Autism is the name of a disorder affecting brain development. It is one of a group of disorders called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Asperger syndrome, Atypical autism, and Childhood autism are kinds of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Autism is caused by the way that the brain develops, both before and after a baby is born. About one in every 160 children has an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
ASD is a condition that affects the way a person relates to their environment. The word spectrum is used because not all people with autism have the same difficulties. Some people find interacting more difficult than others.
Autism may be very apparent in someone or they may show no outward signs of it. The main areas of difficulty are in:
- Social interaction
- Verbal and nonverbal communication
- Restricted or repetitive behaviors and interests
In most cases of autism, motor communication is affected. All these signs develop in the child’s first two to three years of age.
People who have autism find it difficult to act in a way that other people think is “normal”. They may find it difficult to talk to other people and to look at other people.
Some people with autism do not like being touched. A person who has autism can seem to be turned inwards. They may talk only to themselves, rock themselves backward and forwards, and laugh at their own thoughts.
ASD cannot be cured, but through systematic treatment protocols,condition of child can be improved to a great extent. Management of autism is carried out in two dimensions, medicine and treatment.
Medicine: often given symptomatically
Treatment: Treatment should be given according to child’s need. Treatment design include
- Applied behavioral analysis
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Speech language therapy
- Training of adaptive skills
- Sensory and auditory integration therapy
- Music therapy
- Anger therapy
- Family therapy