April – Autism Acceptance Month
Key Points
- Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is not categorized as an illness or disease.
- Instead, it indicates that a person’s brain operates in a distinct manner, meaning they are considered NEURODIVERGENT.
- Autism is defined as a spectrum, highlighting the fact that no two individuals with autism are alike; there’s a wide range of personality traits.
- Globally, about 1 in 100 children are diagnosed with ASD.
- Although April 2nd marks World Autism Awareness Day, the entire month is dedicated to promoting not only awareness but also acceptance and proactive measures. Therefore, let us seek to understand it better.
Definition
Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that changes the manner in which people interact, communicate, learn, and conduct themselves.
Key Characteristics
Risk Factors
- Genetic Factors
- Siblings with ASD are at a higher risk of developing the condition.
- Specific genes have been associated with ASD.
- Environmental Factors
- Maternal infections during pregnancy.
- Exposure to certain medications (like valproic acid or thalidomide) during pregnancy.
- Exposure to toxins, chemicals, and pesticides during pregnancy.
- Advanced parent age (≥35 years).
- Perinatal Factors
- Diabetes or hypertension during pregnancy.
- Complications during pregnancy and birth, such as low birth weight, premature birth, or oxygen deprivation.
- Gender Differences
- ASD is more common in boys than in girls (approximate ratio 4:1).
Management
- Behavioral therapy
- The goal of therapy is to promote positive behaviors while diminishing negative ones. It also offers guidance for caregivers on appropriate actions to take before, during, after, and between instances of challenging behaviors.
- Cognitive behavior therapy
- This therapy emphasizes the relationship among thoughts, emotions, and actions.
- Social skills training
- This teaches children the skills they need to interact with others. It includes repeating and reinforcing certain desired behaviors.
- Speech-language therapy
- The purpose of this therapy is to enhance a person’s ability to understand and utilize speech and language effectively.
- Occupational therapy
- This therapy supports those with ASD in managing daily tasks by discovering methods that cater to their specific needs, capabilities, and preferences.
- Physical therapy
- This consists of exercises and activities that aim to strengthen motor skills and improve overall strength, posture, and balance.
- Medications
- There are no existing medications that effectively treat the core symptoms of ASD.
- Some medications may help regulate elevated energy levels, enhance focus, or diminish self-injurious behaviors.
- Medication can help manage anxiety and depression, along with medical issues like seizures, sleep disturbances, and gastrointestinal problems.
Role of Family and Community
- Individuals with ASD often depend on their family members, such as parents and siblings, throughout their adult lives.
- Family support is vital for those with autism. It delivers emotional, practical, and educational resources that significantly contribute to their well-being and growth while also reinforcing the family structure.
- Research indicates that caregivers of children with ASD face specific mental health challenges that community support can help reduce.
- When caregivers experience positive mental health, it promotes effective communication and problem-solving abilities.
- Moreover, community support has been linked to improved mental health among caregivers and enhanced functioning in their children.
Further Reading
- https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/autism
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/autism-spectrum-disorders
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36625807
- https://www.cdc.gov/autism/signs-symptoms/index.html
- https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Risk-and-Protective-Factors-Associated-with-Autism_fig1_353174227
- https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/912781-overview#a4
- https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/autism/conditioninfo/treatments
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35751910
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