Variations in the brain cause autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a developmental disability. Children with ASD may have difficulties with repetitive or constrained hobbies or interests, as well as social interaction and communication.
ASD is known to change behavior, communication, interaction and learning in those who have been diagnosed with this disorder. It is possible for people without ASD to demonstrate similar behaviors at times. The abilities of people with ASD can vary greatly, some may have improved conversation skills and others may be nonverbal.
ASD usually manifests before age three and can last the rest of a child’s life, though symptoms may improve with age in some cases. Children with ASD can learn new skills and reach developmental milestones through ages 18 to 24 months. At this point, these children may discontinue doing so or lose the abilities they previously held.
Early-infancy symptoms of autism spectrum disorder include lack of eye contact, do not respond to their name, or have not interest in caretakers. Some children might grow normally during the first few months or years of life but then suddenly turn introverted, hostile, or lose their language abilities. In most children, signs emerge by the age of two.
As autism spectrum disorders range in severity from low functioning to high functioning, each autistic child will likely exhibit a distinct behavioural pattern. These are a few typical symptoms of autism spectrum disorder.
Interaction and Social Communication Behaviours
Behavioural Patterns
According to research, autism may have hereditary and environmental origins. According to scientists, there may be various ASD-related reasons that interact to alter how people grow. It is believed that part of ASD is caused by genes, 10% to 20% of instances have been determined to have a specific genetic aetiology by medical professionals. These instances include unusual abnormalities in the genetic code and particular genetic diseases connected to ASD, such as fragile X syndrome.
A single medical test cannot diagnose autism spectrum disorder. A child’s behaviour and development are first evaluated concerning children their age to diagnose ASD.
A diagnostic evaluation requires a multidisciplinary team of medical experts with knowledge of ASD and developmental problems. The team can determine that an ASD diagnosis is appropriate and not another physical, developmental, or mental health condition by speaking with the parents about their child’s development, asking them about their experiences, watching them, and conducting psychological and language testing.
A child’s language development, social skills, fine motor abilities, executive functioning, and emotional/behavioural regulation can all be enhanced by using behavioural intervention in conjunction with other therapies (such as occupational therapy and speech therapy).
The approach for treating children with ASD most supported by research is called Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). By starting these interventions early, the advantages may be increased. Children with ASD who are battling mental health issues can benefit form psychotherapy treatment. Every intervention should be tailored to the child’s needs and consider the family’s choices.
Intervention results can vary, most children enhance their quality of life and acquire new skills. Some children who have received ABA therapy can progress significantly. Some persons with ASD can live alone and integrate completely into society. Others will need ongoing support or temporary assistance when their stress levels rise.