The Autism definition around the world may include words such as mental illness and showing signs of non-socialization but the original Autism meaning is lost among this words. Today, the ‘World Autism Awareness Day‘ is celebrated on April 2 every year but the Autism awareness among the people is very low. According to the latest research on Autism, this disorder is associated with difficulties in motor coordination and attention, intellectual disability and physical health issues including gastrointestinal disturbances and sleep depravedness.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Autism, as it is commonly known as, is a name for group of complex disorders of brain development. Usually, all these Autism disorders in people are characterized by difficulties they face in social interaction, repetitive behaviors and verbal and nonverbal communications. The latest news on Autism after May 2013, all different types of the Autism disorders were combined together under a single umbrella diagnosis of ASD having previously recognized as distinct subtypes. These subtypes include childhood, neurological disorder, disintegrative mental disorders, autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder.
Causes of Autism
The real causes of Autism are not yet known to the scientist however, a number of researches have concluded that a number of factors such as heredity genes, neurological factors, problems at birth and certain types of infections to behind this disorder. The early signs of Autism seem to appear at the first stages of brain development while the symptoms such as mental illness emerge out when children around 2-3 years old. A number of theories that suggest the cause of Autism include the following:
- In some rare cases, Autism can also be passed from parents to children at birth because of people having genetic predisposition to Autism. Researches have searched long and hard for clues which can help them to decode the exact genes which transfer the disease from parents to their children after showing signs of Autism in babies.
- It has been noted that sometimes environmental factors also contribute a major role in the occurrence of this disorder. Autism can also be caused by the disruption in the brain development of child leading to mental retardation while he is still in the mother’s womb.
- Sometimes, one’s immune system itself produces anti-bodies that can attack a child’s bran which can lead to Autism.
- Cases of abnormalities in the brain structures which can lead to autistic behavior in autistic children.
- Other Autism causes include abnormal timings of brain growth in early childhood can also lead to this disorder. It is because, during the early stages of brain development, the brains affected with Autism grow at a faster rate as compared to the ones of normal children. Later on, it reverses around with autistic brains growing slowly.
Symptoms of Autism
Autism symptoms in adults can be different from each other. Most health care specialists think of Autism as a case of spectrum disorder. This means that different people suffering from the disorder can show a range of similar features also. The symptoms can be mild or serious depending from person to person. However, each person suffering from this disorder shows some basic signs and symptoms of Autism in:
Interactions and Communication with other People
- Usually won’t respond to his name till he is about 1-year-old.
- Children with Autism usually doesn’t follow directions.
- Is unable to explain what he wants
Repetitive Behaviors or Routines
- Autistic child symptoms include spending a lot of time in arranging things in a line again and again.
- Shows a high amount of attachment to stuff toys.
Social Behavior
- Development of nonverbal communication skills are not developed
- Failure to make friends which other children from same age group.
- Lack of enjoyment or interest in outdoor activities.
Types of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Currently there are three types of Autism Spectrum Disorders known to scientists:
Autistic Disorder
Most people suffering from autistic disorder suffer from social and communication challenges with other people, significant language delays, and show signs of unusual behaviors. People with this disorder also suffer from forms of intellectual disability.
Asperger Syndrome
People suffering from the Asperger Syndrome usually show few mild symptoms as compared to people suffering from autistic disorders. These people might face challenges in socializing with people and show unusual interest or behavior but do not show signs of intellectual disability.
Pervasive Development Disorder
People who have PDD-NOS show less and milder symptoms to autistic disorder people which prevent them from communicating with people near them.
Autism Prevention
Doctors are unable to prevent the exact cause of Autism and hence curing it can be difficult. In some cases, children are born with Autism since birth. Therefore, it would not be possible to prevent the autistic disorder. However, you can still lower this risk by making a number of lifestyle changes in your life:
Live Healthy
It is of paramount importance that you follow a healthy living pattern. Make sure you consume well-balanced meals, do regular exercise and have check-ups from time to time. Diet tips for child with autism given by your doctors should be followed extensively.
Avoid Alcohol
While you are having a child in your womb, avoid consumption of any kind of alcoholic beverage.
No Drugs during Pregnancy
Make sure you cross check your use of anti-seizure drugs during pregnancy without the consent of your doctor.
Get Vaccinated
Before getting pregnant, it is advisable to be vaccinated against German measles as it prevents rubella-associated Autism.
Home Remedies for Autism
While full prevention or cure of the Autism Spectrum Disorders is very difficult, a number of home remedies for Autism can help you in containing the spread of the disorder. These include:
Magnesium Supplements
It is very important for children suffering from Autism to consume magnesium in their diet as its deficiency can lead to many symptoms and different behavioral patterns in them. This ensures that the Autism symptoms can be reduced for improved behavior and productive behavioral therapy.
Fish Oil
Another popular Autism cure is the consumption of fatty acids such as Omega-3 fatty acids are very beneficial for an overall development of human body. It helps to increase socialization among people and soothe hyperactive behaviors. Fish oil contains a very high amount of omega-3 in them.
Sugar-free and Gluten-free
Eliminating sugar and gluten from your diet can also help to reduce the symptoms of Autism in the human body.
Besides these remedies, you can also follow a number of other natural remedies for Autism spectrum disorders as prescribed by doctors.
Treatment for Autism
As the case with different symptoms on different people suffering from Autism, the Autism treatment also varies from person to person. However, few common treatment techniques such as Ayurvedic treatment for Autism can be followed at the early stage of a child’s brain development to help him reach his potential.
Behavioral Training and Management
This training helps to improve the behavioral pattern and communication with other people.
Specialized Therapies
These therapies include physical, occupational and speech therapy. They can help to a child suffering from Autism to improve his social and linguistic skills to communicate easily. Physical therapy also helps to improve deficiencies in motor and coordination skills.
Medicines
A number of problems related to behaviors such as anxiety, depression and hyperactivity can be treated by using a number of doctor-prescribed medicines.