gradually.

Social Interaction Problems

An autistic individual has a problem making eye-to-eye contact, children with autism are not able to understand the emotions of any person, and they feel uncomfortable in social gatherings or parks where there are a lot of people and try to get out of that environment as quickly as possible, they like to play alone, these children do not play turn wise or have fun with other children.

Repetitive Behaviour

Behavioral problems like hand flapping, jumping and rocking, toe walking, self-injury, unnecessary crying or laughing, hyperactivity, etc. These children follow the rigid routine and with minor changes in their daily routine, they are feeling irritable and uncomfortable.

Restricted Interests

Autistic children are often interested in only one thing they like to arrange toys in a line, and sometimes they keep throwing things because they like to hear their voice, they are not able to learn the activities happening in the rest of the environment at all, even if it is supposed that an autistic child is playing in a room and if the parents are calling him by his name then he will not pay any attention, these children do not even respond to their name.

Sensory Problems

Autistic children face sensory challenges, they exhibit sensory behaviors when exposed to light, texture, and sound, and they display two types of sensitivities that is hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity behavior. Some children may run away from these sensory stimuli while others actively seek them out.

Treatment of Autism

Although there is no cure for autism, early intervention, therapy, and consultation with a Developmental pediatrician can bring about positive changes in these children.

Behavior therapy (Analysis Behavior Therapy ABA)

In this therapy, work is done with children by giving them reinforcers and rewards. This behavior therapy’s main aim is to encourage children’s positive behavior and reduce unnecessary and unwanted behavior. In ABA therapy, to get any work done, small parts of that work are made so that the child can learn it easily and for the good response of the children, they are motivated by giving them rewards.

Speech Therapy

The first step of speech therapy is blowing and sucking. This therapy works on the oral motor issues of children so that their language can develop and they become capable of proper communication. This therapy works on the oral motor muscles by using speech gears, speech tools, and a vibrator brush. Children are encouraged to develop communication through nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, etc.

Occupational Therapy

In Occupational therapy, work is focused on developing a child’s fine motor and gross motor skills, with the goal of making the child self-dependent, outdoor activities such as cricket, throwing and catching a ball, badminton, kho-kho, tug of war, slides, and swings are included as a part of the therapy.

Sensory Integration Therapy

Sensory integration therapy children engage with various textures, light, and sound to meet their unique sensory needs. Techniques include deep pressure using gym balls, light-up toys for visual stimulation, sensory mats, specialized sensory equipment, and watercolors to help reduce tactile sensitivity. These activities help minimize unwanted behaviors by addressing the sensory challenges the child may face.

Medication Management

Actually, there is no treatment for autism. Apart from therapies, children are also given medical treatment. Some labeled and non-label medicines are used for the treatment of autism. Label medicines are those that are approved by the FDA and non-label medicines are those that are given to reduce behavioral and gastrointestinal issues in children like stimulants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, alpha-adrenergic agonists, and anticonvulsants, etc. Apart from this, MeRT treatment is also a new approach to the treatment of autism.

Conclusion

If your child shows symptoms of autism, it is essential to get them evaluated by a developmental pediatrician. Avoid giving any medication on your own for treatment, as children with autism often face behavioral and speech challenges that may make it difficult for them to express their feelings. To ensure the right approach, consult a pediatric neurologist before considering any medication.

You can also read this blog in Hindi ऑटिज़्म क्या है? Autism Meaning in Hindi:लक्षण (Symptoms) और उपचार (Treatment) पर एक नज़र

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)