Autism remains a mystery for many. Here are a few basic things that we should all know about autism:
1) Autism is a brain problem because of which people have difficulty communicating and relating to others. The severity of the disease can vary from mild to severe. It is most commonly diagnosed in young children around two years of age and boys are 5 times more likely to get it as compared to girls. People with mild disorder are near normal whereas people with more severe disorder need help all the time.
2) There are very typical signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and if the parents are careful they can identify the symptoms in their children. These are:
– Repeated motions (rocking or spinning)
– Avoiding eye contact or physical touch
– Delay in learning to talk/difficulty in holding conversation
– Repeating words or phrases
– Getting upset by minor changes.
– Talking in a sing-song or robotic way.
3) Sometimes changes can be noticeable in a very young infant or toddler and these are:
– Avoiding eye contact with everyone.
– Not respond to his name or turn towards his mother.
– No social smile on parental cues.
– Unusually bigger head size.
4) Some people with autism also have physical symptoms like poor digestion, constipation and sleep problems. They may also have poor coordination while running, climbing stairs or using their hand muscles. This may result in them frequently dropping things on the floor. Around thirty percent people with autism also have seizures.
5) There is no single medical or blood test to diagnose autism, but a battery of tests to check for hearing, speech, lead poisoning and other developmental disorders not related to autism should be performed. Diagnosis before the age of three can greatly improve the child’s development. Various behavioural therapies are used to improve a child’s talking and communication skills. Sometimes medicines are required to treat aggression or convulsions in a child. New apps are now available on smart phones to help autistic children but the bottom-line remains early diagnosis.