Autism Spectrum Disorder
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that one per cent of the population of the world has Autism Spectrum Disorder. It may look like a small percentage, but it accounts for at least 75,000,000 people. ASD is a widespread condition. It can be managed to a large extent if proper intervention begins in childhood as they are more adaptable. With accurate recognition through the various symptoms that come under ASD, therapists can help children with autism develop the delayed skills to lead a wholesome life.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental delay in children that can lead to significant social, communication, and behavioral issues. The child may develop social anxiety with age.
Specially abled children may communicate, interact, behave, and learn in ways that most people do not. The child’s learning, thinking, and problem-solving abilities can range from gifted to severely challenged. Some children are able to quickly catch up with their peers, while others may take several years.
Types of Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Autistic disorder (classic autism).
- Asperger’s disorder (Asperger syndrome)
- Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS).
- Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD)
Signs and Symptoms of ASD
Autism symptoms are detectable from 18 months or even younger. One may not need to worry until the child lags significantly in a particular skill they are supposed to know at their age. The problems may arise in the following domains.
Socialization and Communication
- Does not participate in simple interactive games
- Avoids eye contact or makes limited contact. They tend to look the other way or down.
- Avoids eye contact or makes limited contact. They tend to look the other way or down.
- Does not understand emotions like sad or hurt(At two to three years of age)
- Confusion in facial expressions like smile, angry, sad, surprised etc.
- Had difficulty understanding gestures one year ago or more.
- Babbling or not speaking by one year of age.
- They do not look where they are pointed.
Behavioral Skills
- Does a task repeatedly or say the same words and phrases frequently.
- Focuses on one object and behaves obsessively.
- They feel uncomfortable with minor changes in routine.
- They get frequent mood swings and act impulsively.
- They cannot explain what they want and feel stressed.
- They might get annoyed if not allowed to do something.
- Unusual body movements.
Other Difficulties
- Sleep deprivation
- Eating disorder
- Language development delay
- Delay in acquiring cognitive skills
- Seizures
- Feeling fatigued
Diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorder
First stage- Developmental Screening and Monitoring
It starts with simple questionnaires about a child’s thinking abilities, behaviors, emotions, physical activities and others. The monitoring is done at 9, 18, 24, 30 months of age.
Second Stage-Comprehensive Developmental Evaluation
It is an in-depth diagnosis done for a specific problem. The test is more detailed and follows a structure. A team of specialists do this evaluation to identify specific issues and determine if the child with ASD needs special therapy.
What We Do For ASD Kids?
We have the best team of certified professionals for various therapies and autism specialists who understand the needs of children in the autism spectrum and hold the sessions in a fun, engaging and comfortable environment. The child doesn’t feel pressured at any stage.
Although the diagnosis is mostly by history and clinical examination yet the diagnostic tests may be required like:
- Facilitating small classrooms for each child to receive one-on-one attention from the therapist.
- Participating in small group learning activities.
- Providing organized tasks, routine, visual cues, and clearly defined boundaries to reduce distractions.
- Assisting the child in adapting and maintaining learned skills in new situations and settings.
- Scientific approaches to reduce challenging behaviors like aggression and tantrums.
- Counseling sessions for parents and caregivers.
We give importance to comprehensive treatments and so our interventions methods for autism treatment are based on the developmental aspects. If you have more questions about ASD and need guidance helping your child with ASD, visit our School today or book an online consultation.