What is Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder. This disorder affects a child’s language development.
As a result, children have difficulty communicating, interacting, and behaving. ASD also includes Asperger’s syndrome, Heller’s syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder (PPD-NOS).
This disorder is not a disease, but rather a condition where the brain works differently from other people. People with this disorder may have difficulty understanding what other people are thinking and feeling.
People with autism have difficulty expressing themselves. Either with words or through gestures, facial expressions, and touch. In addition, sufferers will also have obstacles when learning.
In addition, their skills are not fully developed. For example, while autistic people have difficulty communicating, they can be good at art, music, memory, and even math.
So what is infantile autism? It is a term from the past to describe the current autism spectrum disorder. Infantile autism refers to autism that occurs in childhood.
Difference Between Autism and Down Syndrome
Autism and Down syndrome are often considered the same. In fact, both are different conditions. One of the main differences is that autism is a spectrum disorder, while Down syndrome is a genetic disorder.
This means that although people with autism can have a variety of symptoms and abilities, people with Down syndrome usually have similar physical and intellectual characteristics.
There are various choices of doctors who can help care for children with Down syndrome. Read more in this article: These Specialist Doctors Can Help with Down Syndrome Care
Both autism and Down syndrome have the same symptoms. Both like to be alone or feel indifferent to others, especially people outside their place of residence.
These are the differences between the two in terms of communication skills:
1. Down syndrome
Using signs, gestures, and symbols to communicate. Although they may not speak much, sufferers can communicate through hand gestures or other means.
In addition, they can also imitate other people they admire or people close to them. By imitating, sufferers gain a lot of knowledge to communicate.
2. Autism
While people with autism have little or no gestures, some people communicate through repetitive body movements.
They also show unusual behavior. For example, treating others as if they are not living beings. Treating them rudely and sometimes making inappropriate comments.
Causes of Autism
The exact cause of autism is still unknown. However, experts have identified several genes that may be linked to ASD.
Sometimes these autism genes appear and mutate spontaneously. However, in rare cases, sufferers may inherit the gene from their parents.
In the case of twins, autism can occur due to twin genes. For example, if one twin has this disorder, then the other twin has a risk of 36-95 percent.
Those with this disorder can also experience changes in key areas of the brain. As a result, the disease affects the way sufferers speak and behave.
In addition, environmental factors also play a role in the development of ASD, although doctors have not confirmed this. Autism sufferers are not formed from:
- Bad parenting patterns.
- Use of vaccines, such as the MMR vaccine.
- Consumption of food and drinks.
- A contagious infection.
- Genetic mutations that affect brain development and nerve function.
- Genetic factors with a history of autism spectrum disorders.
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals, air pollution, and infections during pregnancy.
Autism Risk Factors
Factors that trigger disorders include:
- Gender. Boys are up to 4 times more likely to develop the disorder than girls.
- Hereditary factors. Parents who have this disorder are at risk of having children with the same disorder.
- Transmission during pregnancy. For example, side effects of alcohol or drugs (especially epilepsy drugs for pregnant women) during pregnancy.
- The influence of other disorders. For example, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, neurofibromatosis, Tourette syndrome, cerebral palsy, and Rett syndrome.
- Premature birth. Especially babies born at 26 weeks gestation or less.
Want to know more about the triggers of autism related to environmental factors? Read this article: ” Can Autism in Children Occur Due to Environmental Factors? ”
Characteristics of Children with Autism
At what age can autistic children be seen? Below are the characteristics of autism that can be detected based on age:
1. Impaired communication and social interaction skills
Examples of social communication and social interaction characteristics associated with autism may include:
- Does not pay attention to other children and joins in playing with them at 36 months.
- Does not pretend to be someone else, such as a teacher or superhero, when playing at 48 months.
- Does not show facial expressions, such as happy, sad, angry, and surprised at the age of 9 months.
- Avoiding or being unable to maintain eye contact.
- Does not turn when name is called at 9 months.
- Not playing simple interactive games by 12 months.
- Uses little or no gestures by 12 months. For example, does not wave goodbye.
