Autism is a neurodevelopmental illness that is currently known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a developmental impairment brought on by variations in your child's brain. Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may exhibit distinct behaviors, interactions, and learning styles. They could struggle to understand and utilize verbal and nonverbal cues in social situations.¹

Signs and Symptoms:

The initial indications and symptoms of autism, also referred to as ASD or autistic spectrum disorder, can differ greatly in terms of timing and variety. Some autistic individuals have symptoms in their first few months of life. Others don't exhibit symptoms for a very long time symptoms of autism up to 12 months of age include little to no babble minimal or nonexistent eye contact displaying a greater interest in things than in people, seeming to be deaf when spoken directly, utilizing toys in a unique or constrained way, repetitive motions using their hands, fingers, arms, or heads while beginning to learn language but eventually giving up or losing those abilities. Signs up to two years old could also include a much-focused area of interest, and minimal or nonexistent curiosity in other kid's sactions.²

Diagnosis

To diagnose autism, a definite medical test does not exist. When determining whether you have autism, a medical expert looks at your cognitive ability i.e. how you interact with others, how you communicate your overall progress, how you control your emotions and behavior actions pertaining to your hobbies and pursuits. They use this data to assess what kind of help you require. A group of medical experts will frequently collaborate to conduct an extensive evaluation to determine whether a diagnosis is warranted. This multidisciplinary approach consists of the family doctors, audiologists, pediatricians, psychologists, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, Occupational Therapists that specialize in development speech- language. Pathologists, additionally, check for any additional co-occurring illnesses that might have an impact on development.²

Causes

Although the precise origin of autism is still unknown, evidence points to a potential combination of environmental, genetic, and developmental variables.What is not the cause of autism is something we know with clarity. Poor parenting is not the cause of autism Vaccinations do not cause autism. Strong genetics play a role in autism. Compared to the general population, families that have one autistic kid have a higher likelihood of h aving another autistic child. There is an estimated 1 in 5 probabilities of having another afflicted child. There is also for family members of autistic individual to exhibit more autistic symptoms.⁴

Treatment

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for autism spectrum conditions, nor is there a cure. The purpose of treatment is to minimize symptoms of autism spectrum condition and enhance learning and development in order to maximize your child's functional abilities. Your preschooler can acquire important social, communication, functional, and behavioral skills with the support of early intervention. The array of therapies and interventions available for autism spectrum disorder, both in schools and at home, can be somewhat intimidating, and your child's requirements might evolve over time. Your healthcare physician can assist you in finding local services and make recommendations.

If your child has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, assemble a team of specialists to support your child's needs and consult with specialists about developing a treatment plan.⁵