Autism is a frequently debated and highly misunderstood medical term. More than that, it is a highly emotional and sensitive issue for millions of families and parents whose children have been diagnosed with this condition worldwide. The moment when a child is diagnosed with autism, one of the first things that comes to the minds of the parents is whether it is curable. However, the answer to this question might be a complex one. It is important for parents and caregivers to understand that autism isn’t a disease that needs to be ‘cured’. It is a difference in the neurological conditions of a person, which gives them a unique and specialised way of experiencing and interacting with the world around them! People who have autism have their own set of strengths and weaknesses. From higher creativity and deep focus to difficulties in social interaction and sensory responses, autism can affect people in different ways. The good news is that over decades of medical advancements, various therapies, medical treatments, and other interventions have been developed that can improve the quality of life of a person, and instead of chasing a ‘cure’, help Child autism spectrum disorder individuals make the most of life in their own unique ways! In this article, we will discuss in detail about autism, so that those who are concerned can have a better understanding of the situation.
What is Autism?
Autism or Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to the difference in the manner in which a child reacts or interacts with the world around them. This condition does not have anything to do with parenting, as the child is born with it. As discussed above, Autism isn’t a disease that needs a cure, instead, it is a condition that makes a child special. Hence, the focus should be to help the child maximize the advantages this condition brings with it, while managing the complications or shortcomings associated with it. Autistic individuals might be neurodivergent, which means that their brains might function in a different manner than normal individuals. As a result, they might be better than their counterparts in some areas of life, while in others, they might need help. Not every autistic individual will have the same personality traits, advantages, or challenges. Instead, it is a spectrum of all these things that might be present in every individual and be unique to them.
How is Autism Caused?
Researchers have not been able to find a single specific cause of Autism. However, it is certain factors like genetics and other things related to pregnancy, labor and delivery that might cause it. Some of the risk factors include:
- Pregnancy after the age of 35
- Pregnancy before the completion of 12 months from the previous pregnancy
- Blood loss and certain medications like valproate during pregnancy
- Smaller size of the fetus than expected
- Premature or Pre-term births
- Lack of oxygen supply to the baby during childbirth or pregnancy
- Gestational Diabetes
What are the symptoms of autism?
There is a wide range of symptoms, or more accurately called characteristics, that a healthcare provider might be interested in looking for in a child during Autism spectrum disorder treatment. These characteristics enable them to understand what specific type of assistance the child might need. These characteristics vary according to age. For toddlers, these characteristics might include not responding to their names, seemingly uninterested in games like peek-a-boo, not looking into the eyes etc. In children aged 5 to 10, these characteristics might include talking about a narrow range of topics, difficulty in expressing or understanding their feelings, speaking in a monotonous tone, etc. In adolescents, these characteristics might include not making eye contact, not being interested in starting conversations, inability to understand what others mean to say, and many more.
What are the strengths that an autistic individual has?
An Autism individual does not have only challenges, but they also have strengths that make them stand apart from the crowd! These strengths include:
- The strength to speak out for themselves, or go against the crowd for the right thing, even though it is not a popular opinion according to the crowd
- A stronger sense of right and wrong as compared to other people, which makes them keep their moral grounds high even when no one is watching them.
- The strength to express themselves directly and honestly, without any sugarcoating.
- Strong nonverbal reasoning skills and a greater degree of focus, which helps them gain expertise over a wide range of topics.
- Autistic individuals can easily form immediate connections with people belonging to different age groups.
This World Autism Day, it is the need of the hour to understand that Autism is not a disease, and one should not run behind the ‘cure’ for it. Instead, families and parents should make active efforts to embrace autistic individuals and acknowledge their uniqueness, while enhancing their positives and minimizing their challenges through appropriate medical intervention and therapies.
If you are looking for the best Autism Treatment in Chandigarh or the Best Neurologist in Mohali, Sohana Hospital might be the right choice for you. Sohana Hospital Mohali is home to the World’s Most Advanced cutting-edge technology and North India’s leading Neurologists who provide the most comprehensive and holistic treatment for all the neurological disorders of the patients in the region. Book your appointment today and take the first step towards a healthier and happier future!