Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment in Jaipur Rajasthan

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a general term for a group of complex disorders of brain development. Autism occurs when a child has trouble communicating and understanding what people think and feel. This makes it very difficult for autistic children to respond to gestures, facial expressions, touch and even language.

The incidence (occurrence) of autism is rising. Although difficult to estimate, as many as 1 in 100 children may be affected by Autism in India.

Cause

We know that there is not one autism but many subtypes, most influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.  A number of genes associated with the disorder have been identified.

In many cases, an accompanying neurological or genetic disorder may be the cause of autism.

More boys the girls are affected with autism.

Signs and symptoms of autism

Signs of autism usually appear by age 2 or 3. Some associated development delays can appear even earlier, and often, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months

Difficulties with social interaction

  • Unresponsive to people
  • Focus intently on only one item
  • Fail to respond to their name
  • Avoid eye contact with other people
  • Difficulty understanding social cues
  • Not mixing with other children of their age
  • In their own world
  1. Speech delay, problems with verbal and non-verbal communication

they may not understand or appropriately use:

  • Spoken language (around a third of people with autism are nonverbal)
  • Gestures
  • Eye contact
  • Facial expressions
  • Tone of voice
  • Expressions not meant to be taken literally
  1. Repetitive behaviors or narrow, obsessive interests
  • Repetitive body movements (e.g. rocking, flapping, spinning, running back and forth) 
  • Repetitive motions with objects (e.g. spinning wheels, shaking sticks, flipping levers)
  • Staring at lights or spinning objects
  • Ritualistic behaviors (e.g. lining up objects, repeatedly touching objects in a set order)
  • Narrow or extreme interests in specific topics
  • Need for unvarying routine/resistance to change (e.g. same daily schedule, meal menu, clothes, route to school)

Because autism is a spectrum disorder, each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. The ways in which people with autism learn, think and problem-solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged. Some people with ASD may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently.

Several factors may influence the development of autism, and it is often accompanied by sensory sensitivities and medical issues such as gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, seizures or sleep disorders, as well as mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and attention issues.

Diagnosis of Autsim spectrum Disorder

  • A clinical evaluation by a pediatric neurologist may identify autism
  • Screening tests such as a developmental screening test or M-CHAT may indicate autism risk
  • Pyschological tests such as CARS or ISAA are able to identify ASD
  • Additional testing such as MRI, blood tests and genetic tests is needed to identify the cause of autism
  • Treatment

There is no specific medicine to cure autism

Children can improve significantly with Therapy. These include:

  • Behavioral therapy
  • Occupational herapy
  • Sensory therapy
  • Physical therapy
  • Speech therapy

Medications are required to address the co-morbidities or difficult to manage symptoms.