Becoming a parent is the most wonderful feeling in the entire world, and no other joy in the entire world can come close to holding your newborn in the caring and loving arms of parents or caregivers. But, when the newborn gets a little older and is diagnosed with a medical condition involving neurological disorders it becomes a challenge which is hard to surpass for parents. One such challenge that many loving parents face is better understanding and aptly addressing the unique needs of a child suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD. It becomes extremely important for parents to offer the child the necessary medical care from an expert paediatritian like Dr. R.K. Jain in Gurgaon, who has decades of international experience and expertise in effectively managing the symptoms of ASD and other neurological disorders in children. It is also important to note that early identification and intervention are crucial in providing the best possible treatment for autistic kids to improve their lives in future. In this blog, we will together better understand ASD, recognize its early signs of symptoms and properly plan the treatment options available to support your child’s overall development by diminishing the effects of autism.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is known as an extremely complex neurodevelopmental condition that directly affects communication, behaviour, and social interaction for autism patients. The term “spectrum” is known to reflect a wide range of symptoms and many severity levels closely associated with autism. It has been observed that some children with autism may have significant and unique challenges that require substantial constant support while others may lead relatively independent lives with minimal assistance with the help of treatment therapies.
What Causes Autism in Kids?
The exact cause of autism is still unknown because autism develops because of many factors but advanced research suggests that it is a combination of genetic and environmental factors that is directly involved with the child’s life. There are also some potential causes and risk factors which include the following:
• Genetic Factors:
Autism may tend to run in the family’s genes which indicates a genetic component responsible for the development of autism.
• Prenatal and Perinatal Factors:
Unwanted complications during pregnancy or the birth of a newborn, such as low birth weight or premature birth, may increase the risk of developing autism or other neurological disorders.
• Environmental Factors:
When exposed to certain environmental toxins and infections during pregnancy, the newborn’s chance of developing autism rises significantly.
How to Recognize Early Signs of Autism in Kids?:
1. Social Interaction Challenges
• Limited Eye Contact:
Young children who suffer from autism may always try to avoid any eye contact or have difficulty maintaining it when established.
• Lack of Interest in Social Interactions:
If infants seem to be uninterested in playing with toys or people or sharing the feeling of enjoyment, it can be a sign of autism.
• Difficulty Understanding Social Cues:
Children who suffer from autism may also face some challenging times to interpret and decode facial expressions, body language, and other non-verbal cues.
2. Clear Communication Confusion
• Delayed Speech Development:
Children who have delayed speech have a risk of developing autism and these kids often face trouble in learning clear speech.
• Repetitive Language:
These autistic children might repeat certain phrases or words in every situation, often without understanding their complete meaning.
• Difficulty with Conversation:
If anyone tries to engage in a back-and-forth conversation with these autistic kids, it will be very challenging to understand and respond appropriately.
3. Repetitive Behaviours and Restricted Interests
• Repetitive Movements:
Some common behaviours for autistic kids include hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning which means they need medical treatment for their medical condition.
• Fixation on Specific Interests:
Autistic children often become intensely focused on particular topics or objects and disregard everything else which is not appealing to them without considering the importance of other relevant topics.
• Resistance to Change:
Children suffering from autism tend to become upset with certain changes which could be positive in their usual routine or environment they live in.
4. Instances of Sensory Sensitivities
• Hyper- or Hypo-sensitivity to Sensory Input:
Children with autism may be unusually sensitive or less responsive to sounds, lights, textures, or other sensory stimuli which need medical therapy for improvement.
Seek Proper Diagnosis and Effective Treatment When Symptoms are Identified:
If any parent or caregiver suspects that the child may have autism because he/she shows signs of autism symptoms, it is of utmost importance to seek a professional evaluation as soon as possible for clarity. It is worth realizing that early diagnosis and medical intervention can significantly improve life outcomes for autistic kids. Here are some steps to be taken by parents if a kid shows any signs of autism:
Professional & Accurate Evaluation:
1. Consult with a Qualified and Experienced Pediatricians :
After confirming the autism symptoms parents can start by discussing their unique concerns openly with their child’s paediatritian who is experienced and expert in handling such situations. They can perform a detailed initial screening for the child and refer parents to a specialist for the best treatment for positive results if needed.
2. Comprehensive Assessment:
When a thorough assessment by a team of specialists is conducted by a qualified and experienced paediatritian, psychologist, and speech therapist, it can confirm the presence or absence of autism in kids, and thus offer the needed clarity parents wish to have.
Dr. R.K. Jain is an experienced, internationally qualified and expert paediatritian in Delhi NCR who is available at Child Neurology Center, Gurgaon to help every autistic kid eliminate all autism symptoms in the best way possible with the combination of the most suitable therapy interventions.
Some Worldwide Treatment Options:
A common form of treatment for autism is not possible as the symptoms of autism are unique in every kid and no two symptoms are exactly identical. However, it has been proven with research and experimentation that various evidence-based therapy interventions can help these children develop the essential skills they require to improve their overall independent quality of life. Some common treatments for Autism are as follows:
1. Behavioural Therapies:
• Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA):
ABA is a widely utilized form of therapy that primarily focuses on teaching specific or necessary skills and reducing problematic behaviours in autistic kids through positive support and daily practice during ABA therapy.
2. Speech and Language Therapy:
Speech and Language therapy can help autistic children to develop their language abilities, speech clarity and improve their overall communication experience. For non-verbal children, expert therapists can use alternative communication methods such as sign language or picture exchange methods to develop healthy communication standards.
3. Occupational Therapy:
Occupational therapy helps autistic children to develop good motor skills, sensory integration, and improve daily living task fulfilment. Expert therapists work on combining the best strategies and implement them in therapy to manage sensory sensitivities and improve sensory processing for autistic kids for a bright independent future.
Some resourceful Tips for Parents of Children with Autism:
1. Create a Structured and Defined Environment:
Parents should always try to establish a useful and consistent daily routine to provide predictability and reduce anxiety for their kids suffering from autism.
2. Use Visual Supports:
Parents should create visual schedules to be followed, social stories to be told, and visual cues to be understood to help their children understand life in a better way.
3. Encourage Open Communication:
Parents should always encourage the practice of open communication through gestures, signs, or picture exchange methods to help autistic kids refine their verbal skills.
4. Celebrate Progress: Recognize and celebrate your child’s achievements, no matter how small, to boost their confidence and motivation.
Conclusion: Symptoms Of Autism Will Depreciate But, Only With Professional Medical Assistance & Help
Autism is a common neurological disease in children worldwide which is why recognizing the early signs of autism and seeking prompt diagnosis and punctual treatment therapies are the most crucial steps in supporting an overall child’s development. Dr. R.K. Jain has international experience and expertise to deal with many neurological disorders in children including Autism Spectrum Disorder in Delhi NCR at the Child Neurology Center in Gurgaon. Only with the right therapy interventions and professional medical support, children with autism can lead fulfilling and meaningful lives where all major autism symptoms are extinct. If you encounter any of the autism symptoms in your kid or kids it is always better to never hesitate to seek professional help with a qualified pediatricians and explore the best treatment therapy options available which will improve the life of the children as well as their parents. Remember, early intervention is all it takes to make a world of difference in your autistic child’s future life.