Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurobiological developmental disorder that appears during the first three years of life and remains forever. The two most characteristic symptoms are problems communicating and establishing interactive social relationships and presenting repetitive behaviors very frequently.
Causes of autism
Possible genetic origin
It is not known with certainty what the causes of autism are, but in the scientific community there is a widespread idea that there is a genetic origin due to mutations in some genes, some of which have been identified. Advances in research have made it possible to find more clues to the causes of this disease.
The clearest is the genetic cause, which is considered proven. Several studies have shown, for example, that in the case of twins, when one of the brothers has the disorder, there is a 90% chance of detecting it in the other brother as well. All the genes involved in triggering the disease remain to be identified.
It has also been observed that some neurological factors play a decisive role in the origin of the disease.
Another possible origin in some cases is found in biochemical elements and also in some types of infections. It is suspected that being exposed during pregnancy to chemical elements such as pesticides can trigger the disease, as can drug use by the pregnant woman.
Autism symptoms
Little social interaction
There are clear symptoms that can help identify the disease. Most are related to a lack of social interaction with other children or adults.
In the first months of life: poor eye contact, poor smile, they do not respond to their name, there is no visual tracking, nor are they “demanding” babies.
– Does not babble or does not make interaction gestures at 12 months.
– Does not say isolated words at 16 months.
– He doesn’t say complete sentences with 24 months.
– Any regression or loss of skills acquired at any age.
– At school or at a children’s party, a lack of interest in interacting with other children is detected.
– There is no interest in sharing anything with others.
– He is “in his world.”
– There is no participation in symbolic games, that is, using toys or all kinds of objects to simulate a real life situation: feeding the dolls or putting them to sleep, for example.
– Absence of physical and visual contact with others.
– Literal use of language, without metaphors, comparisons or double meanings.
– Little reaction to the call from parents and family members.
– Repetition of certain movements, gestures or actions.
– Walking on tiptoe or swinging arms repeatedly is frequently observed.
– Problems accepting changes in your routine.
– Unusual attachment to certain objects.
-Has tantrums frequently.
Autism diagnosis
Observation of behavioral patterns
The doctor requires a physical examination, but basically the identification of ASD occurs as a result of observing the patient’s behavior. This exhaustive observation can be accompanied by another type of analysis to check the general health of the patient.
The detection of the disease is complex and various specialists from different areas of medicine such as paediatricians, child psychiatrists, speech therapists and therapists intervene in the process.
Autism treatment and medication
Therapies to improve
ASD has no cure, so treatment seeks to improve the patient’s condition throughout the life cycle. Behavioral therapies can help increase a child’s social and communication skills. The therapist will indicate what type of exercises and habits are beneficial in each case. There are many methods to improve the patient’s situation, including drawing therapies, controlled integration into the world of work or logophoniatric therapy to help communicate better.
Autism prevention
Complementary treatments
Sometimes, the doctor recommends the use of complementary medicines to treat some specific symptoms such as aggressive behavior or hyperactive behavior.
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