- Not sharing interests with others at 15 months. For example, showing mother an object they like.
- Not showing any interest at 18 months.
- Doesn’t notice when others are hurt or upset at 24 months.
- Not singing, dancing, or acting at 60 months.
2. Restricted or repetitive disturbances in behavior or interests.
Examples of restricted or repetitive behaviors and interests associated with autism include:
- Annoyed when playing games that require concentration, such as stacking blocks.
- Repeating words or phrases over and over (echolalia).
- Play with toys the same way every time.
- Focus on just one part of an object. For example, a wheel.
- Get angry when there is a small change.
- Having an obsessive interest.
- Have to follow a certain routine.
- Flapping the arms, swinging the body, or spinning in a circle.
- Having unusual reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, sights, or feels of objects.
3. Other characteristics
Most sufferers have other characteristics, such as:
- Delayed language skills.
- Delayed movement skills.
- Hyperactive, impulsive, or inattentive behavior.
- Delayed cognitive or learning skills.
- Epilepsy or seizure disorder.
- Unusual eating and sleeping habits.
- Gastrointestinal problems. For example, constipation.
- Unusual mood or emotional reactions.
- Excessive anxiety, stress, or worry.
- Lack of fear or excessive fear.
Autism Diagnosis
Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is difficult, because there is no medical test, such as a blood test, to diagnose the disorder.
Doctors look at a child’s developmental and behavioral history to make a diagnosis. The disorder is usually detected by age 18 months or younger.
By age 2, the diagnosis is confirmed. However, many people with the condition are not diagnosed until they are teenagers or adults. This is because they do not get the early help they need.
Diagnosing autism as early as possible is important to ensure that people with autism receive the services and support they need to reach their full potential.
Diagnosis usually requires 2 steps, here is the breakdown:
1. Developmental screening
This step aims to tell the doctor whether the child can follow basic skills such as learning, speaking, behavior, and movement according to his age.
Children should be screened for developmental delays at 9, 18, and 24 or 30 months. Later, sufferers will undergo special examinations at 18 and 24 months.
2. Further evaluation
If your child shows signs of problems on examination, they will need a more complete evaluation. This may include hearing and vision tests or genetic testing.
The doctor will also invite specialists who are experienced in treating autism disorders. For example, a pediatrician or child psychologist. Some psychologists can also provide the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) test.
Can Autism Be Cured?
Autism is a lifelong developmental disorder that cannot be cured. However, with appropriate and coordinated intervention, sufferers can experience improvements in quality of life.
While there is no guarantee that autism symptoms will disappear completely, many people develop adaptive strategies and learn to manage challenges, which can lead to improved functioning in daily life.
Want to know what the development of teenagers is like from year to year?
Autism Treatment
There is no cure for autism. However, there are various treatments to help people with autism adjust and develop their potential.
Treatment for each autism sufferer can be different. The treatment that doctors give to sufferers is generally in the form of therapy.
According to the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI), children with autism need expert consultation from various disciplines. Although not all sufferers need drug therapy, they do need non-drug interventions.
The steps are in the form of schools and coaching of independent skills and work skills. These steps are carried out by pediatric neurologists and rehabilitation doctors who work together with therapists.
The determination of intervention will be determined based on the age, intensity of symptoms, and intellectual ability of the sufferer. Here are some common therapy method options for sufferers:
1. Behavioral and communication therapy
This therapy will provide a number of teachings to sufferers, including basic daily skills, both verbal and nonverbal. Here are some examples of behavioral and communication therapies:
- Applied behavior analysis (ABA), to increase positive behaviors and prevent negative behaviors.
- Occupational therapy, which aims to help with life skills such as dressing, eating, and relating to others.
- Speech therapy, to improve the communication skills of people with this disorder.
- Social skills groups, to practice social skills in a structured environment.
- Sensory integration therapy, to help someone who has problems with touch or sights or sounds.
- Relationship development intervention (RDI) involves activities that increase motivation, interest, and ability to participate in collaborative social interactions.
2. Family therapy
This therapy is aimed at parents and families of people with autism. The goal is for families to learn how to interact with the sufferer and also teach the sufferer to speak and behave normally.
