Autism is a complex disorder of child development, starting in early childhood and has three defining features, namely, the problem of social interaction; violation of the verbal and nonverbal communication; structurally repetitive behavior with narrow, limited interests.
Causes of autism
Although autism is the result of neurological abnormalities, causes such problems with the nervous system is unknown in most cases. The results of studies suggest a strong genetic component. The researchers suspect that there are a number of different genes, which in combination with each other to increase the risk of developing this disease. In families with one child with autism risk have another suffering from the same disease, increased to 3-8%.
Likely environmental, immunological and metabolic factors also contribute to the development of autism. When interacting with genetic factors, they increase the overall risk of the disease.
Symptoms and signs of autism
Autism is a disease surrounded by myths. The common belief that children with autism had never expressed emotions, do not smile and do not laugh, do not look into the eyes, do not show your affection - it's just a fiction. Just as each person is unique, each person with autism disorder manifests in a unique way.
At the same time, however, there are a number of symptoms, noting that parents, the governess or nanny can assume that the child develops autism:
- inefficient use of body language, namely, eye contact, facial expressions and gestures;
- difficulties of contact with people and the inability to establish friendly relationships;
- lack of response to verbal cues;
- lack of or delay in spoken language development or speech;
- the difficulty of formulating wishes and needs;
- any changes in resistance and insistence on sameness in all;
- monotonously repeated movements of the body.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis "autism" is placed on the basis of clinical observations on human behavior. Information received from family members and other observers, is of paramount importance in diagnosis. However, the doctor may prescribe additional tests to rule out other diseases that are often confused with autism.
In this disease using various biomedical treatment. The most widely used drugs for the treatment of seizures and behavioral emotional problems associated with autism, such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, stimulants, and others. Drugs are psychoactive, ie affect the brain.
Besides drugs, the basis of most treatment programs children is behavioral therapy. More than 30 years of studies have shown the benefit of applied behavioral methods to improve communication, learning, adaptive behavior while reducing inappropriate behavior.
Thanks to intensive treatment, some people with autism have the opportunity to develop their communication and social skills to such a degree that allows them to acquire sufficient independence. Others are still in need of continued support from the family and other people throughout their lives.
