ASD
What is Autism or Autism spectrum disorders (ASD)?
What is Autism or Autism spectrum disorders (ASD)?
Autism is a neurological developmental and behavioral disorder impacting communication and social interaction skills. Many show very restricted interest bordering on obsession and repetitive behavior known as stereotype behavior. The most visible signs of Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tend to appear between the ages of 2 to 3 years though in some cases, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. However, the timing and severity of autism’s first symptoms vary widely.
The symptoms range from mild to severe and have now been grouped under “Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)” by DSM-5. The word “spectrum” has been added to denote the wide gamut of symptoms it encompasses.
Autism Spectrum Disorder along with Asperger’s syndrome, Childhood Disintegration disorder, Pervasive Developmental Delay (not otherwise specified) are commonly known as Pervasive Developmental Disorder and Rett’s syndrome.
Though the exact cause for autism is not known certain factors are suspected to play a role which include
The signs and symptoms of autism vary from individual to individual and may differ in their intensity and occurrence. However, some red flags which if present may support the suspension that the child is autistic. A typical Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) child appears to be shy and introverted in nature.
Communication – Speech and communication difficulties are one of the most important signs of ASD.
Repetitive behavior – Another important sign of autism is repetitive or stereotypical behavior known as Stimming.
As per DSM-V Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or Pervasive Developmental disorder encompasses:
Asperger’s Syndrome – It is a milder form of autism and was first described by a pediatrician Dr. Hans Asperger in 1944. In this condition, speech development is usually normal and the child may have normal intelligence but
Childhood disintegration disorder – It is also known as Heller’s syndrome. It is a relatively rare disorder where the child may exhibit normal development until he is 2 to 3 years and then gradually loses his language, social and motor skills before the age of ten. Initially few behavioral changes can be noticed like
Pervasive Developmental Delay (not otherwise specified) also known as Atypical Autism. It is when an individual displays autistic behavior and poor interactive skills but may not meet the complete criteria of Autism are labeled under this group and is also known as sub-threshold autism or atypical autism. There is no set pattern of symptoms but many children exhibit symptoms like –
Rett Syndrome – is a brain disorder affecting mostly girls by six months of age and is relatively rare. It is characterized by-
Diagnosis- There are no single diagnostic tests for autism. It is based on analysis and assessment of a child’s behavior pattern and development by trained doctors or psychologists. If a child shows signs suspected of Autism then the child is assessed on various scales of Autism like Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). Various questionnaires are devised to ascertain the child’s social, communicative and cognitive skills. Generally, many parents ignore early signs of autistic behavior as general mood swings, or delayed milestones and approach the doctor much later. Early evaluation and diagnosis help to normalize the child and prognosis are much better compared to late diagnosis.
Treatment- Unfortunately there is no treatment for autism in conventional methods. It can be controlled by counseling, behavioral corrections, a good diet, and vitamin supplements. Medicines are given to associated symptoms like sleep disturbances, seizures, etc.
“Being pregnant is one of the happiest moments of a woman’s life! It is the duration when mother & baby are at a very delicate stage & need to be taken care of.” Every woman during pregnancy is unique, and it is hard to eliminate all potential hazards to your baby. On the other hand,…
A young, smart business-woman visited our clinic and said that her son had been suffering from Attention Deficiency and other Behavioral Disorders for five years. She had first noticed it at the age of 03 years. But it was diagnosed one year back by a specialist, and he said that the over- medication is the…
Several emotional and behavioral difficulties affect children and adolescents, including disruptive, depression, anxiety, and pervasive developmental (autism) disorders, classified as either internalizing or externalizing difficulties. “Temper tantrums, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional, defiant, or conduct disorders are the most frequent behavioral difficulties in preschool and school-age children.” Dr. AM. Reddy Autism Centre is ideal for…
Three typical symptoms of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) that you can see in today’s youngsters are hyperactivity, distractibility, and impulsiveness. This is distinct in contrast to the children of three decades ago. They were branded as “normal” even when they let off some steam or kicked up some dirt. Read the space attentively to learn…
Most parents have concern for their children’s future. They hope to raise them and guide them towards a colorful and joyful life. Parents dealing with these youngsters should take extra precautions to ensure that no stone is left unturned. Most individuals lack attention at work and passion in life; if they have ADHD, it may…
Autism and Sensory Issues Autism is a neurological and developmental disorder that primarily hinders a child’s ability to communicate, learn and behave socially. Because of its wide range of symptoms the word “spectrum” has been added to it. Autism may also be associated with other disorders like ADHD, conduct disorder, dyslexia, learning disabilities, and neurosensory…
Autism is not a single disorder, but a spectrum of closely related disorders with a shared core of symptoms. Every individual on the autism spectrum has problems to some degree with social interaction, empathy, communication, and flexible behavior. But the level of disability and combination of symptoms varies tremendously from person to person. In fact,…
Beau Baldassari, 8, part of a military family, showed his parents early on that he didn’t respond well to the frequent moves that are part of a military career. “One month before the move, he became angry all the time, defiant, just the definition of a behavior problem,” said Beau’s mother, Ally Baldassari. She didn’t…