Autism Awareness

What is autism?Autism (sometimes called classical autism) is the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).Autism is a general term for a group of complex disorders of brain development. Autism occurs when a child has trouble communicating and understanding what people think and feel. This makes it very difficult for autistic children to respond to gestures, facial expressions, touch and even language.

Experts estimate that three to six children out of every 1,000 will have autism. Males are four times more likely to have autism than females.

Types of Autism Autistic Disorder (also called "classic" autism)

This is what most people think of when hearing the word "autism."  People with autistic disorder usually have significant language delays, social and communication challenges, and unusual behaviors and interests. Many people with autistic disorder also have intellectual disability.

Asperger SyndromePeople with Asperger syndrome usually have some milder symptoms of autistic disorder.  They might have social challenges and unusual behaviors and interests. However, they typically do not have problems with language or intellectual disability.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS; also called "atypical autism")People who meet some of the criteria for autistic disorder or Asperger syndrome, but not all, may be diagnosed with PDD-NOS. People with PDD-NOS usually have fewer and milder symptoms than those with autistic disorder.  The symptoms might cause only social and communication

challenges.

Cause(s) of Autism.Even with the amazing advancements in medical Science, Scientists are still unsure of the exact cause of autism.

Scientists aren’t certain what causes autism, but it s likely that both genetics and environment play a role. Researchers have identified a number of genes associated with the disorder.

Studies of people with autism have found irregularities in several regions ofthe brain. Other studies suggest that people with autism have abnormal levels of serotonin or other neurotransmitters in the brain.

These abnormalities suggest that autism could result from the disruption of normal brain development early in fetal development caused by defects in genes that control brain growth and that regulate how neurons communicate with each other.

While these findings are intriguing, they are preliminary and require further study.

The theory that parental practices are responsible for autism has now been disproved.

Can Autism be Prevented?

Since the exact cause of autism is not known, there is no definite solution to this question.

However, it has been identified that exposure to certain chemicals during pregnancy can lead to an increase in the chance of autism to be prevalent in the child. Therefore, it is essential to avoid taking any drugs during pregnancy unless the doctor specifically prescribes them.

It also is essential to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages of any kind during pregnancy. Being immunized against rubella (German measles) before becoming pregnant can prevent rubella-associated autism.

What are some common signs of autism?There are three distinctive behaviors that characterize autism:1. Difficulties with social interaction

As early as infancy, a baby with autism may be unresponsive to people or focus intently on one item to the exclusion of others for long periods of time.

A child with autism may appear to develop normally and then withdraw and become indifferent to social engagement. C

Children with autism may fail to respond to their name and often avoid eye contact with other people.

They have difficulty interpreting what others are thinking or feeling because they can t understand social cues, such as tone of voice or facial expressions, and don t watch other people s faces for clues about appropriate behavior.

They lack empathy. Children with autism don t know how to play interactively with other children. Some speak in a sing-song voice about a narrow range of favorite topics,

with little regard for the interests of the person to whom they are speaking. It appears that they are in ‘their own world, in a bubble’

2. Problems with verbal and nonverbal communication They also tend to start speaking later than other children and may refer to themselves by name instead of I or me. The hallmark feature of autism is impaired social interaction.

3. Repetitive behaviors or narrow, obsessive interests. Many children with autism engage in repetitive movements such as rocking and

twirling, or in self-abusive behavior such as biting or head-banging.

Many children with autism have a reduced sensitivity to pain, but are abnormally sensitive to sound, touch, or other sensory stimulation. These unusual reactions maycontribute to behavioral symptoms such as a resistance to being cuddled or hugged.

Therapy

There is no specific medicine to cure autism, but children can improve significantly with behavior and sensory therapies as part of autism intervention plan..

Each child or adult with autism is unique and, so, each autism intervention plan should be tailored to address specific needs.

Early intensive behavioral and sensory intervention involves a child's entire family, working closely with a team of professionals. Many persons with autism have additional medical conditions such as sleep disturbance, seizures and gastrointestinal (GI) distress. Addressing these conditions can improve attention, learning and related behaviors.

Tips for working with children with Autism Make sure directions are given step by step verbally and visually

and by providing physical supports or prompts, as needed bythe child

Individuals with autism often have trouble interpretating facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. Be as concrete and explicit as possible inyour instructions and feedback to the student.

Find out what the individuals strength are and emphasize them. Tap into those avenues and create opportunities for success.

Positive feedback and lot of opportunities and practices.

Have consistent routines and schedules. If you know of change in routine inform the child in advance to prepare him for the change

Common Misconceptions

Children with autism can’t feel or express any emotion—happy or sad Their inability to express themselves verbally results in many people believing

that they don’t want to make friends Children with autism are intellectually disabled ( In fact , quite a few kids have

a higher IQ than the average child due to their enhanced ability to concentrate)

Autism is caused by bad parenting. 

Designes by:Dr Rubina mirzaSarthak jainHimani

Autism support group & websites

Autismsupport.inAutismsocietyofindia.orgAutism.org.uk

Complied By: Rubina Mirza (Consultant, Physiotherapy) Sarthak Jain Himani Sharma