World Autism Day 2019: Things you don't know about this disorder.
New Delhi : Its World Autism Awareness Day today. Every year on April 2, many organizations organize events to raise awareness about autism and collect money for research and support. The disease though common, very few people know about this disorder. Here, in this article we will discuss about autism, its signs and symptoms, treatment and prevention methods.
Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects a person’s communication and ability to interact socially with others. The disorder is generally diagnosed during childhood. Organizations like Autism Speaks, Autism National Committee and the Autism Society of America use their websites and other resources to inform and educate about autism.
Types of autism are typically characterized by challenges with social skills, communication (verbal and nonverbal), speech and repetitive behaviour. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that the prevalence of autism is actually growing. But the increase in diagnoses may be due to increased awareness and early intervention.
Most diagnoses occur when children are 2 years old or older. For example, infants with autism may not engage in the usual babbling, smiling and other social interactions that babies typically would. However, not all children with autism show all of the signs. While some children with autism show signs such as lack of effective speech and unusual reactions to sounds and smells, others might not.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, boys are 4 times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls. It is assumed that autism likely develops due to a combination of genetic and non-genetic influences. However, the exact reason the disorder is yet to be known.
Children with autism are eight times more likely to suffer from a gastrointestinal disorder than other children. Children with autism are also at significantly greater risk for seizures, schizophrenia.
Treatment of Autism disorder
According to Autism Speaks, early intervention can improve learning, communication, social skills and even underlying brain development that may affect symptoms. These early interventions often involve therapy and other behavioral forms of treatment.
There is no cure for autism, though there are support systems and therapies available to help those with autism to lead a more fulfilling life. Autism is not a disease, and many believe that it is not something that needs to be cured.
According to Autism Speaks, if either parent is of an advanced age, the child is at greater risk for autism. Other risk factors include pregnancy and birth complications or pregnancies less than a year apart.
