Symptoms and Care of Autism Spectrum
Disorder in children
Autism spectrum disorder in neuro-developmental disorder which can cause due to unlike brains. Autism patients have persistent deficits in social communication and interaction across multiple contexts. They have poor coordination in social-emotional reciprocity; less sharing, failure in normal conversation, and no interest in sharing. Autism produces deficit in non-verbal communication and less eye contact. People with ASD throw tantrums, repetitive behaviors, multiple ways of learning, body language and attentions. Sometimes some of these symptoms can be in people without ASD. However, these characteristics can make challenging life for few.
Autism in children:
Autism problem disturbs the nervous
system, and growth of child in first three years of life. Children with ASD
have another or fantasy world in their brains. They are not in making contact
with other children and often lack social awareness. It’s not strict rule; they
can follow a normal behavior routine. There are few chances; they may not start
speaking at expected time, as normal children. Even in gathering, they can
ignore presence of person without making eye contact. Social skills are
necessary to be learned, because these children prefer same patterns, routines,
being alone, and not be touched.
Child with ASD may show repetitive
motor movements, and attachment with objects i-e lining up toys. Autistic
children relay on sameness; inflexible for routine changes. They show extreme
distress on minor change, rigid thinking pattern, greeting rituals (either they
say it or get irritated), and prefer same routes or same food. Hyperactivity
occur at certain occasions i.e indifference to temperature, specific sounds or
light, and excessive smelling. Specificity of autism children may match DSM-4
criteria in few aspects; it can be present with and without communication
deficit. For instance; a child who isn’t better in social interaction may be
capable to perform other tasks well i.e art or music.
ASD is not known for its causes till
now; experts suggested few phenomenal causes i.e certain genes. Scientists
determined possible multiple causes which can occur together to change the
usual change in people. It’s also a combination of non-genetic, and
environmental influences.
It may tend to run in families. In, few
cases, certain genes enhance chances of autism development. Where even a parent
carries one or more gene changes, which can be passed in child to develop
autism; without presence in parents. Problems during early embryo or ovulation
and delivery complexities. This cannot be cause; but can increase chances of
autism.
There are chances, everyone doesn’t
meet environmental risk factors. Exposure to toxins before or after birth and
infections as encephalitis can lead to brain damage. There are chances, a child
with ASD has problems with brain structure which cause chemical imbalance. Parents
with advanced age and pregnancy complications i.e extreme pre-maturity. Each
family experience unique autism diagnosis which can occur on time of
vaccination; however, many researches elaborated less role of vaccine. Autism in children can also increase by
non-genetic factors such as; brain development and communication of neurons. It
occurs four times more in boys compare to girls.
Signs and symptoms in autism children:
Autism spectrum disorder is based on multiple aspects which can lead to severity with time. Children with ASD have challenging situations in social communication and interaction along with repetitive behaviors. These major problems are as following:
A. Developmental milestones for children as their progress in areas like no eye connection, no response to their names, unable to show facial expressions, do not prefer interactive plays, using gestures, sharing interests, pointing, noticing someone’s emotions, joining in play, and engaging in imaginative play. These are general concerns about a child not meeting these milestones.
B. Children with autism have behaviors which seems unusual which are apart from social issues, i.e repetitive or restricted behaviors. Autistic child repeat same actions and orders in daily routines; same plays, lining up objects and toys in sequence, repeat same phrases, focus on a specific object, reverse mood on minor routine changes, hand flapping, body spinning, and reactions to certain touches, smells, sounds and tastes.
C. There are few more characteristics which can lead to autism spectrum disorder; delayed language and movement skills, low in cognitive skills, less interest in learning, hyperactive, impulsive reactions, inattentive behavior, other disorders, epilepsy, unusual patterns, emotions, bowl disorder, emotional distress, and lack of fear or extra fear than expected.
Case studies of autism children:
1. A child’s behavior at school had been concerning, with incidents of physical harm to teachers, classmates, and classroom assistants. He sought hugs at times but also exhibited outbursts when denied outdoor play. Circle Time had become difficult, with AJ being removed and taken to the library due to pushing, hair pulling, and dominating discussions. Arrival and departure from school are also challenging, with AJ running and hitting others. AJ exceled academically, but struggled with social play at school. At home, hitting, kicking, and biting occurred daily. Calmer during park visits and rough play. (2023- Middletown Centre for Autism; best practice case)
2. Case of a 13 years old child with autism. NP's passive behavior and withdrawal in school are concerning. He struggled with anxiety and withdraws to his bedroom to avoid noisy and active behaviors. NP wanted friends of his own age but refused to join local clubs. His mother also expressed concerns about his hygiene habits. NP's passive behavior and withdrawal in school was concerning. He struggled with anxiety, avoided noisy situations, and refused to join local clubs. Hygiene habits was also a concern. (2023- Middletown Centre for Autism; best practice case)
3. MS, a 16-year-old kid with mental imbalance, extreme learning inability, and ADHD, was alluded to Middletown Community for Chemical imbalance because of forceful eruptions at school and during transportation. He also had toileting and self care issues. MS used to communicates through physical movements, visual aids, and some vocalizations. He used to cover his ears, shouts, and occasionally hits out when faced with disliked activities or noisy environments. Sensory processing difficulties may contributed to his outbursts. MS struggled to remain focused, requires 1-1 support, and became anxious in noisy or unpredictable environments. He tended to keep moving and flap objects during table-top activities. (2023-Middletown Centre for Autism; best practice case)
Importance of early detection and diagnosis:
Children with ASD and other
development disorders get screened before age 2. There are few symptoms of
development or behavior disorder which will need further testing for ASD. On
the off chance that a youngster isn't chattering, pointing, or motioning by age
a year, there is no single word expressed by age 16 months, kid isn't picking
more than two-word phrases by age two years, or may simply rehashing words or
hints of others, any deficiency of language or interactive abilities at
whatever stage in life, and no eye to eye connection at 3 to 4 months (even not
with mother). These symptoms lead toward ASD providers with special training
and nervous system exam with MRI and CT scan can help in checking mental health
tests.
