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Autism in Children Keerti M.SC Cognitive Neuroscience JSS University Mysore
Autism in Children Keerti M.SC Cognitive Neuroscience JSS University Mysore
Keerti
M.Sc Cognitive Neuroscience
JSS University
Mysore
What is Autism?
Autism is a disorder of brain development. It is sometimes also referred as
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These disorders are characterized, in varying
degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal
communication and repetitive behaviors. ASD can be associated with
intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and
physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. The most
obvious signs of autism and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between 2 and
3 years of age. The condition is the result of a neurological disorder that has an
effect on normal brain function.
Interestingly, no two people with autism will have exactly the same symptoms.
As well as experiencing varying combinations of symptoms, some people will
have mild symptoms while others will have severe ones.
Some of the symptoms that are common in autistic children which may be
present in them in various combinations either mild or severe are:
Repeated and overused types of behavior, interests, and play. They do not
make eye contact with others
Assessment of Autism
Parents are the first to notice that their child is showing unusual behaviours such
as failing to make eye contact, not responding to his or her name or playing with
toys in unusual, repetitive ways.
Screening tests
The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT)
The Childhood Autism Spectrum Test or CAST
Autism Diagnostic Interview
When a developmental delay is recognized in a child, further testing can help a
doctor find out whether the problem is related to autism, another autism
spectrum disorder, or a condition with similar symptoms, such as language
delays or avoidant personality disorder.
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MRI, which may be done if there are signs of differences in the structure
of the brain.
Intelligence levels of autistic Children is tested using
(Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art.)
Parents are taught how to implement these goals and to take care of their
child.
The progress of the child is assessed at regular intervals.
Each child or adult with autism is unique and, so, each autism intervention plan
should be tailored to address specific needs.
Intervention can involve behavioral treatments, medicines or both. Many
persons with autism have additional medical conditions such as sleep
disturbance, seizures and gastrointestinal (GI) distress. Addressing these
conditions can improve attention, learning and related behaviors.
Early behavioural intervention include
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
The Early Start Denver Model.
Social Communication/Emotional Regulation/Transactional Support SCERTS
Relationship Development Intervention
Autism Globally
April 2, 2015 is celebrated as world autism awareness day.
About 1 percent of the world population has autism spectrum disorder.
ASD affects over 3 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions
worldwide. 1 percent of the adult population of the United Kingdom has autism
spectrum disorder. As of 2013, 1 in 250 children in India are autistic.
There are many organizations/institutes nationally as well internationally which
help people with autism. Some of them are: Autism speaks, National Institute
of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (U.S.), National institute of Mental Health
and Neurosciences,(NIMHANS), Bangalore, India, autism society of India,
Action for Autism Delhi, Sampoorna Music Therapy Centre Bengaluru
Conclusion:
There is no one cause of autism just as there is no one type of autism. Recent
studies have shown that the gene changes and mutations as well as
environmental factors cause autism. Still the there is no clear answer as to what
causes autism.
Other than the above approaches, there are still many ways being found so that
children with autism can lead a normal life.