Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neuro-developmental disorder that is characterized by deficits in social communication and social interaction. The child with autism spectrum disorder shows show behaviors like hand flapping and head nodding. They also have Fixed and restricted interest, ideas and Behaviors. Some of the Children with this Condition are Highly Sensitive to Certain environmental Sensory stimuli.
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"The Evolution of Autism: From Asperger's Syndrome to Autism Spectrum Disorder (DSM-5) 📚🔍"
Autism Spectrum Disorder was previously known as Asperger's Syndrome. But now, in DSM-5, it is officially known as autism spectrum disorder. Because autism is a spectrum of disorders, that's why the symptoms of this disorder vary from person to person. Autism Spectrum Disorder is further divided into levels 1, 2, and 3 in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th Editions). Autism.
"Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder: Tools, Early Signs, and the Importance of Early Intervention 🔍👶"
There is no blood test or technology to diagnose autism spectrum disorder. So autism spectrum disorders are usually diagnosed by observing the child's behaviors. The parents, teachers, and caregiver observe the early signs of autism in the child and then consult his doctors. This condition is usually diagnosed in the 3rd year of childhood. But some children show the symptoms of autism before the age of 3 years. In this case, a psychologist worked on certain skills in the child to reduce the symptoms of this condition. And early intervention can also help the children overcome most of their inappropriate behaviors.
There are two main tools used to diagnose an individual with autism spectrum disorder.
1. Childhood for Autism Rating Scale C.A.R.S
2. The Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills—Revised ABLLS-R
Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder:
The children with autism spectrum disorder begin to show their symptoms at the age of 2 years. But the proper diagnosis of this condition makes in 3 years of child. The symptoms of autism spectrum disorder vary from child to child. And these symptoms may decrease with the passage of time. Some of the most common symptoms of autism spectrum disorder are given below:
- Deficits in Social Communication and Speech Delay in Some Children's
- Difficulty making relationships with others and less interest in peers.
- Lack of responsiveness when calling the child
- Having difficulty making eye contact
- Difficulty Understanding the Emotions and Feelings of Others
- Social Isolation (they like to live alone)
- Don't share their emotions and feelings with parents, teachers, and siblings.
- Children with ASD show stereotypic motor behaviors.
- They may show repetitive behaviors and speech (echolalia).
- Insistences of Sameness
- They have highly restricted behaviors, interests, and activities.
- Some children with ASD are highly sensitive to external sensory stimuli.
Some of the children with autism spectrum disorder usually have comorbid disorders with intellectual disability, ADHD, and speech and language disorders. So it is important to diagnose all these conditions separately.
Causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder:
The exact cause of autism spectrum disorder is unknown. But some research demonstrates that genetics play a high role in the cause of autism spectrum disorder. And the risk of autism is high in a child if any of his siblings and parents are autistic. Some studies also find that maternal age also affects a child's ability to develop autism. For example, if the mother's age is more than 40 years, there are more chances that the child will develop autism disorder. While exposure to alcohol and drugs during the prenatal period may be one reason for ASD. The child with low birth weight is also more vulnerable to developing ASD. So more research is needed to be done on this topic to find the exact cause of this condition.
Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder:
Autism Spectrum Disorder is not treatable, but it could be manageable. Early intervention in children can also help a child overcome many of his symptoms of ASD. Usually, psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and behavioral analysts work together to treat or manage these conditions.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is used to overcome the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. This therapy is based on the theories of behaviors. This therapy aims to use positive reinforcement to develop social, language, and adaptive skills. This therapy aims to overcome the problematic behaviors and modify the important behaviors and skills.
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