Autism or ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) refers to a group of developmental conditions that occur due to differences in the brain. A predominant sign of autism is the child finding it hard to socialise and communicate. Other symptoms may vary widely, depending on the severity of the condition.
1. What is the magnitude of ASD in India?
While earlier ASD was considered a rare condition, presently 1 in 65 Indian children aged 2 – 9 years are autistic. Research indicates that ASD affects nearly 1.8-2 million children in India.
2. Can those with autism live independently?
The capabilities and requirements of autistic individuals vary and may change with time. Some autistic people may have good (even brilliant) levels of intelligence and not need help from others, while others may have severe disabilities and require lifelong care.
3. How is the family impacted?
Autism may affect the education and job prospects of those affected by it. They may require family support throughout their life. This may place a big demand and pressure on their families.
4. Why does support matter?
Two aspects that can help determine the quality of life of autistic individuals are societal attitudes and the level of support they get.
5. What makes timely diagnosis vital?
If parents have adequate knowledge of ASD, they may be able to identify autism symptoms in their child in early childhood. This may allow timely management, allowing the child to have better prospects of being self-reliant as they grow up.
6. What other conditions may accompany autism?
People with autism are frequently seen to have other conditions, such as anxiety, depression, epilepsy, dyslexia, and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
7. What causes a delay in diagnosis?
Children may show early signs of the condition in their first year, but parents may not be able to identify them until their child misses significant social milestones. The major reasons for this delay include a lack of awareness and societal stigma.
8. Is autism a disease?
No. Being autistic just means the person’s brain works differently from other people. People are born with it, although it might be diagnosed quite late.
9. At what age does ASD occur?
ASD signs usually appear in early childhood, often before the age of 3 years, although diagnosis may happen later. However, symptoms may change over time and with therapy.
Some children exhibit autism signs in their first year, while others may take longer (after age 2 or later).
*Note: Some children may not exhibit extreme symptoms initially and may only be labeled as ‘quirky’ or ‘different’. Less severe symptoms can even delay diagnosis till 7-8 years of age.
Some children meet age-specific milestones until around 18 months to 2 years of age, but then stop acquiring new skills or lose the skills they had earlier.
10. Is there a cure for autism?
Autism is not an illness that can be treated. An autistic individual will remain autistic all their life. However, if they lack skills, support and therapies can help develop communication, learning, and daily living skills necessary to live independently.
11. Can an autistic person have a fulfilling life?
Being autistic does not mean a person cannot have a good life. Just like non-autistic people, those with autism may be good at specific things and struggle with others. For example, some autistic individuals are seen to have exceptional memory.
Autistic people can make friends, form relationships, and even work professional jobs. It is just that they may require extra help.
12. Do all autistic people need support?
No. Autism is a spectrum. This means autistic people may significantly differ from one another. Some may manage without support and even have a job, while others may require lifelong care.
13. What are other names for autism?
ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is the medical name for the condition. Some people also used the term Asperger’s (or Asperger syndrome) to describe individuals with average to above-average intelligence and typical language development. However, asperger’s is now no longer used as a separate diagnosis and has been clubbed under the broader umbrella term ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder’.
14. What causes autism?
The causes of autism are not clear. But it is believed to be due to environmental and genetic factors. The condition can be inherited from autistic parents, or the parents may simply be healthy “carriers” of the specific gene. Research has consistently shown that medications, vaccines, or dietary habits do not lead to the development of the condition.
15. Is autism contagious?
No. Unlike certain physical ailments & infections, it cannot spread from the affected person to others.
16. Why is autism in girls harder to detect?
Autistic girls may:
- Imitate other children in play and behaviour, hiding some signs of autism
- Withdraw from difficult situations
- Seems to better deal with social situations
- Not as much repetitive behaviour as in boys
These tendencies may make it harder for parents to detect autistic behaviour in girls.
17. What are the symptoms of autism?
- Avoiding eye contact
- Not responding to their name
- Not smiling when smiled at
- Not speaking meaningful words by age 2
- Not making common gestures like waving and pointing
- May seem lost in their own world
- Difficulty communicating and interacting with people
- Inability to comprehend how others feel or think
- Trouble moving from one activity to another
- A focus on details
- Difficulty making friends
- Unusual response to sensations (e.g., loud noises, specific tastes, smells, and bright lights)
- Tendency to stay away from social events
- Getting anxious when facing unfamiliar situations
- Need more time to understand things
- Repeating the same tasks and movements (e.g., rocking their body, repeating a phrase)
- Preference for strict routines
- Keen interest in specific activities or subjects
- Preferring to be on their own
- Taking things literally – for example, they may not understand phrases like “break a leg”
- Difficulty expressing feelings
18. Can adults also have autism?
Yes. Autistic children with average or above-average levels of intelligence may grow up without ever knowing they have the condition. As adults, they may even be in good occupations.
Here are some symptoms they may have:
- Difficulty understanding what others are feeling or thinking
- Uncomfortable in social situations
- Trouble making friends or preferring isolation
- Appear rude or disinterested in others
- Difficulty expressing emotions
- Taking things literally (e.g., inability to understand sarcasm)
- Following a strict routine and dislike for change
- Avoiding eye contact
- Getting upset if someone gets too close or touches them
- Noticing minute details that most people do not (e.g., sound, smells, patterns)
- Keenly interested in specific activities or subjects
- Detail-oriented planning before doing things
*Note: Some people without ASD may also have some of these symptoms.
19. How does autism knowledge make a difference?
As a parent, if you know the signs, you can take early action. It can have a profound effect on the learning and growth of your child.
Sohana Hospital has dedicated paediatric neurology specialists who work alongside a multidisciplinary team of other doctors. All our doctors have extensive experience in providing personalised treatment and care to autistic children of all ages. Also, you can get materials to track your child’s progress according to age.
The aim is to help children with ASD become independent and lead as normal a life as possible.
If your child shows any signs of autism, get compassionate & expert care at Sohana Hospital.