3. Administration of medication
This step aims to control the symptoms. Depending on the signs that occur in your little one, the doctor will recommend several types of drugs, for example:
- Melatonin for sleep problems.
- Anticonvulsant drugs to treat seizures.
- Antipsychotic drugs to treat behavioral problems.
- Antidepressants to relieve depression.
How to Build Good Communication with Autistic Children
There are several ways to build good communication with autistic children, including:
- Use short, clear sentences, avoid using complex or ambiguous sentences.
- Speak calmly and patiently, allowing sufficient pauses between questions or statements.
- Use pictures, cards, or message boards to help your child understand the instructions or concepts being discussed.
- Find an interest or topic that interests your child and use that as a starting point for communication.
- Use alternative communication methods, such as pictures, gestures, or technology.
- Avoid excessive noise, bright lights, or crowded situations as they can disrupt concentration.
- Use the same sentences or structured questions to help them understand and respond well.
- Use body language and facial expressions to strengthen the message in communication.
How to Prevent Autism
Until now there is no exact way to prevent the disorder. Therefore, the first step that parents must take if their little one shows symptoms of this disorder is to immediately consult a doctor.
Because early treatment can help them have a more decent life. That way, they can do activities like other normal people.
However, there are several efforts that can be made to minimize disruption, such as:
1. Do routine pregnancy care
Make sure to have good prenatal care and take all recommended vitamins and supplements.
2. Consult a doctor before taking medication.
Ask your doctor before taking any medication, especially anti-seizure medications.
3. Avoid alcohol consumption
The Prenatal alcohol exposure in relation to autism spectrum disorder: Findings from the Study to Explore Early Development (SEED) study published in Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology assessed the relationship between maternal alcohol use and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to explore early development.
The analysis included 684 children with clinician-confirmed ASD, 869 children with non-ASD developmental delays or disorders (DDs), and 962 children from the general population.
The case-control study was conducted on children born from September 2003 – August 2006 in the United States (US).
The results showed that the mothers who carried the children were exposed to alcohol every month, from three months before conception until delivery.
However, few studies have examined its relationship to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), meaning more research is needed to confirm this.
4. Find the right treatment
Get yourself checked immediately if you have been diagnosed with celiac disease. Follow your doctor’s advice to control it.
5. Get vaccinated
Be sure to get the German measles (rubella) vaccine before pregnancy. The procedure can prevent rubella-related autism.
6. Avoid exposure to hazardous substances
Avoid fetal exposure to harmful substances such as mercury, lead, or toxic chemicals during pregnancy. Including cigarette smoke and alcohol.
7. Conduct regular checks
Regular prenatal checkups help ensure the health of both mother and baby. They can also detect disorders that may contribute to autism risk.
8. Exclusive breastfeeding
Breastfeeding during the first six months of a baby’s life can provide protection against a variety of health problems. Including minimizing the risk of autism.
9. Implement a healthy lifestyle
The study How nutritional status, diet, and dietary supplements can affect autism. A review, published in the Annals of the National Institute of Hygiene, said that autism spectrum disorders are characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, as well as restricted and repetitive interests and behaviors.
Currently, in Poland, there are about 50,000 people with autism and ⅕ of them are children. Epidemiological studies show that the incidence is increasing and this may be due to the development of the diagnostic category of autism spectrum disorders.
Research also states that early diagnosis in autism treatment can help improve the quality of patient health more quickly. One of the intervention steps is to complete the intake of omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals during pregnancy.
Complications of Autism
Untreated autism sufferers can experience problems with social interaction, communication, and behavior. This condition can trigger complications in the social aspects of sufferers, such as:
- Problems at school and learning success.
- Employment issues.
- Inability to live independently.
- Social isolation.
- Stress in the family.
- Being victimized and bullied.
- Sensitive and quick to anger.
- Unable to respond to heat, cold, or pain.
- Convulsions or epilepsy.
- Digestive disorders.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Suffering from other mental problems, such as stress, depression, anxiety, and impulsive behavior.