Have you ever felt like you were the only one dancing to a completely different beat at a party? This is what a life can be for someone with autism. It is not about ‘being different’, it is about dancing to a rhythm that is truly yours. You can say autism is having a different playlist that shapes your unique experience from social interactions. Let’s dive into the guide which will provide you with a complete overview of autism, covering all core aspects and practical advice to help you navigate this spectrum.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - An Overview
Autism is a disease characterised by movement and speech disorders, as well as stereotypical interests and behaviour, accompanied by a disruption of social interactions between the patient and others. Data on the prevalence of autism vary significantly, which is due to different approaches to diagnosing and classifying the disease. According to the data on autism prevalence in Australia, at least 1 in 40 individuals are on the autism spectrum, higher than the previous estimate of 1 in 70. More than 75 per cent of NDIS participants under 18, and 45 per cent overall, have autism. The causes of the disease have not been fully clarified but most scientists assume a connection with congenital brain dysfunction. Autism is usually diagnosed before the age of 3. The first signs may be noticeable already in infancy. Complete recovery is considered impossible, but sometimes the diagnosis is removed with age. The goal of treatment is social adaptation and the development of self-care skills.
Core Features of Autism
Autism has three core features i.e. problems of social communication, repetitive behaviours and sensory sensitivities.
Problems of Social Communication: People with autism may face issues in verbal and non-verbal communication. They encounter difficulties comprehending social cues, holding conversations, or regaling in usual social interactions.
Repetitive Behaviors: People with ASD show repetitive conduct like rocking, hand-flapping or rigid routines. Also, they have intense, focused interests in specific topics or activities.
Sensory Sensitivities: People with autism have sensory processing issues. These problems include sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, or tastes, or a decreased response to sensory stimuli.
Causes of Autism
Since the emergence of autism, doctors and scientists have assumed that many factors influence the development of this disorder, but the exact and single cause of autism is yet to be found. Today, autism syndrome is considered a polyetiological disease, which means that several factors can influence its development. The most important ones are:
- It turned out that genetics plays a huge role in the development of the disease. Many genes that cause this disorder were identified, but only a certain combination of them, as well as an unfavourable environmental situation, cause the disease in a newborn child.
- Using MRI, it was possible to find out that children and adults with autism have some changes in the structure of the central nervous system, which is formed during the period of intrauterine development of the fetus.
- Biochemical changes and metabolic disorders in the central nervous system.
Vaccinations do not affect the development of autism and this has been proved through experiments and studies. Therefore, this factor should be completely excluded from the list of causes; it belongs to the category of myths.
Symptoms of Autism
The disease can be divided into three variants of the course: mild, moderate and severe. Moreover, signs of autism are already noted in childhood, and it will not be difficult for a doctor to give a small patient an accurate diagnosis. The main manifestation of the disease of a mild degree is communication difficulties. Such people can talk, but it is difficult for them to maintain a dialogue, and they prefer to remain silent. It is also difficult for them to find new friends, so a child with a mild degree of the disease does not make contact with other children or does so extremely reluctantly. Other manifestations of the disease include:
- Decreased interest in interacting with people.
- Clear signs of unsociability.
- Problems with adaptation to new conditions.
- Careful planning and organization of space, specifically in routine matters.
In children with the second degree of severity of the disease, the symptoms are expressed more clearly. They have no verbal or non-verbal communication skills at all, behavioural problems arise, an unusual response to attempts to start a dialogue appears, and a very difficult period of adaptation to new conditions. Such children are often interested in one thing, and in speech, they use only monosyllabic words and cannot form sentences. The most severe stage of the disease is the third. In this case, mental retardation, and severe anxiety disorder are observed. Epileptic seizures may begin, which are difficult to stop.
Diagnosis of Autism
There are no specific medical tests that will immediately answer the question of whether a child has autism. When recognizing the symptoms of autism, specialists primarily pay attention to the child's behaviour and development. The diagnosis is divided into two stages
In the first stage, a specialist checks whether the child has basic skills corresponding to his age criterion or whether there is a developmental delay. If there is a suspicion that the child is at high risk of developmental disorders associated with the fact that other people in the family suffer from autism then additional screening tests are carried out. Screening tests should be carried out on children aged 1.5-2 years.
A comprehensive assessment of the child's condition is the second stage of diagnosis. The assessment includes the child's behaviour and interviews with parents, neurological and genetic tests and other medical examinations may also be performed. A comprehensive assessment is usually done:
- Neurologists – evaluate the functioning of the brain and nerves.
- Developmental pediatricians – assess the child’s development.
- Child psychologists or psychiatrists – determine the presence of deviations in the psycho-emotional plane.
Treatment of Autism
The main goal of treatment is to increase the patient's level of independence in the process of self-care, formation and maintenance of social contacts. Long-term behavioural therapy, play therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy are used. Corrective work is carried out against the background of taking psychotropic drugs.
The training program is selected taking into account the child's capabilities. Low-functioning autists are taught at home. Children with Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autists attend an auxiliary or mainstream school.
Prognosis and Prevention of Autism
The prognosis depends on the severity of ASD manifestations. Thus, if the diagnosis is made late and without corrective work, profound speech, cognitive and social defects may develop. If autism was diagnosed before the age of 2-4 and the child was helped to adapt, then the chances for a normal life in society are high. Such children can study in comprehensive schools, receive higher education, get married, and do work.
Common Myths/Misconceptions About Autism
If people want to understand autism, they need to dispel several myths and misconceptions:
Myth 1
It is a myth that autism is caused by vaccines. Expansive research studies have explicitly debunked the association between autism and vaccines. Autism is a difficult condition with environmental and genetic factors playing their part.
Myth 2
Another myth is that people with autism have intellectual impairments. In reality, it has a broader intellectual spectrum. Numerous individuals with autism have average or above-average intelligence.
Myth 3
It is said that people with autism have no empathy. In actuality, individuals with autism express strong empathy, they possess deep emotional affinities and understanding.
How to Live with Autism?
If a doctor has diagnosed a child with autism, it is important not to hide information about his health. Knowing about his diagnosis will help him think more positively about himself and not consider himself a loser or ill-mannered, because he cannot always do what he wants, and his emotions often get out of control. In addition, it helps to adapt and develop the qualities necessary for social interaction. For example, learning to cope with anxiety, planning your day, adapting to changes, and maintaining a dialogue. If there is a child with autism in the family, it is also important to follow some rules that will help avoid injuries, increased anxiety and other problems.
Conclusion
Navigating autism can be challenging but with prior knowledge, support and early diagnosis can help individuals to spend a fulfilling life. It is important to note that every person with autism is different and must be treated uniquely. Through a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, we can empower them to reach their full potential.
Ready to make a difference? Begin by heightening your knowledge, oppugning misconceptions, and welcoming the unique experiences of those on the spectrum with our complete guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the prominent signs of ASD in children?
Common signs include social interaction, repetitive behaviours, delayed communication skills, and unusual sensory responses.
Can adults develop autism?
Autism can be developed in adults. Numerous people are diagnosed with autism later in life but the ratio of prevalence is small as compared to children.
Is Autism and Asperger's Syndrome the same?
Asperger's Syndrome is the same. It is considered as part of the autism spectrum disorder.
How can I support a person with autism?
Supporting an individual means understanding, being patient, and being respectful of their unique needs.
Can you enumerate the therapies that are most effective for autism?
Commonly used therapies are speech therapy for communication skills, ABA for behavioural issues, and occupational therapy for routine living skills.
Can autism be cured?
Presently, there is no cure. However, early intervention can significantly improve the quality of life.