In the study, it was found that
children born in 2016 were more likely to receive an autism diagnosis by age 4
compared to those born in 2012. After Coronavirus began, less kids were
assessed for or related to chemical imbalance. Boys were three times more
likely to be identified with autism than girls. Study identified, more children
from Black, Hispanic, and Asian or Pacific Islander backgrounds were detected
with autism compared to White children. Around 75% of children with autism were
tested by the age of 3. Result explained early detection in present time lead
better treatment. (CHC care-March 2023)
Interventions and therapies for children with autism:
Each child with ASD requires an individualized treatment program that addresses their specific needs. Early intervention programs that involve parents are highly beneficial. Treatment options include behavior change programs, special education programs. In, some cases medications work well for ASD child. Mental health providers can offer parent counseling, social skills training, and one-on-one therapy to support child and family. They can also assist in finding the most suitable treatment programs.
Treatment for ASD is highly individualized and involves a multidisciplinary approach. It's vital for breadwinners to cooperate and interconnect with each other, as well as with the individual with ASD and their household, to guarantee treatment aims are met. As, individual’s transition into adulthood, additional services can help with health, daily functioning, and social engagement. Supports for education, job training, employment, and housing may also be necessary.
There are few forms of treatments in autism children:
I. Behavioral approaches; like ABA, are evidence-based and widely used to treat autism symptoms by encouraging desired behaviors and discouraging undesired ones. Progress is tracked and measured.
II. Educational treatments; follow TEACCH approaches which are implemented in classrooms. It focuses on consistency and visual learning, providing teachers with strategies to enhance academic and overall outcomes. Setting clear boundaries, and incorporating physical demonstrations alongside verbal instructions to develop an environment that supports learning for individuals with autism.
III. Social treatments; focus on development, personal conflicts, relationship-Based model (Floor time) and Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), focus on enhancing social skills and fostering emotional connections. These approaches involve parents or peer mentors and provide structured activities to promote social interactions.
IV. Developmental approach improves specific skills like language and physical abilities, with behavior modification focusing on language and speech is more common therapy for ASD, enhancing speech and language understanding and usage through various communication methods.
V. Occupational Therapy teaches skills for independent living, including dressing, eating, bathing, and social interactions. Sensory integration therapy for sensory input can be included and for gross motor skills physical therapy is beneficial.
VI. Another approach for an autism child is medication which can help to manage co-occurring symptoms and conditions in ASD, such as high energy levels, focus issues, self-harming behavior, anxiety, depression, seizures, sleep problems, and gastrointestinal issues. It's crucial to consult with a knowledgeable doctor and monitor progress and reactions to ensure the benefits outweigh any potential side effects.
Psychological approaches and alternative treatments:
CBT help individuals with ASD manage
anxiety, depression, and other issues in mental condition. CBT work for
understanding the bond with thoughts, behaviors, and feelings of person. Mostly
therapists change their reactions to situations.
Alternative treatments, such as
special diets, herbal supplements, and animal therapy, can be used alongside
traditional approaches. It's important to consult with a doctor before starting
any alternative treatment. Other options can be discussed of better condition.
Supporting families; resources and support for
autism care:
There is no exact treatment and cure
is present for autism. However, few interventions and personal care by parents
can improve their life style. Psychologist used multiple family therapies for
parents to treat their child at home. Sometimes children need specialists for
each problematic situation. Approach to a health provider for child according
to need can help for better improvement. Local support and school help in
providing information can reduce stress level in parents. Further, be patient
to hear ASD child, teach them to control aggression, keep yourself persistent
and positive, never let your nerves high during physical interaction with
autistic child. Always maintain respect and affection toward them, learn from
them and teach with interest with believe for their change.
Autism spectrum disorder is neuro-developmental
disorder and sometimes malfunctioning in brain such as neuro transmission or
undeveloped brain with imbalanced hormones can lead towards a doctor or
pediatric neurologist. Medication can be one kind of treatment for autism. However,
child psychiatrist or psychologist are more preferable sources for treatment.
Each child needs a specific health provider as per their need. Most effective
interventions are behavioral therapies based on ABA, handled by clinical
psychologists i.e CBT.
Conclusion
To ensure that children with autism
are not isolated, it is crucial to develop strategies; that promote their
inclusion in schools, communities, and society. These strategies involve
putting inclusive values into action, valuing every individual's worth,
fostering a sense of belonging, participation in learning, reducing
discrimination, and adapting policies to embrace diversity. By linking
education to local and global realities, we can create a more inclusive and
equitable environment. It’s important to provide them individualized treatment
programs, early intervention, and parents’ involvement for treatment.
