Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by troubles with social interaction and communication , and by restricted and repetitive behavior. It covers a large spectrum of symptoms, skills, and levels of impairment. ASD( autism spectrum disorder) ranges in severity from a handicap that somewhat limits an otherwise normal life to a devastating disability that may require institutional care.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
According to the Autism Society, autism symptoms typically become clearly evident during early childhood, between 24 months and 6 years of age. Symptoms include a marked delay in language and cognitive development. There may be signs of obsessive and/or antisocial behavior.
Others signs are
Total lack of an appetite (very underweight)
Lack of ability to settle as a baby (cried 16 hours per day)
Don’t like to sleep
Having massive melt-downs on a regular basis
You cannot reason with them
They can be ‘jittery’ and cannot sit still or pay attention.
No attention span
Learning difficulties
Epilepsy
Sensitive to sound
Sensitive to the textures of food
Slow with speech development or totally non-verbal
They feel, smell and touch objects obsessively
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Deneralised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Depression
CAUSES OF AUTISM
Not long ago, the answer to this question would have been “we have no idea.” Research is now delivering the answers. First and foremost, we now know that there is no one cause of autism, just as there is no one type of autism. Over the last five years, scientists have identified a number of rare gene changes or mutations associated with autism.
Because autism runs in families, most researchers think that certain combinations of genes may predispose a child to autism. But there are risk factors that increase the chance of having a child with autism.
When a pregnant woman is exposed to certain
drugs or chemicals, her child is more likely to be autistic. These risk factors include the use of alcohol, maternal metabolic conditions such as
diabetes and obesity , and the use of antiseizure drugs during pregnancy . In some cases, autism has been linked to untreated phenylketonuria (called PKU, an inborn metabolic disorder caused by the absence of an enzyme) and rubella (German measles ).
OTHER CAUSES ARE
1.LEAD
This heavy metal has been shown to cause brain damage to developing babies, causing a lifetime of learning and health implications. Lead is also linked to depression in young adults.The powerful neurotoxin is most often found in old paint, but can also leach from older plumbing.
2.MERCURY
The mercury created from coal-fired power plants winds up in rivers, streams, and oceans; the heavy metal is toxic to the brains of developing fetuses and could cause irreversible damage.The damaging form of mercury accumulates in species of fatty fish that grow to be large and higher up the food chain; consuming these fish is the No. 1 source of human exposure. Mercury has also been detected in high-fructose corn syrup.
3.AUTOMOTIVE EXHAUST
Recent studies link air pollution from vehicle exhaust to memory problems, brain damage, and an increased risk of autism. A prior study found that children born to women living within 1,000 feet of major highways are twice as likely to be diagnosed with autism years later.
4.BROMINATED FLAME RETARDANT
Created to slow down the rate of burning in the case of a household fire, flame retardants are largely useless and have been shown to actually hasten death from smoke inhalation. Over the long term, children born to mothers with high levels of these chemicals in their bodies have lower IQs and perform more poorly in mental and physical development testing.They're found in furniture, electronics, certain sodas and sports drinks, and even household dust.
5.POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBON
Carcinogens that are formed when meat is burned, PAHs are also among a category of 10,000 chemicals created from the burning of oil, garbage, coal, or wood. The compounds can damage DNA, hamper normal development, and impair fetal growth.Aside from burned meat, PAHs are abundant in coal-tar-based driveway sealants and anti-dandruff shampoos, cigarette smoke, and mothballs.
DISTINCTIVE STRENGTH OF AUTISTIC PEOPLE
Ability to understand concrete concepts, rules and sequences.
Strong long term memory skills
Math skills
Computer skills
Musical ability
Artistic ability
Ability to think in a visual way
Ability to decode written language at an early age (This ability is called Hyperlexia – some children with autism can decode written language earlier than they can comprehend written language.)
Honesty – sometimes to a fault
Ability to be extremely focused – if they are working on a preferred activity.
Excellent sense of direction
TREATMENT AND OUTLOOK
The most effective treatments involves the child’s entire family and a team of professionals. Some programs may take place in your home. These may be based in your home with professional specialists and trained therapists or may include training for you to serve as a therapist for your child under supervision of a professional. Some programs are delivered in a specialized center, classroom or preschool.
Examples of these treatments are Speech & Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or the care of a Neurologist or Gastroenterologist.