Signs and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – Diagnosis and Treatment
What is autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disorder that affects a child’s ability to interact, communicate, socialize, and behave. Having children who grow up healthily, both physically and mentally, is certainly the wish of every parent. However, not a few parents are entrusted with having “special” children, for example children with autism spectrum disorder.
This disorder begins in early childhood and lasts throughout his life. This condition is called a ‘spectrum’ because people with ASD can have a variety of symptoms and different levels of severity.
Your child may find it difficult to talk to you or not look you in the eye when you talk to him. They also may say the same sentence or do something repeatedly, such as nodding their head. This makes children with autism spectrum disorders often seem to be in their own world. After knowing the meaning of autism, you also have to pay attention to the signs.
Signs of autism spectrum disorder
Besides having problems with social, emotional, and communication skills, children with ASD also repeat certain behaviors and do not want changes in their daily activities. Please be more sensitive to your child!
In addition, they have different ways of learning, paying attention or reacting. Children often show symptoms of autism in their first year of life. However, some children appear to develop normally in their first year and show signs by the time they are 18-24 months old.
The characteristics of autism spectrum disorder are as follows:
- Do not focus on objects that steal attention
- Does not see objects pointed by others
- Has difficulty relating to other people or has no interest in other people at all
- Avoids eye contact and wants to be alone
- Difficulty understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings
- Prefer not to be hugged or only want to be hugged if they want to
- Appears unconscious when people talk to him, but responds to other sounds
- Very interested in people, but don’t know how to talk, play, or relate to them
- Repeats or echoes words or phrases spoken to it
- Difficulty expressing his desires using words or special gestures
- Unable to do “pretend” play, such as pretending to feed a doll
- Have unusual reactions to new ways, tastes, looks, or sounds
- Losing skills you once had, for example stopping saying words you once used
- The severity and symptoms of autism can vary from child to child. Therefore, it is possible that not all the symptoms mentioned will appear in the child.
Causes of autism spectrum disorder
There are many causes of autism spectrum disorder. However, genetic and environmental factors is a role. Gene mutations appear to be involved in ASD. Some children with this disorder have been associated with genetic disorders, such as Rett syndrome or Fragile X syndrome. In addition, gene mutations can affect brain development or the way brain cells communicate, and can even determine the severity of symptoms.
Researchers also think that environmental factors, such as infections, medications, or complications during pregnancy, as well as air pollutants, play a role in triggering autism spectrum disorder.
There are also several factors that can increase a child’s risk of developing this disorder, including:
Child gender. Boys are four times more likely to have ASD than girls.
Family history. Having one child with ASD in a family increases the risk of another child developing it.
Another nuisance. Children with certain medical conditions, such as tuberous sclerosis, are at higher risk of having autism spectrum disorder.
Very premature baby. Babies born before 26 weeks of gestation have a greater risk of this disorder.
If your child shows signs of autism spectrum disorder, you can check with a psychologist or child psychiatrist, child neurologist, or child development doctor to evaluate your child’s condition.
Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder
Diagnosis of ASD can sometimes be difficult because there are no specific tests to diagnose the disorder. Not to mention, the symptoms of autism in children can vary.
Even so, the doctor will take the following approach to make a diagnosis.
- Observing the behavior and development of children
- Child medical and neurological examination
- Evaluate the child’s cognitive abilities
- Evaluate the child’s language skills
- Conduct discussions with parents about child behavior and development
- Evaluate the child’s age-appropriate skills to complete daily activities independently, such as eating, dressing, or using the toilet
- Various medical tests, such as blood tests, hearing tests, or genetic tests, to determine trigger factors
- This evaluation can provide the results of a diagnosis and recommendations for the right treatment for the child.
Treatment of autism spectrum disorder
Autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong condition and can get worse if not treated properly. That way, autism means a condition that cannot be ignored.
They carried treatment out to maximize a child’s abilities, reduce ASD symptoms, and support their development and learning.
A number of treatment options that can be done are:
Behavioral and communication therapy
Behavioral therapy will help children deal with social, language, and behavioral difficulties associated with autism spectrum disorder. In addition, we will teach children to communicate better, act in social situations, reduce problematic behavior, and teach new skills.
Speech and language therapy
People with autism can experience speech disorders making it difficult to speak. However, speech therapy can help improve understanding and use of language and speech in autistic children.
Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy teaches skills that help autistic children to be more independent, for example, to dress, eat or use the toilet themselves. Occupational therapy may also include therapy to improve a child’s physical skills, such as fine finger movements or larger body movements, so they function as they should.
Educational therapy
Educational therapy is very beneficial for children who have difficulty receiving lessons at school. The teachers will provide a structured educational program so that it is easy for ASD children to understand.
Children will be involved in various activities to improve social, communication, and behavioral skills. Children often make good progress with this therapy.
Family therapy
In family therapy, parents and other family members can learn how to play and interact with children with autism spectrum disorder. This can encourage children to improve social interaction skills, manage problematic behavior, and communicate.
Drugs
Certain medications can help control symptoms. Antipsychotic drugs are sometimes used to treat severe behavior problems, while we prescribe antidepressants for anxiety. We may need other treatments for autism spectrum disorder. However, this depends on the child’s needs. Therefore, always consult a psychologist or child psychiatrist.
Accompanying children with autism spectrum disorder
Accompanying children with autism is a challenge for parents. Not only do you understand what autism means, pay extra attention so that they can lead a normal life.
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