Autism spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder is a condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication. Autism spectrum disorder is usually first diagnosed in childhood with many of the most-obvious signs presenting around 2-3 years old, but some children with autism develop normally until toddlerhood when they stop acquiring or lose previously gained skills. According to the CDC, one in 59 children is estimated to have autism. If family has a child with Autism spectrum disorder, there is a 3 % chance that the second child will also have autism spectrum disorder. It differs from person to person in severity and combinations of symptoms. There is a great range of abilities and characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorder no two children appear or behave the same way. Causes of autism are Several different genes appear to be involved in autism spectrum disorder. For some children, autism spectrum disorder can be associated with a genetic disorder, such as Rett syndrome or fragile X syndrome. In Environmental factor Researchers are currently exploring whether factors such as viral infections, medications or complications during pregnancy, or air pollutants play a role in triggering autism spectrum disorder. The number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder is rising. Approximately 40 percent do not communicate with words. Babies born before 26 weeks of gestation may have a greater risk of autism spectrum disorder. SD occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, but is about 4 times more common among boys than among girls. There is no medical test for autism. It is diagnosed based on observing how the child talks and acts in comparison to other children of the same age. There is currently no cure for ASD. Early intervention services help children from birth to 3 years old (36 months) learn important skills. Today most effective treatments available are applied speech therapy, occupation therapy, physical therapy, pharmacological therapy, behavioral analysis. Services can include therapy to help the child talk, walk, and interact with others. Some individuals with ASD are nonverbal and unable to develop verbal communication skills, and the use of gestures, sign language, and picture communication programs are often useful tools to improve their abilities to communicate. Occupational therapy for young children with ASD often focuses on improving sensory integration and sensorimotor issues. In older children, OT often focuses on improving social behavior and increasing independence. Physical therapy is used to improve gross motor skills and handle sensory integration issues, particularly those involving the individual’s ability to feel and be aware of his body in space. Pharmaceutical treatments can help ameliorate some of the behavioral symptoms of ASD, including irritability, aggression, and self-injurious behavior. medication for the treatment of symptoms associated with of ASD in children and adolescents, including aggressive behavior, deliberate self-injury, and temper tantrums. Medications should be prescribed and monitored by a qualified physician. Treatment works to minimize the impact of the core features and associated deficits of autism spectrum disorder and to maximize functional independence and quality of life. 

Reference:

Autism spectrum Disorder,

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352928, Accessed September 27, 2020

What is autism spectrum disorder? https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/autism/what-is-autism-spectrum-disorder, Accessed September 27, 2020

Autism spectrum disorder, https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html, Accessed September 27, 2020