Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorders represent a group of disorders characterized by impairment in social interaction, stereotyped repetitive behavioural patterns and communication difficulties. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that autism occurs in all people regardless of the social-economic status, ethnic background or race but it is predominantly in males than in females.

Signs and symptoms of Autism

Children with Autism tend to have a repetitive speech where they repeat certain words amidst a conversation and this is known as echolalia. They may repeat words said by another person or words heard from the TV.

Children with high functioning Autism tend to show exceptional ability in a particular field such as calendar calculation, musical ability and math ability even though they are not able to engage in a back-forth conversation. This is known as savant skill.

The uneven development of language and speech skills where they are not able to comprehend what they have learnt. Often these children are mistaken for hearing impairments as they are unable to respond to their names or the speech of others.

Inability to use non-verbal language to communicate their needs, feelings and thoughts to others. Most children with autism are mistaken for being inattentive, rude and disinterested as they are not able to enrich their language with non-verbal language.

Repetitive speech and behaviors

Fixed schedules on certain behaviors and routine such as counting every white car that passes by

Extremely sensitive to sensory modalities such as light, sound and touch.

Difficulty concentrating

Aggressiveness

Fussy eating habits

Early signs of Autism in children

Lack of smiles by the age of 6 months

Lack of imitation of sound or facial expressions by the age of 9 months

At 1 year they do not have babbles or coo sounds

At 14 months they do not employ non-verbal cues such as waving and pointing

The use of single words by age 16-24 months.

They do not participate in plays involving imitating their peers.

 

Predisposing factors for Autism

Low birth weight

Giving birth at an older age

Genetic factors

Exposure to environmental toxins

Fetal exposure to certain medications such as valproic acid

Viral infections

Ø  Management for Autism

Play therapy

Speech therapy

Behavioral therapy

Meditation techniques

Weighted blankets where weight is evenly distributed and enables children with autism to remain calm and sleep.

 Note: previous research which linked autism to certain vaccines e.g. measles and mumps has been criticized and research has shown that no relationship exists between vaccines and Autism Spectrum Disorders.