Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior. It is also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD. Parents usually notice signs in the first two years of their child's life. The signs typically develop gradually, but some children with autism will reach their developmental milestones at a normal pace and then regress.
Autism is defined by the Autism Society Of America (ASA) as: "Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.
Autism is one of five disorders that falls under the umbrella of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), a category of neurological disorders characterized by “severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development."
Types
These are the most common disorders, all presenting in a somewhat similar manner, but having slight variations :
1. Autistic Disorder
2. Pervasive Developmental Disorder (P.D.D) : Also called "Atypical Autism."
3. Asperger's Disorder
4. Retts Disorder
[ Note : World Autism Awareness Day celebrate in April 2, Every year. ]
Characteristics
Most signs or characteristics of Autism are evident in the areas of speech or communication (verbal and non-verbal). Many of the signs or symptoms of Autism begin presenting themselves between 2 and 6 years of age.
The research indicates the following symptoms are the most commonly found characteristics of Autism:
- The child is unable to coo by 12 months.
- The child also does not point or gesture by 12 months.
- The child does not say single words by 16 months.
- The child does not say 2 or more words by 24 months.
- Has lost some of social skills or language abilities.
Other Characteristics include :-
- No fear of danger.
- Over or under sensitivity to pain.
- May avoid eye contact with you.
- May prefer to be by him/herself.
- May echo words or phrases.
- May have inappropriate attachments to objects.
- May spin his/herself or objects.
- Prolonged repetitive play.
- May insist on things/routines always being the same.
Treatment
Currently there is no known cure for Autism. The disorder is treated by working to change the symptoms of Autism ie. helping to improve the person's ability to communicate and cope with the symptoms and deal with the repetitive behaviors.
Also, some medications have also been helpful in alleviating some of the symptoms associated with Autism. Your doctor or Psychiatrist will decide which medicine to prescribe for Autism. Your doctor should also help guide the course of treatment and consider incorporating other professional disciplines since this seems to be the most effective strategy in managing Autism.
The combined use of various therapies and medications is the most common way of treating Autism. However, some people prefer not to use medications and use therapy only. Others may use medications exclusively. There are many other therapies being studied now but, unless these treatments have been tested scientifically, it is best to proceed with caution before trying any new treatment for Autism.
Although the available treatments generally target just the symptoms of Autism, the results have been favorable in helping the Autistic child better learn to communicate and manage his symptoms.
Autism is defined by the Autism Society Of America (ASA) as: "Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.
Autism is one of five disorders that falls under the umbrella of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), a category of neurological disorders characterized by “severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development."
Types
These are the most common disorders, all presenting in a somewhat similar manner, but having slight variations :
1. Autistic Disorder
2. Pervasive Developmental Disorder (P.D.D) : Also called "Atypical Autism."
3. Asperger's Disorder
4. Retts Disorder
[ Note : World Autism Awareness Day celebrate in April 2, Every year. ]
Characteristics
Most signs or characteristics of Autism are evident in the areas of speech or communication (verbal and non-verbal). Many of the signs or symptoms of Autism begin presenting themselves between 2 and 6 years of age.
The research indicates the following symptoms are the most commonly found characteristics of Autism:
- The child is unable to coo by 12 months.
- The child also does not point or gesture by 12 months.
- The child does not say single words by 16 months.
- The child does not say 2 or more words by 24 months.
- Has lost some of social skills or language abilities.
Other Characteristics include :-
- No fear of danger.
- Over or under sensitivity to pain.
- May avoid eye contact with you.
- May prefer to be by him/herself.
- May echo words or phrases.
- May have inappropriate attachments to objects.
- May spin his/herself or objects.
- Prolonged repetitive play.
- May insist on things/routines always being the same.
Treatment
Currently there is no known cure for Autism. The disorder is treated by working to change the symptoms of Autism ie. helping to improve the person's ability to communicate and cope with the symptoms and deal with the repetitive behaviors.
Also, some medications have also been helpful in alleviating some of the symptoms associated with Autism. Your doctor or Psychiatrist will decide which medicine to prescribe for Autism. Your doctor should also help guide the course of treatment and consider incorporating other professional disciplines since this seems to be the most effective strategy in managing Autism.
The combined use of various therapies and medications is the most common way of treating Autism. However, some people prefer not to use medications and use therapy only. Others may use medications exclusively. There are many other therapies being studied now but, unless these treatments have been tested scientifically, it is best to proceed with caution before trying any new treatment for Autism.
Although the available treatments generally target just the symptoms of Autism, the results have been favorable in helping the Autistic child better learn to communicate and manage his symptoms.
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