Autistic spectrum disorder is a developmental condition involving challenges in interactions, restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. Although it is a lifelong condition, severity can vary greatly from one child to another.
It is usually diagnosed in the first 3 years of life but it can go unnoticed till later in life specially with mild functional impairment. children with autism may have intellectual disabilities and some have ADHD.
Social communication deficits may include1:
- Decreased sharing of interests with others
- Difficulty appreciating their own & others’ emotions
- Aversion to maintaining eye contact
- Lack of proficiency with use of non-verbal gestures
- Stilted or scripted speech
- Interpreting abstract ideas literally
- Difficulty making friends or keeping them
Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors may include1:
- Inflexibility of behavior, extreme difficulty coping with change
- Being overly focused on niche subjects to the exclusion of others
- Expecting others to be equally interested in those subjects
- Difficulty tolerating changes in routine and new experiences
- Sensory hypersensitivity, e.g., aversion to loud noises
- Stereotypical movements such as hand flapping, rocking, spinning
- Arranging things, often toys, in a very particular manner
From <https://www.psychiatry.org/Patients-Families/Autism/What-Is-Autism-Spectrum-Disorder>
Treatment :
Autism is a spectrum ranging from minimal challenges to severe impairment. hence each child requires a treatment plan unique to their challenges. A multi disciplinary approach including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, special educational services along with behavioral therapy is required.
Although there is no cure, treatment can have a positive impact in child’s life. Furthermore, special ttention would be given to comorbidities like ADHD, anxiety and depression .
Having a child with autistic disorder can be stressful, expensive and time consuming. Hence, you should pay attention to the whole family emotional health. We in Kaadir provide infrormation, resources and support.
