Autism Spectrum Disorder - Essay Example

Autism

Autism, also referred to as autism spectrum disorder, is a much more complex condition that affects individuals' behavior and communication. Autism could be accompanied by several skills and symptoms that are out of the ordinary. The condition could be a minor one that requires all-time attention and care, including specialized facilities and equipment. In most cases, people living with this condition have difficulties in speech and general communication. They find it challenging to comprehend what people around them think and experience. As a result, they find it hard to adequately express themselves through gestures, facial expressions, speech, and touch. Autistic people find it challenging to learn, as their skills could develop unusually and unevenly. They are, however, very good with math, music, art, and memory. As a result, they could do excellently on analysis tests and problem-solving.

Causes of autism

The reason as to why autism occurs in some children is yet to be precise. However, the condition could stem from parts of the human brain, which decodes sensory inputs and process speech and language. Research has it that boys are more susceptible to autism than girls, as the condition is prevalent among male children. By any chance, the condition can occur in individuals of different ethnicities, races, or social settings. The income of the family or educational background has nothing to do with a child’s probability of contracting the condition. However, research has shown that mothers who are of age (old age) are more likely to give birth to autistic children. Likewise, when an expectant mother is exposed to certain toxic elements, drugs, chemicals, alcohol, or certain medications, her unborn child is more susceptible to autism. Moreover, a mother who is suffering from obesity and diabetes is likely to give birth to a child with the condition. Autism has also been linked to a condition known as phenylketonuria, a disorder caused by the absence of a specific enzyme.

Forms/types of autism

Autism, also known as ASD (autism spectrum disorder), exists in four different forms/types. These includes

• Asperger’s syndrome

The children suffering from this specific disorder do not experience a language problem at all. They are known to be above average in most cases, especially with intelligence questions and tests. However, they experience a lot of socializing problems and have a very narrow range of interests and are not excited in many instances.

• Autistic disorder

Autistic disorder is the most commonly known and interpreted form of autism. Many people think of this condition when they talk about autism or at the sound of the word. Social interaction problems, communication difficulties characterize this form of autism, and play, especially in children below the age of three.

• Childhood disintegrative disorder

Those with this condition experience healthy growth and development for at least two years and then begin to lose most of the social and communication skills they learned over time.

• Pervasive developmental disorder (Typical autism or PDD)

PDD is a medical term that doctors use more so when a child has some autistic characters and behavior. The behavior could include delays in communication and social skills. They, however, do not fit in any of the other three categories above.

Symptomatology

The symptoms in the child can be noticed before he/she turns three years. Some of the signs show even right from birth. Common signs and symptoms of the condition include the following

• No eye contact in the child
• A very narrowed range of the child’s interests. However, the kid could be extremely excited when it comes to specific topics
• Overdoing an activity, for instance, repetitive mentioning of a specific word or phrase, back and forth rocking of lever flipping.
• The child could be highly sensitive to things like touch, smell, sound, or sight that could be ordinary and normal to other children.
• Lack of attention to other people
• Not looking at objects that others are pointing at
• The child could altogether refuse to be curdled or simply held.
• Difficulty in adapting to changes in the environment or routines.
• There are problems in understanding and using gestures, speech, expressions, or tone variation.
• Talking in a robotic voice
• Some of the children with this condition could have seizures. The seizures could delay until the child gets to puberty.

Predictors of autism

In as much as the cause of autism is not well known, there are families when analyzed could give a reasonable prediction that the next child could be autistic. Research shows that families with autistic conditions are more likely to sire a child who later could display the same condition. This is because autism condition is linked to gene mutation. This is to mean that mothers or fathers whose lineages have a history of autism could likely carry the genes for this condition. The probability of giving birth to a child with the condition is therefore high.

Prevention of autism

While it is difficult to completely do away with the probability of having a child with the autistic condition, it is essential to note that our lifestyles can reduce the chances of giving birth to an autistic child. These could include having a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, it is essential to regularly check on your body, take a balanced diet, and exercise. Having excellent prenatal attention and care could as well as prevent the condition. Still, on lifestyles, it is recommended that an expectant mother should take in vitamins and other supplements as advised by a gynecologist or nurse. Also, pregnant women should not take drugs that are not prescribed. A doctor should prescribe any medication. Taking anti-seizure drugs without a doctors’ prescription could act as a predisposing factor to this condition. Likewise, an expectant woman should say no to alcohol or an alcoholic beverage. In case of an existing medical condition, the victim should seek treatment, so that the condition can be kept under control. Lastly, one should get vaccinated against German measles before getting pregnant. This prevents autism associated with this disease.

Management and treatment of autism

There is no known cure for the autistic condition. However, early diagnosis and treatment can make a huge difference in a child’s development. A doctor should be informed if the child shows symptoms of the condition. Treatment should then be tailored to each child. Two main treatments types include;

• The communication and behavioral therapy that helps with the organization and structure of the child's cognition. The behavioral analysis goes a long way to promote good behavior while discouraging the negative. These therapies could help a lot with life skills such as eating, dressing, and relationship with other people. Sensory integration could also help solve problems of sound, sight, and touch. Speech therapy goes a long way to improve a child's speech and communication skills.
• Pharmaceuticals can go a long way in the treatment of some of the behavioral symptoms of autism. The symptoms could include aggression, irritability, and self-injury behavior. Medications should, however, be monitored and prescribed by a qualified doctor.

Conclusion

Autism, as a condition, is a lifelong disability in the developmental process. The disability is characterized by a lack of well-articulated speech and poor social behavior. With no single and specific etiology, the condition is yet to be fully discovered. Though not cured, those living with autistic disorders could be helped. Such treatment could include speech therapy, behavioral therapy, behavioral analysis, among others. Parents with autistic children should be given a lot of support and encouragement.