About
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others. It also affects the ability to properly communicate, learn, and behave.
It is a condition related to brain development. It alters the way a person normally is able to perceive and socialise with others.
They have repetitive yet limited patterns of behaviour.
The term “Spectrum”, in Autism Spectrum Disorder refers to the wide range of symptoms that occur and the severity of them.
How does one get Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability which is caused by major differences in the brain and its function. Some individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder have a known difference, like a genetic condition. The other causes are not yet known.
Scientists and researchers think and believe that there are multiple causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder that act together at once to change the most common and simple ways people develop in general.
Characteristics and behaviour mannerisms of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Most children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder often showcase very unusual, constant repetitive behaviours or mannerisms. These behaviours and manners may repeat or increase in the intensity of the particular emotions of the individual when they are upset, sad, frustrated, scared, or anxious. Under very extreme emotional conditions, an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder may refuse to respond or answer a person, may repeat body movements or they may attempt to run away sensing danger or try to injure or self harm themselves.
Most common individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder show several types of unusual behaviours. These behaviors may be overwhelming, odd, disturbing, or dangerous.
In most cases, these behaviours are the result of the underlying neurological conditions associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
They may also be behaviours that the individual has learned to use for comfort or self-calming purposes.
Common Behavioural Characteristics of an Individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder
➡ Unusual Mannerisms-
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder most commonly display various unusual mannerisms such as:
Bouncing on toes.
Body rocking.
Holding their body in unusual and weird ways.
Swaying too much.
Repeating Vocals loudly.
Avoiding constant eye contact.
Biting themselves, Hurting and self harming themselves.
➡Extreme sensitivity to normal stimuliMany individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder showcase unusual sensitivity to normal stimulations, such as sounds, lights, reflections, textures, and many other stimulations that we may not even notice.
Example- Even the uniform of a police officer may be of notable discomfort. Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder may not be able to identify the source of this distress. When they are usually asked, especially in new or confusing situations, they may not be able to identify the reason for it.
For some individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, some stimuli may seem painful, overwhelming, or even confusing.
May appear unaware of surroundingsIndividuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder usually appear unmindful to their surroundings. This includes even potentially dangerous conditions.
For example, they may walk or stand in the middle of the street, seeming to be unconcerned about the cars and vehicles around them.
Unusual emotionsIndividuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder usually showcase emotions that do not fit or suit the situation. An individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder may keep giggling constantly. This can happen even when they are not in the given situation to giggle, such as when alone or lost. The individual may appear extremely distressed, like constantly crying or asking for something over and over, even when a person is attempting to console the individual or even trying to provide whatever was requested.
They attempt to run or wander away before a person is finished talking to themThis behaviour in Autism Spectrum Disorder individuals may not mean the individual is being rude or aggressive. It just simply shows that the individual is unaware of the person. Or it can be that the individual is scared or anxious about having to talk to a stranger.If a stranger gets too close or tries to direct the individual, someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder may typically respond by trying to bite, hit, kick, or spit at the person out of fear.
・They have some type of object in hand or pocket, perhaps something unusual
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder often have their favourite objects that are close to their heart, that they carry with them at all times. These objects may be objects that children might have. Objects such as a stuffed soft animal or blanket. They may be unusual items that appear to have no value. Few examples are; an ad from a magazine, piece of string, or a straw. These objects may comfort the individual having Autism Spectrum Disorder , or help the individual stay calm.
Any attempts to make the individual put down the object may produce an aggressive or agitated response, such as; screaming, crying, or even violence. As far as the object is not harmful or dangerous, it may be okay to allow the person to continue holding the object.
They do not follow basic instructions Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder often do not respond to basic commands.These commands can include, sit down, turn around, put your hands down, or stop that. This is particularly the case when commands are given by someone that the individual does not know.Again, the individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder may not intend to be defiant or rude. They are just scared and anxious.
FAQs About Autism Spectrum Disorder
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition. It is usually diagnosed within the first 2 to 3 years of life. Usually parents become highly concerned when their child has unusual developmental delays. These developmental delays include; limited social interactions, speech development issues and restricted interests or activities.
Though the exact cause of Autism is unknown, certain factors like Genetical, environmental, neurological and metabolic conditions affect the normal functioning of the brain.
Individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrkum Disorder tend to process and respond to information in the environment in different ways. In some individuals, parents are sometimes frightened because they exhibit aggressive and self-injurious and self harming behaviours which is difficult to manage.
Insistence on sameness in routines.
Difficulty in expressing needs verbally.
Repeating words or phrases in place of normal language.
Laughing or crying for no reason whatsoever; showing distress for reasons not relevant to others.
Prefer to be alone.
They throw heavy tantrums and have low frustration tolerance.
