Parenthood has highs and lows when it comes to pride, surprise, and reflection. However, when your child starts behaving or talking in a strange manner than the other children of the same age, every parent has one question: What’s going on here?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one of the most prevalent developmental conditions, which affects how individuals think, interact, and comprehend the surrounding world.
Learning about autism helps you spot the signs early, get the right help, and make sure that your child feels seen. This blog defines what Autism disorder is, its causes and diagnosis, and aids the parents in supporting their children.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental condition of the brain that alters the way an individual speaks, learns, and reacts with the surrounding environment.
This is referred to as a spectrum because autism presents itself differently in different individuals. Some children may just require a bit of assistance and live on their own. Other children need assistance with day-to-day activities at all times.
Autism is not a disease that has to be treated and cured. Instead, it is a difference in brain development that affects how a person experiences the world. With early diagnosis, tailored support, and consistent care, children with autism can make remarkable progress in communication, learning, and independence.
Signs and Symptoms of Autism in Children
Every child grows or develops in their own unique way. The signs of autism are different depending on the age of the child, their skills, and their needs for support.
Some kids may show symptoms when they are very young. Many parents point out that they can see developmental differences in their children by the time they are 2 years old. In some children, they may show up later when they are in preschool.
Social and communication differences:
- Differences in communication and social life
- Avoidance of proper or sufficient eye contact
- A preference to play alone rather than with other kids
- Less likely to answer when they are called by their names
- Peculiar talking, like repetition of some words
- Delayed talking
- Trouble in knowing or expressing their feelings
Behaviour Patterns:
- A very strong need to follow habits or rituals
- Stress occurs when fixed routines change
- Flapping hands, moving, or lining up toys over and over again
- Unpleasant reactions to sounds, sights, smells, or touch
- Extremely focused on certain things
Cognitive and Learning Patterns
- Notable learning differences, like doing exceptionally well in one area, but so poorly in another one
- Preference for learning through pictures
- Good memory to remember facts, numbers, rules, or patterns
What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Autism
It’s not possible to isolate a single reason as the cause for autism. More commonly, it’s due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors that impact brain development, even before birth.
Genetics Causes
Autism tends to run in families, and it’s possible that there is a strong genetic association. Scientists believe that more than one gene working together in complicated ways may be one of the causes of autism. However, it doesn’t mean that there is a higher likelihood of a child being autistic when someone in the family is.
Environmental Effects
During pregnancy or around conception, the environment of the mother may also be a risk factor for autism:
- Age of the parents
- Problems during childbirth or pregnancy
- Exposure to certain medicines or diseases while pregnant
However, Multiple studies and science have shown that vaccination doesn’t cause autism. Also, bad emotional situations, poor nutrition, or how the parents raise their kids don’t cause autism.
How to Diagnose Autism
When autism is suspected, a special assessment is needed by a:
- Paediatricia
- Speech and language therapist
- Psychologist or psychiatrist
Experts first observe how the child behaves, speaks, and interacts at different venues. They ask parents questions about early developmental milestones and the daily routine.
Often, an autism diagnosis takes time because not all children show typical signs. The professionals work with the children for some time to understand them. So, the time taken for autism diagnosis also varies with the person.
Treatment and Therapy Options for Autism
Children with autism can be helped with therapies and encouragement from qualified experts to build strengths and learn important life skills.
- Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) utilises structured rewards to help children learn new behaviours, make friends, and interact with others.
- Speech and language therapy enables children to express what they want to convey, develop an understanding of what others say, and communicate better both in terms of words and body language.
- Occupational therapy is meant to aid people who have difficulties with motor skills, learn to control their emotions, and do things on their own.
- Social skills training assists the kids in reading non-verbal cues, sharing common hobbies, and making new friends.
- Under the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in the UK, schools make adjustments to teach kids with different needs, give the right kind of help, and plan classes for optimal access for everyone.
- Parent training programs and local support groups with people who have autism help families to gain access to peer experiences. Parents can learn how to work through issues and get expert advice.
Supporting Your Children with Autism
A child within the autism spectrum can successfully learn and grow with the right support:
- Establish routines for your child to make them feel more secure and know what to expect
- Use pictures, movements, and apps to maintain good communication when verbal communication becomes difficult
- Activities should be planned according to your child’s interests
- Focus on what they are competent at
- Discuss with professionals like teachers, therapists, and healthcare workers to come up with a plan that works.
- Get help from the National Autistic Society, NHS Autism Services, and local authorities.
Final Thoughts
Understanding autism begins with awareness and acceptance. Every child with autism has unique abilities that can flourish with the right support and guidance.
In the UK, Learning Disability Services in Wolverhampton by Secure Healthcare Solutions offers professional care, support, therapies, and educational assistance for children with different developmental needs. Also, remember that help from family gives children with autism the confidence, freedom, and joy.
