Every year autism in children becomes more common. According to statistics, 1 out of 44 babies suffers from the disease. Nervous system disorders can have serious consequences, not only in childhood but also in adulthood. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can present with different symptoms, so children with this diagnosis often differ from one another. It is important for parents to know what autism is, how it manifests itself, and when to sound the alarm.
Autism is a neuropsychiatric disorder that affects a child's brain development as well as communication, social interaction, and behavior. It usually manifests itself in early childhood and accompanies a person throughout his or her life.
The main reasons
Despite the rapid development of medicine and multiple studies, today it is unclear where autism comes from. Research highlights several factors that can influence the development of this disorder:
- Genetic factors. Heredity plays an important role in the onset of the disease. It has been noted that children with autism often have relatives with similar traits or other neurological, psychological, and behavioral disorders.
- Environmental influences. Certain environmental factors can trigger autism. For example, fetal exposure to toxic substances during embryogenesis, such as mercury or certain medications, can affect brain development in the fetus or an already-born child and increase the risk of ASD.
It is important to note that autism is not the result of a lack of upbringing or social influence. Often, the disorder develops as a result of a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. An inherited predisposition can make a person more vulnerable to certain environmental factors that contribute to autism.
European studies have shown the presence of changes in the structure and functioning of certain areas of the brain in people with autism, but their causes have not been established.
Symptoms of autism
Parents often wonder: how does autism manifest itself in children? Most often, it is possible to suspect the disorder in a child by the following signs:
- performs repetitive actions (opens and closes the door, turns the light on and off);
- is not interested in toys, but shows interest in everyday objects;
- swaying from side to side for a long time;
- does not want to go to his hands, resists bodily contact;
- can focus on one subject for a long time;
- eats inedible objects, such as clothes;
- walks on tiptoe, etc.
Children with autism have poor coordination and fine motor skills, so they seem clumsy. Toddlers with ASD prefer to be alone and not in contact with people and are not interested in playing with other children. They have no sense of danger, can go out on the roadway, climb heights.
Children with ASD sometimes hurt themselves. They may bang their head against the wall or floor, bite or scratch themselves, or cut. Autism spectrum disorder can manifest itself differently in different children.
When do I go to the doctor?
Most often parents turn to specialists at the age of the child, 2-3 years old, when manifestations of the disorder become noticeable. Mothers and fathers notice that their child is developing differently, his behavior is very different from other children. But it is possible to suspect the development of an autism spectrum disorder at an earlier age. You should not put off going to the doctor if your child is 1.5-2 years old:
- doesn't smile back at you;
- does not want to go to his hands and avoids other bodily contact;
- shows no interest in toys;
- does not speak, does not even pronounce individual words;
- does not respond to his name;
- not making eye contact;
- does not play role-playing games;
- does not gesticulate, etc.
If you have any doubts or questions, it is better to contact a doctor who can perform a detailed diagnosis, assess the child's condition and provide recommendations for further steps. Early detection, diagnosis, and support from specialists can significantly help children with autism to develop and adapt to the world around them.
Diagnosis and treatment
Knowing how autism manifests itself, it is important to see a doctor on time and get diagnosed. It is imperative to make an appointment with a neurologist and a psychiatrist. As part of a comprehensive examination, various laboratory and instrumental studies are performed, including electroencephalography. An important part of the diagnosis is the collection of medical history, observation of the child, conducting various tests.
There is no general treatment plan for autism. The program is tailored for each child, taking into account their individual characteristics, the severity of their symptoms, and other factors. A holistic approach is always used, aimed at eliminating the cause and working through the existing problems. The basis of treatment and rehabilitation is the diagnosis and treatment of the child's somatic diseases, along with special correction programs.
