Autism spectrum disorder

Autism is now called Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Thus it includes children with autism, but also those affected by Asperger syndrome, Rette syndrome (girls) and those with generalized developmental disorder, not specific.

• What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
• Symptoms
• When to consult?
• The causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder
• How to intervene?

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurological disorder that affects many aspects of child development. It affects his ability to communicate and relate to others in addition it limits his interests.

Approximately 1 child from 80 will receive a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder each year. This increase is explained by the fact that professionals and parents often know the signs of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Nobody knows why this disorder affects 4-5 times more boys than girls.

Asperger syndrome:

• Intelligence-normal or over the limit;
• Hypo or hypersensitivity at incentives;
• Clumsiness, both in general and in the fine motorics, certain orthostatic rigidity;
• No delay in the beginning of the appearance of speech, good grammar and syntax, but inappropriate use of words in context and sometimes pedantic approach;
• Speech usually " monotonous” or with an accent which may seem strange, because of over-articulation;
• Using inappropriate gestures that accompany speech;
• Lack of empathy, passivity against the other or one-way conversations in accordance with their concerns;
• Less diversity of interests, but often encyclopedic research on their chosen topic;
• Accumulation of encyclopedic information about a particular topic of interest, which completely absorbs their interests and all interactions and it colors their relationship.

Symptoms

Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders are unique. However certain individual functions may be observed between several of them.

Distortions caused by autistic spectrum can be observed in kindergarten, more obvious at the time of school entry, when opportunities to socialize with other children increases.

• Difficulty in speaking or lack of speech
• Difficulty to look people in the eye.
• Dietary constancy (eg. He always wants to drink milk from the same cup or he accepts to eat potatoes if they are crushed).
• Disgust to a certain type of clothing.
• Hypersensitivity to any sounds or, on the contrary, the child does not seem troubled by any noise.
• Resisting the particular type of physical contact (eg. kisses, caresses).
• Interest in repeated games (eg. Play more consistently with car, certain toys).
• Tendency to accept unusual movements (eg. body shaking, clapping their hands, turning the fingers).
• Sleep disorders.

Other signs may also indicate the presence of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

• The child does not respond when you call him by name.
• He experiences many moments of frustrations in everyday life and the reason for his anger is difficult to be determined.
• Less communications with others.
• He poorly tolerates going out, developments and noise.

When to consult?

If you are afraid that your child has Autism Spectrum Disorder, consult your family doctor. Then it is important to tell him all the signs that may indicate the existence of this disease. To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will refer you to a child psychiatrist or your regional center for evaluation.

The reasons for Autistic Spectrum Disorders

The exact causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder are not known. However, it is known that the majority of cases are hereditary. Some researchers believe that environmental factors are also included. However, there is no link between the vaccine MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) with Autistic Spectrum Disorders. Moreover, behavior and skills of parents do not cause Autism Spectrum Disorder.