Autism in Children and its Treatment

Introduction

A developmental condition is autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It has two main effects on kids. Initially, it could be more difficult for them to interact and converse with people. Second, it may result in children’s narrow interests and repeated actions. Autistic children have the disorder from birth. Usually, it goes unnoticed until they begin to struggle with socializing with other kids their own age. 

Over time, psychiatry’s perspective on autism has evolved. In the past, children were diagnosed with widespread developmental disorders, which are a group of illnesses that include:

• The Asperger’s disorder
• Disintegrative disorder in childhood (CDD)
• Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD-NOS)

These many illnesses are now collectively referred to as autism. Autism is seen as a spectrum disorder rather than a single illness since it can manifest in children in a variety of ways.

What signs of autism spectrum disorder are present?

Symptoms of autism in children frequently appear before the age of two. Some kids “regress” (lose language or social abilities) starting when they are one or two years old. Each child’s presentation of autism is unique. Not all children exhibit all the symptoms, and some have more serious ones.

Two categories are used to classify ASD symptoms:

Social Engagement and Social Communication

• Dislikes giving hugs and cuddles
• Prefers to play by themselves

Younger than three: 

• Refuses to respond to their name
• Refuses to contribute, share, or display their preferences
• Does not communicate with gestures

Older kids: 

• No empathy
• Being able to express their feelings
• Lacks understanding of relationships
• Unable to interpret or use body language
• Speaks more slowly than usual:
• Has not spoken anything in eighteen months.
• By the age of two, unable to speak in two words

• Differentially speaks from other kids: Has a robotic voice while speaking
• Speaks in a sing-along style.
• Repeats sentences or arranges words incorrectly; able to memorize facts but unable to apply it to conversations or problem-solving
• Seldom or never looks someone in the eye
• Has problems allowing the other person to speak and maintaining a discussion

Repeated Actions

• Carries out the same thing over
• Pays careful attention to minute aspects
• Struggles to adjust to regular adjustments
• Arranges toys rather than using them for play.
• Becomes very concentrated on certain subjects or items

Children on the autism spectrum are also frequently sensitive to odors, textures, lighting, and noises. We refer to this as a sensory processing issue. For instance, they may find bright lights or loud noises to be extremely unpleasant. Alternatively, people can try to bump into objects, touch, or smell things all the time in an attempt to get additional sensations to make them feel comfortable.

How is a diagnosis of autism made?

A medical practitioner makes the diagnosis of ASD. For a youngster to receive an autism diagnosis, they need to exhibit both social difficulties and repetitive behaviors. The child’s everyday life must be interfered with by these symptoms. Even if they are not evident until the kid is older, symptoms must be present by the time the child is two. It is possible to diagnose autism in children as early as two years old.

All of the child’s symptoms will be listed in an autism diagnosis. The diagnosis will indicate how much help the youngster will require for each symptom. The severity of the symptoms determines the amount of help. Three tiers of assistance exist: 

• Needing assistance
• Requiring a lot of assistance
• Needing a great deal of assistance

Learning and logic are two more areas where children with autism frequently struggle. An intellectual development disorder is what is known as this. Autism should only be diagnosed in cases where an intellectual development issue cannot account for a child’s social difficulties. 

Autism is not diagnosed in children who merely struggle with social interactions and do not exhibit repetitive behaviors. Rather, a diagnosis of social communication disorder is typically made for them. 

Which factors put someone at risk for autism?

Among the risk factors for autism are: 

• Low birth weight
• Being exposed to the drug when the mother was pregnant
• Senior parents
• Compared to girls, boys receive ASD diagnoses more frequently.

Research has demonstrated that there is no connection between autism and vaccinations.

Treatment for autism

Autism presently has no known treatment. On the other hand, certain programs and treatment can assist kids in growing in their ability and reducing problematic habits. 

Several interventions are effective in treating children diagnosed with ASD: 

Applied behavior analysis (ABA): Numerous studies have demonstrated that all children with autism, regardless of severity, benefit greatly from this type of therapy. It teaches kids how to interact with people. Additionally, it teaches kids to abstain from bad habits like injuring oneself. 

Occupational therapy (OT): OT provides children with the skills necessary to carry out everyday tasks. This include developing motor abilities as well as sensory processing skills, such as controlling sensitivity to light, sound, and touch.

Physical treatment or speech therapy: Some kids could also require assistance with their speech or motor skills.

Social Stories: is another useful technique that many parents find to be beneficial. These are entertaining ways to get youngsters ready for social settings. The child’s perspective is used in the writing of the stories. To help the youngster understand what to anticipate, they utilize words, pictures, and drawings.

While there is no cure for autism, there are drugs that can assist with symptoms like insomnia and fits of rage. Medication may also be given to kids to aid with additional issues that are frequently associated with autism. These consist of hyperactivity, anxiety, and sadness.

Alternative therapies: Although many individuals discuss alternative therapies and even purported cures for autism, there is no scientific evidence to support their efficacy. Particularly the chemical treatment known as chelation, several of these therapies have the potential to be quite harmful. If parents choose to explore an alternative therapy, it is imperative that they collaborate with a physician.

Hazard of more illnesses

Certain medical conditions are more common in children with autism, such as: 

• Seizures
• Problems of sleep
• Hypersensitivity
• Digestive issues
• Tics (such as Tourette’s syndrome)
• Uncertainty
• Depression
• Cognitive problems

Conclusion

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