1) Introduction
2) Cause
3) Symptoms
4) Diagnosis
5) Treatment/cure
INTRODUCTION
What is autism?
Autism which is also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a serious developmental disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact. It is a bio-neurological developmental disability that appears before the age of 3 in children. It affects the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction, communication skills and cognitive function.
CAUSES
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| Source: Autismconnect.com |
What causes autism?
Years ago, the answer to this question would be "We have no idea what". But as a result of research work, there are now new discoveries on the causes of autism. The first major thing about the discovery on the cause of autism is that there is no single cause of autism.
In the past years, research has discovered more than a hundred genes that can put one at a risk of autism. In about 15% of autism cases, the exact genetic cause of the person's autism can be identified while in other cases, it is a complex of environmental, biological and genetic factors that will set the stage for autism to set in.
Events that take place before and after birth are clear evidences of environmental factors. They include;
1. Advanced parental age at time of conception (For both father and mother).
2. Maternal illness during pregnancy.
3. Being extremely premature on conception.
4. Very low birth weight
5. Certain difficulties during birth, particularly those involving periods of oxygen deprivation to the baby’s brain.
6. Exposure to high levels of pesticides and air pollutants by pregnant women increases the risk of having a baby with ASD.
In a few cases, autism is caused by;
1. Rubella (German measles) in the pregnant mother
2. Tuberous sclerosis (a rare genetic disorder that causes benign tumors to grow in the brain as well as in other vital organs)
3. Fragile X syndrome (the most common inherited form of intellectual disability)
4. Encephalitis (brain inflammation)
5. Untreated phenylketonuria (PKU) – when the body lacks an enzyme needed for normal metabolism
It is important to note that these factor themselves cannot cause autism. Rather, in combination with genetic risk factors can increase the risk of autism in a child.
SYMPTOMS
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| Source: Autismspeaks.org |
What symptoms would a person with autism show?
Some common symptoms of autism include;
1. Difficulty with communication.
2. Difficulty with social interaction.
3. Obsessive interests.
4. Repetitive interests.
5. Behavioural abnormalities such as inappropriate social interaction, poor eye contact, compulsive behaviour, impulsivity, repetitive movements, self-harm or persistent repetition of words.
6. Developmental abnormalities such as learning disability or speech delay in a child.
7. Cognitive abnormality such as intense interest in a limited number of things or having problems paying attention.
8. Psychological abnormalities - they become unaware of others' emotions and depression.
9. They become anxious.
10. A change in voice and sensitivity to sound.
DIAGNOSIS
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| Source: cdc.gov |
How do you tell someone has autism?
Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder is difficult. This is because there is no medical test, like a blood test to diagnose autism. Diagnosis is only achieved by trained physicians and psychologists. They do this by administering autism-specific evaluations on the behaviour and the development of your child. Behavioural changes like failure to maintain eye contact, inability to respond when his or her name is called or repetitive movement.
TREATMENT
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| Source: dealwithautism.com |
Can a case of autism be treated?
There is no cure for autism but early detection of symptoms is key to reducing it. Behavioural, educational and family therapies may also support development and learning. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, treatment for autism can be grouped into four types;
In conclusion, Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disorder which afters the ability to interact and communicate. Autism has no single cause but can linked to a complex of biological, environmental and genetic factors. People with autism show a lot of symptoms that include inability to communicate, repetitive movements and a host of others. Autism has no medication but treatment for autism can be grouped into four as listed above.
- Behavior and Communication Approaches
- Dietary Approaches
- Medication
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine
In conclusion, Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disorder which afters the ability to interact and communicate. Autism has no single cause but can linked to a complex of biological, environmental and genetic factors. People with autism show a lot of symptoms that include inability to communicate, repetitive movements and a host of others. Autism has no medication but treatment for autism can be grouped into four as listed above.
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