AutismSpectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neuro developmental disorder that manifests in children by the
age of three years, with specific delay in social, communicative, cognitive and
behavioural abilities.
It
is approximately four times more common in boys than girls. Autism is currently
diagnosed through close observation of a child’s symptoms and development. The
learning, thinking and problem solving abilities of children with autism can
range from gifted to severely challenged.
Different
children can be affected in very different ways, but they share two main
categories of symptoms:
Ø Difficulty
with social communication and social interactions
Ø Repetitive
behaviours and restricted or unusual interests, including sensory symptoms such
as heightened sensitivity to noise, touch or smell.
Children
with autism exhibit following characteristics:
Ø Avoid
eye contact, do not like to be cuddled and prefer to stay alone
Ø Do
not point to objects to show interest, or look at objects when pointed
Ø Have
trouble understanding the feelings of others or expressing their needs
Ø Language
is delayed may repeat words or phrases and actions again and again
Ø Have
trouble in adapting to new environment or routines
Ø Do
not play the ‘pretend’ games, may cling to certain objects
Ø Respond
to other sounds but not when somebody is talking to them
Ø Sleep
related problems, constipation
Ø May
have seizures
Role
of the parent in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Management:
Most
important is keeping a healthy lifestyle with consistent routines, the same
things that help all children. Here are a few of our recommendations for
parents and caretakers:
Ø Maintain
a consistent routine, both at home and at school.
Ø Offer
meals and snacks at around the same time each day.
Ø Follow
a structured bedtime routine that quiets the mood, including lowering the
lights, limiting screen time and doing calming activities..
Ø View
movies together with your child. Learn how to use media as a teaching tool for
social skills.
Ø Prepare
your child before outings and special events, so he or she knows what to
expect. Use pictures and role play to explain what’s going to happen.
Ø Try
to stay calm if something unexpected happens, because children can usually pick
up on a parent’s anxiety.
There
is no cure for Autism, however early intervention treatment can improve the
child’s development. All children with autism need appropriate educational and
behavioural therapy. Other therapies include speech therapy, occupational therapy
and social skills training .Some children also need medication to help with
certain symptoms like trouble focusing or aggressive behaviour. In most
situations, behaviour therapy is the best way to help with behaviours.
For
more information on Autism, its diagnosis and management please contact our
Paediatric Neurologist at our centres of Wockhardt Hospital. At Wockhardthospital our team manages and treats children with sensory issues or behavioural
issues associated with autism through a supportive integrated approach. Our
team of doctors have vast experience in managing all paediatric neurological in
dealing with children from birth to young adulthood. Apart from autism we deal
with a variety of conditions. Our neurologists deal with children who have
seizures, head injuries, or muscle weakness, learning disabilities and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD).
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