I was surfing the net on a very hot afternoon and I bumped into a video of an autistic patient who was not able to interact properly. I was deeply touched that I was begged to avail a definition of Autism spectrum disorder.
When we talk about Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), we simply mean a condition related to how the brain develops, which causes communication difficulties, narrow interests and repetitive behaviour.
What we don’t know is that this disorder has a great impact on how the patient in question relates and perceives the society and in the society. If you are cautious of the above emphasis I didn’t give the definition of spectrum. The term “spectrum” in autistic spectrum disorder refers to an exposed range and wide severity of autism. One feature of an autistic spectrum disorder is that he or she has a unique way or let’s say pattern of behavior and a very high level of severity (from low to high based on the functionality.
Dear parents let’s be cautious of rare changes we encounter when having great time with our babies. Some children show signs of autism spectrum disorder at early infancy, such as lack of response to their names, indifference to caregivers or parents and mostly reduced eye contact which is very common.
Before broadly explaining the signs, some children with autistic spectrum disorder have difficulty learning and understanding with lower than normal intelligence. While others with very high intelligence that tend to learn quickly definitely have serious difficulty in applying what they know and adjusting to situations.
Due to the unique feature and mixture of symptoms in each child, high and unique severity can sometimes be difficult to determine. In my own understanding, it’s based on the level of impairment and their impact to how they function.
An adult or a child so to say, might have problems with interaction such as; not responding to his or her name, been alone, avoiding cuddling and so many more. He or she may lack facial expression, has delayed speech, can’t start a conversation, repeats words, fixates on an object with abnormal intensity(very common), involves in activity that can cause self harm, repetition in movement and so many more.
I will not fail to state the causes. The truth is, there is no single cause of autistic spectrum disorder. Given the uniqueness, complexity and the undying facts that the signs differs, there are many causes. Environment and Genetic play a major role.
For Genetics, different genes appear to be involved in autism spectrum disorder. Based on my research, Autism Spectrum disorder can be associated with a genetic disorder such as Rett Syndrome or Fragile X syndrome. Mutation may increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder, this affects the brain development.
There is research work on how viral infections, complications and medications during pregnancy or extreme air pollutants (environmental factors) trigger autism spectrum disorder. As I have earlier emphasised above, the problems with social interaction based on their behavior can lead to complications like; social isolation, employment problem, inability to live independently, victimization and bullying.
There is no specific way to treat Autism Spectrum but there are treatment options. Early intervention such as early diagnosis is helpful and play the most helpful role which can improve skills and language interaction.
I implore parents, guardians and caretakers to be very cautious especially when it comes to interaction.
