Autism
Autism is a complex condition that affects behavior and communication, also known as an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It features a variety of signs and abilities.
Autism in people
People may:
- Find challenging to interact and communicate
- Find it challenging to comprehend the thoughts or feelings
- loud noises or bright lights to be stressful or uncomfortable
- Worry or become agitated in social interactions and novel circumstances
- Take more time to understand the information
- Continue to act or think the same way
Sings indicating autism
Typical symptoms include:
- Not making eye contact
- Having a limited range of interests
- Acting repeatedly, such as saying the exact words or phrases, rocking back and forth, or pulling a lever
- High sensitivity to sensations that other people might find normal, such as sounds, touching, scents, or sights
- Not paying attention to people
- Avoiding looking at objects while someone else points at them
- Reluctance to hug
- Issues with verbal comprehension or employing gestures, facial expressions, or voice tone
- Having difficulty adjusting to routine adjustments
Diagnosing autism
A diagnosis of ASD entails:
- Multiple screenings
- Genetic analyses
- Evaluations
Causes revolving autism
ASD’s precise origin is unknown. The current study reveals there’s no single cause.
Among the suspected ASD factors are:
- Having an autistic member of one’s own family
- Specific genetic changes
- Hereditary diseases such as fragile X syndrome
- Having elderly parents
- A low birth weight
- Hormonal imbalances
- Exposure to environmental contaminants
- A mother who has experienced viral illnesses
- Disclosure of a fetus to thalidomide or valproic acid (Thalomid)
Treating autism
ASD has no “treatments” as such. Instead, supportive therapies and other factors may be able to make some autistic persons feel better or lessen some of their symptoms.
Numerous strategies include therapies like:
- Behavioral medicine
- Therapeutic play
- Workplace therapy
- Physical exercise
- Treatment for speech
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022