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Autism

Overview

A brain development disorder called autism spectrum disorder affects how a person perceives and interacts with others, which can make it difficult for them to communicate with and interact with others in social situations. The disorder also includes limited and recurring behavioural patterns. The term “spectrum” refers to the wide range of symptoms and severity linked to autism spectrum disorder. Autism, Asperger’s syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and an unspecified form of pervasive developmental disorder were all previously classified as separate disorders but are now all included in the autism spectrum disorder. Although “Asperger’s syndrome” is now thought to be at the milder end of the autism spectrum disorder, it is still occasionally used. Autism spectrum disorder first appears in early childhood and eventually causes problems with social, academic, and occupational functioning. Young children frequently exhibit autism symptoms within the first year. A small percentage of children appear to develop normally during the first year, but when they begin to display symptoms of autism between the ages of 18 and 24 months, they experience a period of regression. Even though there is no known cure for autism spectrum disorder, intensive, early treatment can significantly improve the lives of many children.

Symptoms

Behaviors such as avoiding eye contact, not responding to their name, and showing disinterest in carers are early indicators of autism spectrum disorder in some children. Some kids grow and learn normally for a while, but later on they may withdraw or become aggressive, or they might forget what they knew before. Common symptoms manifest by the age of two. Each child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is likely to display a unique pattern of behaviour and degree of severity, which can range from extremely mild to profound. Some kids with ASD have trouble retaining information, and others show signs of having below-average intelligence. Other children with the disorder are typically intelligent or above average; they pick up new information quickly but have trouble communicating, using it in practical situations, and adapting socially. Determining severity can be challenging because each child experiences symptoms differently. The extent to which impairments limit one’s daily activities is a major factor. Autism spectrum disorder is characterised by the following symptoms.

Social communication and interaction

Problems with communicating and interacting socially may be present in children and adults with autism spectrum disorder if they exhibit any of the following symptoms: He or she ignores you or acts as if they don’t hear you when you call his or her name. not wanting to be picked up or held. However, it seems that they would rather play by themselves, each in their own little world. poor ability to express emotion and avoid making eye contact. fails to communicate effectively because they use incomplete phrases or words, speak very slowly, or don’t speak at all. unable to carry on a conversation, or only able to do so to ask for something or label something. says or sings things in an unusual key or rhythm, or uses robotic speech patterns. When something is taken verbatim, it is used out of context. seems unable to process even the most fundamental questions or directions. We lack both empathy and the ability to articulate our feelings. takes on an unsuitable attitude toward social interactions, such as one that is overly passive, aggressive, or disruptive. doesn’t show curiosity by bringing things or pointing at them. struggles to decipher nuances in a speaker’s tone of voice, facial expressions, or body language.

Patterns of behaviour

A child or an adult may exhibit any one of the following symptoms if they are suffering from autism spectrum disorder: Repetitive motions include things like flapping your hands, spinning, or rocking back and forth. Self-harming behaviours include things like biting oneself or banging one’s head against things. builds up specific habits or rituals and becomes unsettled by even subtle shifts in those patterns. has awkward, stiff, or overly exaggerated movement patterns, as well as issues with coordination, or both. is mesmerised by the minute particulars of something, such as the turning wheels of a toy car, but has no idea what the thing is or how it functions. possesses an unusually high sensitivity to touch, light, and sound but is unaffected by either temperature or pain. behaves in a way that is neither pretend nor imitation. concentrates on or has a fixation on an abnormal topic or preoccupation. has particular dietary preferences, such as avoiding foods that have a certain texture or eating a restricted range of foods from a specific category. As they get older, some children who have autism spectrum disorder see improvements in their social skills and have fewer instances of disruptive behaviours. In the long run, it’s possible that some people, typically those whose problems are the least severe, will be able to lead normal lives or lives that are nearly normal. Others, on the other hand, continue to have difficulties with language or social skills, and the adolescent years can exacerbate the emotional and behavioural issues that they already have. Any one or more of the following symptoms may be present in a child or an adult with autism spectrum disorder: Hand flapping, spinning, and rocking are some examples of the repetitive motions that are performed. Behaviors such as biting or hitting oneself in the head are examples of actions that could lead to self-harm. builds up specific habits or rituals and becomes unsettled by even subtle shifts in those patterns. has awkward, stiff, or exaggerated movement patterns, or both, depending on the context. is mesmerised by the minute details of something, such as the turning wheels of a toy car, but has no concept of what the thing is or how it operates. possesses an unusually high sensitivity to touch, light, and sound but is unaffected by either temperature or pain. behaves in a way that is neither pretend nor imitation. concentrates on or has a fixation on an abnormal topic or preoccupation. has particular dietary preferences, such as avoiding foods that have a particular consistency or eating a restricted range of foods in general. Some children with autism spectrum disorder improve their ability to interact with others as they get older and display fewer behavioural issues as a result of these improvements. In the long run, it’s possible that some people, typically those whose problems are the least severe, will be able to live normal lives or lives that are nearly normal. Others, on the other hand, continue to have difficulties with language and social skills, and the onset of adolescence can exacerbate the emotional and behavioural issues that they already have.

 

When to see a doctor

Babies develop at their own pace, and many do not adhere to the timelines outlined in some parenting books. However, children with autism spectrum disorder typically exhibit some signs of delayed development before the age of two. If you are concerned about your child’s development or believe they may have autism spectrum disorder, consult your doctor. Some of the symptoms associated with this disorder may also be shared by another developmental disorder. Autism spectrum disorder symptoms frequently appear early in a child’s development, when there are obvious delays in their ability to communicate and interact with others. If your child exhibits signs of cognitive, language, or social skill deficits, your doctor may advise developmental testing to determine the root cause. At the age of six months, he has yet to smile or show signs of joy. does not imitate sounds or facial expressions by nine months. does not babble or coo by the age of 12 months. Is the infant incapable of making gestures such as waving or pointing by the age of 14 months? He is still deafeningly silent at the age of 16 months. He stopped playing “make-believe” or pretend after about 18 months. Even at the age of 24 months, he cannot speak in two-word phrases. loses communication or social skills at any age.

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