Autism is one of the most complex brain development disorders, which starts showing signs in the initial 2-3 years of a child. Faced with intellectual disability, children with autism find it difficult to interact socially, have problems in verbal/non-verbal communication and motor coordination.
As a nerve-related condition, autism causes children to have a single-minded focus on a particular subject. There have been instances when children with autism have exhibited genius in areas such as mathematics, music, arts and activities that are too difficult.
Autism is one of the most complex brain development disorders, which starts showing signs in the initial 2-3 years of a child. Faced with intellectual disability, children with autism find it difficult to interact socially, have problems in verbal/non-verbal communication and motor coordination.
As a nerve-related condition, autism causes children to have a single-minded focus on a particular subject. There have been instances when children with autism have exhibited genius in areas such as mathematics, music, arts and activities that are too difficult.
With mounds of advancements being made in medical science, the root causes of autism yet remain unclear. Investigations are in progress to identify the links of autism associated with genetics, medical problems and heredity. Brain scans show striking differences in the structure & shape of the brain in autistic children vis-a-vis
normal children.
It might be possible that your family shows a pattern of autism and similar disabilities, strengthening the theory that tells autism is a genetic disorder. There are 23 pairs of chromosomes in humans, and chromosome 17 has been discovered to contain a gene known as CACNA1G in some cases of autism.
Further research has shown that this gene is more prevalent in boys than girls, and has come to be known as the "Autism Risk Gene". There are ongoing studies into the connection of genetics and autism, including the possibility of each case having its own unique genetic structure.
Deficiency in the intake of Selenium, Zinc, Vitamin B12, Vitamin 6, Vitamin D, and Folate affects normal neural development. It also weakens the cellular membranes and internal cell processes. Studies have also shown that women who are negligent in taking vitamins immediately before or during the pregnancy pose a higher risk of having autistic children.
Studies have shown that when exorphin opioids obtained from gluten (found in grains) and casein (protein found in dairy products) cross the blood-brain-barrier, these cause symptoms that increase social indifference. Therefore, it's highly recommended to limit their intake in your child's diet.
Research has also shown that reduced intake of Omega-3 fatty acids can impair cell membranes which protect the cells. It then paves way for brain disorders.
Heavy metals, pesticides, virus and bacteria hamper the normal functioning of cells. Exposure to any of these hazardous elements can cause autism in children.
- The MMR shot (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) has all but eradicated the disease; however the fact that vaccines contain components of the viruses they are intended to protect against did bring enough questions to study the risks. The concern about this vaccine being a possible trigger for autism has sporadic research backing it up and several studies refuting any link whatsoever. it's, therefore, strongly advised to limit the vaccines for expecting women. Many even say that expecting moms shouldn't be given vaccines. Many vaccines have thimerisol (mercury) which can quickly find its way to the fetus and cause irreparable damage to the nervous system.
Clear understanding about the types of autism helps parents have a crystal-clear idea about what exactly their child is going through. Here are 6 sub-types of autism which you should know about -
If your child is diagnosed with basic symptoms for autism, he/she falls under this category. It is a neurological and development disorder, wherein you child finds it difficult to connect with others and has problems in communicating. These children might be deeply affected by noise, smells and bright lights.
Mainly affecting female kids, it's a rare neurodevelopmental disorder in which children do not have verbal skills. It has also been found that about 50% of those diagnosed with Rett's Syndrome do not walk.
Growth failure and Scoliosis are the common problems faced. Patients often experience muscle atrophy, carry repetitive hand motions and require care for most of their lives.
A low-functioning form of autism, CDD or Heller's Syndrome involves the child losing his/her ability to interact with others, which was once mastered. They eventually lose motor skills and even stop talking at a certain point of time. Changes start happening when the child becomes 2-4 years old.
Diagnosed between 2 to 6 years of children, it's a milder form of autism wherein a child has good language skills but he/she indulges in odd & repetitive behaviors. The child faces problems in social interactions and non-verbal communication.
Children diagnosed with this type are often clumsy because of under-developer motor skills. Asperger's disorder, sometimes, is misdiagnosed as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or Attention Deficient Disorder.
Children affected with PDD have most of the symptoms similar to the classic autistic disorder. It usually begins during infancy and is diagnosed when the child is at least 3 years old. Common problems associated with this type include speech impairment and poor motor skills.
Regressive Autism involves the child losing communication abilities and social skills when he she becomes 15 to 30 months old. About 30% of children with autism stop speaking after beginning to say words. Skills loss might be quite rapid with this disorder.
Children with autism have to encounter lots of challenges on a daily basis. The fundamental problem is our society's attitude towards these kids. It is to be remembered that AUTISM IS NOT A PROBLEM. These kids need to be accepted the way they are without comparing them with anybody. People need to change their mindset towards these special, beautiful kids.
It is not they who need to be trained to adapt a certain way of life. It is us who need to understand the issues they face, show respect, love & care. We need to train ourselves to be able to communicate with them in a meaningful way.
Autistic Kids face a wide array of problems & issues in their day to day lives ranging from social difficulties to communication impairment and difficult imagining things.
Parenting has always been toughest but it gets all the more challenging with an autistic child. You are required to be more confident and emotionally strong. The key to successfully parenting an autistic child lies in learning more about the disorder, joining support groups and treating your child with more love, care & patience.
History is full of instances where people with autistic disorder have become successful and are experts in specific areas. Take a look. These people went on to achieve new breakthroughs in their fields. it's a myth to assume that children with autistic disorder can't lead a successful life. Each one is a gifted soul! They just need to be treated differently..
Had learning disabilities
Could not make close associations to people
Had a solitary childhood
No feel for relationships
Had severe lack of social skills
