Autism Spectrum Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is rather a developmental disability, and autism causes many occurring due to differences in the brain. People with ASD often have problems with social communication and also interaction and restricted or perhaps repetitive behaviors or even interests. People with ASD can also have different ways of learning, moving, or perhaps paying attention.

ASD describes a group of neurodevelopmental conditions that become evident during early childhood. Certain genetic and environmental factors can contribute to its development.

Symptoms of autism

• problems with communication and social interaction.
• restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior or activities.

Problems with communication and social interaction

ASD means several issues with communication that appear before age 5.

Autistic children can have trouble expressing their feelings or perhaps understanding those of others starting at 36 months.

As they age, they might have difficulty talking or even minimal speaking skills.

They might also indicate signs of hyperlexia, which involves reading beyond what is expected of their age.

As they interact with others, autistic children can face difficulty in sharing their emotions and also interests with others or even find it hard to maintain back-and-forth conversation. Nonverbal communication, similar to maintaining eye contact or body language, can also be problematic.

These challenges with communication persist throughout adulthood.

Restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior or activities

These can include:

• Repetitive movements, such as rocking, flapping their respective arms, spinning, or perhaps running back and forth.
• Lining objects, such as toys, up in strict order and also getting upset when that order is disturbed.
• Attachment to strict routines, like those around bedtime or getting to school.
• Repeating words or even phrases they hear a person say over and over again.
• Getting upset over rather minor changes.
• Focusing intently on parts of objects.
• Unusual reactions to sensory input, like sounds, smells, and also tastes.
• Obsessive interests.
• Exceptional abilities that entail musical talent or memory capabilities.

Other characteristics

• Delayed movement, language, or even cognitive skills.
• Seizures.
• Gastrointestinal symptoms are akin to constipation or diarrhea.
• Excessive worry or perhaps stress.
• Unusual levels of fear (either higher or lower than expected).
• Hyperactive, inattentive, or even impulsive behaviors.
• Unexpected emotional reactions.
• Unusual eating habits, or perhaps preferences.
• Unusual sleep patterns.

Autism causes

• Having an immediate family member who happens to be autistic.
• Certain genetic mutations.
• Fragile X syndrome and also other genetic disorders.
• Being born to also older parents.
• Low birth weight.
• Metabolic imbalances.
• Exposure to, in fact, heavy metals and also environmental toxins.
• A maternal history of viral infections.
• Fetal exposure to the medications valproic acid or thalidomide (Thalomid).

Treatment for autism

There are no “cures” for ASD. Rather, for a few autistic people, supportive therapies and other considerations can help them feel better or maybe alleviate certain symptoms.

Other approaches involve therapies like:

• Behavioral therapy.
• Play therapy.
• Occupational therapy.
• Physical therapy.
• Speech therapy.

Massages, weighted clothing, and also blankets, furthermore, meditation techniques can also help a few autistic people manage symptoms. Results do vary. Few people may respond well to certain approaches, while others may not.

Alternative remedies

Research on alternative remedies is of a mixed nature, and few remedies can indeed be dangerous. These alternative remedies do include issues like:

• High-dose vitamins.
• Chelation therapy, which involves flushing metals from the body.
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
• Melatonin is meant to address sleep issues.

Before investing in any alternative therapy, parents and caregivers need to weigh the research and financial costs against, of course, any possible benefits.

When in doubt, talk to a healthcare professional.

Autism and exercise

Autistic children do find that certain exercises can help in easing their frustrations and also promote overall well-being.

Swimming and other in-water activities serve as both exercise and a sensory play activity.

Conclusion

Autism causes need to be taken into consideration in understanding the health issue.