What is autism?
Autism is a complex developmental disability that causes problems with social interaction and communication. Symptoms usually start before age three and can cause delays or problems in many different skills that develop from infancy to adulthood.Scientific research has been inconclusive as to the exact cause of this disorder. However, genetic and environmental factors have been found to be very important.
What is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?
Different people with autism can have very different symptoms. Health care providers think of autism as a “spectrum” disorder, a group of disorders with similar features. One person may have mild symptoms, while another may have serious symptoms. But they both have an autism spectrum disorder.
Who are more likely to have autism spectrum disorders?
Boys have been found to be four times more likelyto be affected than girls. Invariably, the siblings of those with autism are at a higher than normal risk of autism spectrum disorders. Recent estimates in theUSindicate that 1 in 88 children have been identified with an ASD.In Anguillathere are autistic children: some have been identified; others suspected are yet to be diagnosed.
What are some of the possible red flags for autism?
The main signs of autism involve problems in communication, social interaction, routines and behaviour.
(Note well, the symptoms exhibited by autistic children depend on the severity of the autism experienced.)
1. Communication – the child:
• does not respond to his/her name.
• is slow to developlanguage skills or speech is
delayed.
• seems to hear sometimes, but not other times.
• does not understand tone of voice or facial expressions.
• has poor eye contact.
• repeats words or phrases heard earlier (echolalia).
• may not understand the multiple meanings of some words.
2. Social interaction – the child:
• does not smile when smiled at.
• seems to prefer to play alone.
• gets things for him/herself only.
• seems to be in his/her “own world.”
• is overly active, uncooperative, or resistant.
• does not know how to play with toys.
3. Routines and behaviour– the child:
• gets “stuck” doing the same things over and over
and can’t move on to other things.
• shows unusual attachments to toys, objects, or
schedules.
• spends a lot of time lining things up or putting things in a certain order.
• engages in repetitive movements such as rocking or twirling or self-abusive behaviour such as head banging.
Is there a link between autism and vaccines?
Numerous studies have been done to determine if a vaccine or combination of vaccines can cause autism.Scientific research has foundno proof that any material used to make or preserve the vaccine can result in autism. (Thimerosal or mercury was previously used as a preservative.)
The following are some of the ways parents and teachers can help a child with autism.
1. Parents should take children who are suspected of,or diagnosed as having autism, for a complete medical exam since behavioural problems, such as temper tantrums, can be the result of gastrointestinal problems or other health issues.
2. A gluten-free, casein-free diet can be given. (No barley, rye, oats, wheator dairy products.)
3. A picture exchange communication system (PECS) can be used with non-verbal children to reflect daily routines or instruction.
4. Instruction should be routine and predictable.
5. Verbal behaviour intervention can be used to develop language skills through motivation and reinforcement.
6. Sensory integration therapy can be used to help children become less sensitive to light, sound and touch.
7. Applied Behaviour Analysis – helps to reinforce wanted behaviours, and reduce unwanted behaviours.
8. An individual education plan (IEP) is necessary to help guide the child’s school experiences.
9. It is important that instruction be at concrete level.
10. Children should be seated at the front of the class for better concentration on the visual presentations of materials.
11. Verbal directions should be concise.
The diagnosis of autism can usually be made through an evaluation by a psychologist, and/or a speech therapistor apaediatrician.Early detection and intervention is the key to improving the outlook of children who are affected with autism. Presently, there is no known cure for this disorder but a combination of treatment programmes can prove beneficial. It is important that parents, teachers and professionals who diagnose children stay up to date on autism research.
