Autism is a complex neurobehavioral disorder that causes an abnormality in the way an individual interacts, and also impairs the communication and language skills. Persons affected with this disease find it difficult to socialize, and also communicate. They also have a tendency to make repetitive behavior. Parents and guardians do notice the signs of this disease, mostly when the child is between 1 and 3 years. The signs of this disease don’t present abruptly, but gradually, over the years, as the child develops. Most autistic children tend to attain their developmental milestones at the right time before their condition starts deteriorating. The exact cause of autism isn’t known yet. However, genetic and environmental factors have been identified to contribute significantly to the development of the disease. Some of the factors that increase the chances of developing this disease including diseases such as rubella. In addition, toxins could also contribute to the development of the disease, some of them include herbicides, pesticide, alcohol especially during pregnancy, and pollution. There is a hypothesis that gives the notion that vaccines could lead to the development of autism. However, this has been disproved by scientists. The mechanism behind this disease is the impairment in the way the brain processes information, and how the neural cells connect together. This disease has no cure, although there are a lot of ways to improve the condition of affected individuals. Some of this includes starting speech and behavioral therapy early. This would improve the social and communication skills of the patients. This condition is more common in boys than in girls. Exosomes have the potential to help in the treatment of this disease.
Early Warning Signs Parents Would Notice In An Autistic Child
Parents are in the best position to notice the early autistic signs in their children. Parents should watch out for any abnormal change in behavior. Below are some of the signs that patients might see in an autistic child;
- Developmental delays: Although developmental delays don’t necessarily mean that a child has autism, it has to be excluded by a physician. It’s important to monitor your child for any developmental delays, especially those that have to do with social, emotional and communication.
- Don’t delay: One of the ways parents miss out in quickly noticing autistic signs is by deciding to “wait and see.” It’s important to get help as soon as possible, to increase the chances of the child living a near normal life. Parents should report anything they don’t understand to their child’s pediatrician.
- Take action if you’re worried about your child: Children grow at different rates. However, it becomes obvious when a child doesn’t achieve his/her age milestones at the right time. Take this to your physician immediately for a professional look
- Your instincts are mostly right: If you notice something is wrong about your child, but the child’s pediatrician says everything is fine. You should probably get a second opinion from another doctor. Physicians sometimes miss out on some things. You’re responsible for your child, and you should do everything possible to ensure they live a normal and healthy life.
What Are The Causes Of Autism?
The exact cause of autism isn’t known yet. However, genetic and environmental factors have been identified to contribute significantly to the development of the disease. Autism has been linked to some genetic disorders such as Rett syndrome or Fragile X syndrome. The genetic mutations are mostly inherited and passed on from parents to their children. Some of the factors that increase the chances of developing this disease including diseases such as rubella. In addition, toxins could also contribute to the development of the disease, some of them include herbicides, pesticide, alcohol especially during pregnancy, and pollution. Also, complications during pregnancy, have also been identified to contribute to the development of this disease. There is a hypothesis that gives the notion that vaccines could lead to the development of autism. However, this has been disproved by scientists.
What are the signs and symptoms of Autism?
Autistic patients are usually challenged in three areas. This triad can be used in the diagnosis of the disease. They include difficulty in interacting with people and their mates, poor communication skills, and repetitive behavior.
- Interaction difficulties: People that have autism find it difficulty interacting with people. It has been observed that kids affected by autism respond less to stimuli such as smiling, crying. They also usually don’t give a response to their own name when called. Autistic children are more interested in the quality of interaction they have with people than the number of interactions they have. They feel a sense of loneliness when they feel like they do not have a strong interaction, with whomever they want to connect with. It has been shown that they surely do tend to have a good relationship with whoever cares for them. This could be their mother, father or even the nanny. They are usually not capable of having interactions with a lot of people. In addition, they feel uncomfortable in parties and get-togethers; generally, anywhere there are many people
- Communication: More than a third of kids affected by autism find communication difficult. They do have delays in achieving the speech milestones. They usually are incapable of pronouncing words, consonants and combining words. They are also fond of repeating words in an irregular manner. It has been observed that autistic children tend to shy away from talking and commenting on things. They like to keep to their shell, basically, to avoid communicating.
- Repetitive behavior: Autistic individuals like routines. They do not like to alter the way they do things. This can be attributed to their repetitive behavior. Some of the repetitive behaviors found in autistic children are as follows
How Is Autism Currently Being Treated?
The goal of autism management is to improve the quality of life of affected kids and also to better the relationship they have with their family. Generally, the kids need a lot of support from their families and guardians. However, it has been observed that kids with higher intelligent quotient improve faster than the ones with less IQ. There is no general method of managing the patients, each management style is tailored for the patient’s need. The help of professionals is needed to help the patient improve their speech, communication, and interactive skills.
References
Anon, (2017). [online] Available at: http://autism stem cell [Accessed 30 Dec. 2017].
Bailey, A. (2014). Autism Treatment Research. Autism Research, 7(1), pp.1-3.
Scadden, D. and Srivastava, A. (2012). Advancing Stem Cell Biology toward Stem Cell Therapeutics. Cell Stem Cell, 10(2), pp.149-150.Siniscalco, D. (2012). Stem Cell Research: An Opportunity for Autism Spectrum Disorders Treatment. Autism- Open Access, 02(03).
