Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause major behavioural, social and communication challenges. One can’t differentiate a person suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorder, basis its looks. As there is often nothing based on the looks that set people suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorder apart from the rest. It is only that people with this disorder may interact, communicate, and behave in different ways in comparison to the rest.
While some people suffering from ASD need more help in their daily lives, some need less. It is because thinking, learning, communication and problem-solving abilities for people with ASD range from gifted to normal.
ASD now includes certain conditions which earlier were diagnosed through a separate diagnosis like, pervasive development disorder, autistic disorder and Asperger syndrome. These all conditions are now called autism spectrum disorder.
What are the Significant Signs and Symptoms of ASD in Children?
As mentioned above, people with ASD have problems with emotional, social and communication skills. They might showcase repetitive behaviour in their daily activities. Many people with ASD showcase different signs of learning, responding, behaving over things. Any sign of ASD begins in childhood and typically lasts throughout a person’s life.
Children with ASD might showcase the following symptoms:
Not pointing at objects to show interest (for example, not pointing at a speeding bike)
Not looking at objects when another person points at them (for example a bird)
Having trouble relating to others or not having any interest in other people
Avoiding eye contact and wanting to be alone
Having trouble in talking about their own feelings
Having a problem in understanding others problem
Preferring not to be touched or cuddled
Responding to other sounds
Being very interested in people, but not knowing how to talk or relate to them
Repeating words and phrases
Having trouble in using typical words or motions
Having trouble in showcasing their feelings
Repetitive actions
Having trouble adapting to routine changes or changing a routine
Having unusual reactions to the way things taste, smell, look, feel, or sound
How to Diagnosis Autism Spectrum Disorders in Children?
Diagnosing ASD is difficult, as there is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose symptoms and disorders. Doctors conduct a diagnosis by looking at a child’s development and behaviour.
ASD can be detected at 18 months or younger. Diagnosis by the best neurologist or any such experienced professional can be considered very reliable, by the age of 2. However, there are children who do not receive a final diagnosis until much older. This delay causes a problem for children with ASD, as they might not get the early help they require.
What are the treatment options for ASD in Children?
Currently, we do not have a cure for ASD; however, various available researches show that early intervention treatment services can help improve a child’s development. Early intervention services help in learning important skills for children from birth up to 3 years. Such services include therapies to help the child walk, talk and interact with others. Hence, it is very important to talk to your child’s doctor if you think your child has ASD or any other such developmental problem.
Also even if a child has not been diagnosed with ASD, he or she may be eligible for early intervention treatment services. Additionally, treatment for particular symptoms, like speech therapy for language delays, often does not require waiting for a formal ASD diagnosis.
What are the Possible Causes Behind ASD in Children?
All of the causes of ASD are not known. However, it can be learnt that there are many causes for multiple types of ASD. In reality, there may be various different factors that make a child more susceptible to have an ASD, including biological, environmental and factors related to genes.
Various scientists agree that genes are one of the significant risk factors that can make a person more likely to develop ASD.
Children having a sibling with ASD are at a higher risk of also having ASD.
Individuals with certain chromosomal and genetically modified conditions, such as tuberous sclerosis or fragile X syndrome have a greater chance of having ASD.
The prescribed drugs “thalidomide” and “Valproic acid”, taken during pregnancy, have been linked with a higher risk of ASD.
As per some available evidence the critical period for developing ASD occurs during, before, and immediately after birth.
Children born to older couples are at higher risk for having ASD.
The next step forward
If you are concerned that your child might have ASD or see the difference in learning, problem-solving and behavioural patterns of your child, immediately consult your child’s doctor.
If you are concerned about symptoms, you can refer an experienced doctor for further diagnosis. Specialists doing a more detailed diagnosis of any ASD related symptoms are:-
Developmental Pediatricians
Child Neurologists
Child Psychologists or Psychiatrists
Moreover, it’s advised to not ignore any of the above-listed symptoms or differential behavioural patterns in your child. Always seek an experienced doctor or any renowned neuro specialist nearby you for professional help, in case of any such symptoms observed.
Dr P. N. Renjen is the best neurologist based in the Delhi NCR region, India. He is currently designated as the Senior Consultant Neurologist and Academic Coordinator at the Indraprastha Apollo hospital. He specializes in Cerebro Vascular Diseases, Stroke (Thrombolytic Therapy), Botox Therapy for Post-Stroke Spasticity, Surgical Epilepsy, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and Headache. Through this article, Dr P N Renjen discussed in brief Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Children, its symptoms, diagnosis process, treatment options and other related subtopics. You may consult the best neurologist in the Delhi NCR region of India to get rid of any neuro-related diseases.
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