Difficulty in having a social contact with others
Uncomfortable with physical contact even when given with affection such as a hug or a pat on the back.
Little or no eye contact even when spoken to directly.
Unresponsive to normal teaching methods whatsoever.
Plays with toys as objects.
Focus on objects that spin a lot like a fan or the propeller of a toy helicopter or a fidget spinner.
Obsessive attachment to particular objects.
Too much over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to pain.
No real fears of danger despite obvious risks of harm.
Noticeable physical over-activity or extreme under-activity depending upon their mood.
Impaired fine motor and gross motor skills.
Non-responsive to verbal instructions and often appear as though the individual is deaf although hearing tests are in normal range.
Are there any treatments available for Autism Spectrum Disorder?
There are no specific treatments to “cure” Autism Spectrum Disorder. Each individual with an autism spectrum disorder has a unique collection of developmental delays, speech deficits, social and cognitive impairments. Therefore, regularised treatment plans need to be developed to target each individual's unique set of strengths and functional impairments.
Why do children with autism have difficulty learning in a regular classroom setting?
There are many reasons that an individual diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder is not able to learn in a regular classroom setting. These include the following reasons:
Coexisting learning disabilities.
Coexisting intellectual disability.
Speech and communication delays.
Aggression to self or others.
Affective Instability.
Require individual supervision to participate in the classroom.
Social Reciprocatory Problems.
Therefore, special efforts need to be made by parents and caregivers to look for the options that the individuals abilities are maximised to the fullest.
Availability of options differs from community to community. It is important to contact a psychiatrist or paediatrician to discuss the options available in your community.
There are no medication treatments that treat the main symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. But, often individuals with autism spectrum disorder show disturbing repetitive, stereotypical or self injurious behaviours. This can be distressing to both the individual, the caretaker and the parent. In some cases , when an individual may be hitting himself repetitively or has mood instability or is aggressive to other children or family members, medication may be prescribed in such cases. The FDA has approved use of the medication Risperidone to target elevated behaviours of autism spectrum disorder such as severe mood instability and aggression.
There are other medications that are currently being studied and researched, to help reduce problematic behaviours inindividuals with autism spectrum disorder.There are currently no other FDA approved treatments. Pharmacological interventions may increase the ability of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, to profit from educational and other interventions. They are supposed to remain in less restrictive environments through the management of severe and challenging accompanying behaviours. Regularised targets for medication include features such as aggression, self-injurious behaviour, hyperactivity, inattention, anxiety, compulsive-like behaviours, other repetitive or usual behaviours, and sleep disturbances.
Does My Child Have Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Most parents get terrified when their child's motor skills and socialisation with others takes more time than usual. They fear the worst and since it takes upto at least 18-24 months of a child's life, to showcase the symptoms and get it properly diagnosed, till then they are very fearsome and clueless about whether their child is alright or not. They do not know whom to seek help with as well. Some children may showcase the symptoms early on from at least 8-12 months of age. Parents need to keep an eye on the following signs and symptoms to get to know the condition of their children early on. Usually, parents who spend more time with their kids tend to find out the symptoms sooner rather than later.
The following are some of the symptoms that parents need to lookout for in their children to diagnose early onset of Autism Spectrum Disorder:
Reduced sharing sounds, smiles, facial expressions by 9 months
Lack of babbling or hand gestures like pointing or reaching by 12 months.
Not forming words by 16 months.
Lack of meaningful phrases by 24 months.
No babbling, social or speaking skills at any age.
Can My Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder Attend School?
Every child has the right to get a proper education. “According to the Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1990, your child deserves access to a ‘free and appropriate’ education funded by the government, whether it be in a mainstream or special education classroom.” Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder should get training so that they can attend school with inclusion programs.
You should be aware of your child’s legal rights on the topic.
What to do After Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder?
If the diagnosis is for yourself or for your child, it is important for you to not blame yourself or anyone for it. It can be strugglesome and overwhelming in the first days and months to accept the condition. But , the best way to deal with this diagnosis is to educate yourself on it properly. For parents, the more they know through, the more they are going to feel the power to help their children. There are a lot of resources that can help you to prepare yourself for this.
It can be overwhelming at times. It is of importance to take breaks and take care of yourself in the process too mentally, emotionally and physically. If you feel that you cannot handle the emotional distress, you can consider consulting a therapist or a counsellor.
You are not alone to deal with this. You can also find similar stories that other parents and individuals are going through and get an insight on how they are tackling the situation.
Conclusion-
Almost all symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder runs into adulthood. Especially with regards to social functioning, motor skills and cognitive ability. Communication skills can improve over time as the individual reaches adolescence and adulthood. Intellectual functioning and IQ tend not to change over time.