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Autism Spectrum Disorder


APSARA KATUWAL DANGOL

Every year, on 2nd April, World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated but only celebrating is not enough, every people has to be aware of Autism. What is Autism and what are the signs? What is the diagnosis process and how can it be treated? These things have to be completely understood. Every child is unique but due to some neurological problem, some defect is seen in a child. We have to be the voice of an autistic child instead of thinking negatively about them.


Autism is the disorder which impacts in neurological development. Many challenges have to be faced by those people who are going through autism. They are challenged with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. But they too have unique strength developed in themselves.

Autism is also said as Autism Spectrum Disorder where Spectrum has been defined as the variation of strength and challenges in person. Usually, the signs or diagnostic criteria for autism are seen in 2 to 3 years old child and early intervention can bring a positive result.As Autism is a life long condition, intervention can help increase ability in both children and adult. So, parents have to alert to understand the signs that are in a respective child. When parents are illiterate, many kids are facing this challenges from society, as their parents are unable to help. Therefore, awareness program related to Autism is very essential.
According to the age of the child, symptoms can vary. Common symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder are listed below:

Symptoms
i. Delayed in speech development (often repeating same words),
ii. Lack of responsive behavior ( For e.g not responding when being called with name, rejecting cuddles)
iii.Less interaction,
iv. Repetitive behavior(enjoying same behavior, upset with changes)
v. Learning Disability
vi. ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
vii.Sleep problems,
viii. Sensory Difficulties

There can be chances of some other associated symptoms:
i. Tourette's syndrome
ii. Depression,
iii. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
iv.Bipolar Disorder
v. Epilepsy
vi.Dyspraxia
vii.Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Causes
For autistic behavior, biological, environmental and genetic factors can be the real cause. Researchers have found that many causes are involved. Rubella (German Measles )
found in a pregnant mother can give birth to an autistic child. Other causes can be Tubero sclerosis, Fragile X syndrome, Encephalitis, Untreated Phenylketonuria. Still, research is going on to ascertain the real cause of Autism.

Diagnosis
There are no exact ways to diagnose Autism but doctors use two methods to diagnose Autism. The first method is Developmental Screening. It reflects the child ability according to age. During the screening, parents are questioned about the development of behavior in the child to know whether some behavior was delayed or not.

Another method is Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation. It is a test which tries to find whether the child has learned basic skills or not. For this purpose, parents need to understand when doctor refer them to psychiatrist, psychologist or neurologist.

Treatment
Early intervention can help reduce the symptoms of autism and make them fully prepared by learning skills. Behavioral management can benefit. Regular check up and physical therapies can help. Occupational therapy also can help. Even medicines are prescribed if OCD, behavioral problem, anxiety, depression are seen. Community support and parenting is a must.

Let us be the part of helping hands to help the autistic child and bring a smile on their face.

About Writer

Apsara Katuwal Dangol, is writer, educator, and psychosocial counselor. She writes articles which covers topics related to general and developmental psychology. She teaches to MA Clinical Psychology students as Developmental Psychology Mentor at Tri-Chandra College, and General Psychology at Shubhashree College of Management.





Reference:

Autism Spectrum Disorder
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Autistic-spectrum-disorder/Pages/Symptoms.aspx

Autism Treatment Overview
http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/autism-treatment-overview

Screening and Diagnosis
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/screening.html

What causes Autism?
http://www.mychildwithoutlimits.org/understand/autism/what-causes-autism/

What is Autism?
https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism


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