Autism is a medical condition that begins in childhood. Once developed, it remains for life. Today, it affects as many as 1 in 70 Australians. It may display different symptoms in different people. And, in this sense, there is not one type of autism but many. This is the spectrum of autistic conditions, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). An emergency id bracelet can greatly help with quality of life.

What causes autism?

ASD is caused by disruptions in the way the brain functions. These changes are not well understood by medical science. Genetic differences play a part in this, as well as environmental factors. However, the condition is complex, and as you might expect, its causes are also complex.

Those affected by ASD will show three general groups of symptoms:

  • Difficulties with speech and nonverbal communication
  • Poor social skills
  • Repetitive behaviours

These difficulties can impact a child’s schooling and how they make friends. Each child with autism has their own unique strengths and difficulties. The way they learn, think and behave will vary from case to case. Some may be highly skilled in one area, and challenged in others. Early diagnosis allows for early intervention and support. This can greatly improve their quality of life. Such support is important both for those with ASD and their families.

This early support will also impact the quality of their adult life. Some may need a high level of support throughout their life. Others can live independently without any support. The autism spectrum is very broad indeed.

what causes autism

The scale of the autism spectrum

A number of disorders used to be referred to as different types of autism. However, Autism Spectrum Disorder is now the preferred collective term, and includes:

  •   Asperger’s syndrome (mild)
  •       ‘Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified’ (PDD-NOS)
  •       Autistic disorder
  •       Childhood disintegrative disorder (severe)

These terms all related to ‘autism spectrum disorders’ (ADS). Asperger’s is on the mild end of the spectrum. Someone with this mild form of ASD may be highly intelligent in many ways, but have problems socially. The other terms differ only in the increasing severity of the symptoms. As you progress along the spectrum, the difficulties become worse. At the severe end of ASD, the child may not have the ability to communicate at all. In this case an emergency Id bracelet would really help. They may also develop seizures, gut problems, and severe mental disorders.

Another disorder, known as Rett’s Syndrome, was thought to be related to autism. Children with Rett’s will display similar behaviours to those with ASD. However, research has shown that Rett’s is caused by a genetic mutation. Given this, it is no longer grouped with the autism spectrum disorders.

Symptoms of autism

Many factors are at play in the development of ASD. Symptoms will often appear by age 2 or 3. Sometimes ASD is evident in infants of just 18 months. While otherwise healthy, those with ASD will interact with others differently. These differences will be evident in how they learn, think and problem solve. Some indicators of an ASD condition include;

  • No response to their own name
  • Not pointing at things of interest
  • Avoiding eye contact
  • Delayed speech
  • Repetitive speech
  • Repetitive behaviour such as rocking
  • Preference to play alone
  • Avoiding physical contact
  • No sense of personal space
  • No sense of social boundaries
  • Misunderstands others feelings
  • A need for routine and panic at minor changes

These are only a few of the possible symptoms of ASD. Just as the spectrum is wide so also the range of symptoms. Many people without autism may also display some of these behaviours. And this is important to remember. But for those with ASD, these symptoms will have an impact on their development.

Other potential behavioural problems might also arise. These can have a big impact on the ability to learn and make friends at school. Such problems include:

  • Attention deficits
  • Hyperactivity
  • Tantrums
  • Aggression
  • Self harm

Apart from these speech and behavioural difficulties, ASD can also involve:

  • Gastrointestinal disorders
  • Seizures
  • Sleep disorders
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

What symptoms arise, and how severe, will depend on where the child is on the spectrum. Whatever the case, autism can make life challenging indeed! Don't forget to purchase a medical id bracelet for your child. Mediband carries kids medical id bracelets, silicone bracelets, custom medical id bracelets and other emergency id products.

Autism treatments

There are many treatments for ASD. This reflects how complex the spectrum is. And many of the more alternative treatments are controversial. Recognised treatments for ASD are targeted at development, behaviour and speech. While medications play a part, there is no cure for ASD! This point is important to remember. Some of the more common treatments involve:

  • Behaviour modification
  • Developmental intervention
  • Therapy based intervention
  • Medication
  • Alternative therapies

These treatments may be used in combination. They may also involve family members. The goal of treatment is to help those with ASD to deal with the symptoms in a positive way. Treatment may also be a lifelong activity. Mediband also carries several kids medical id bracelets which can help in an emergency.

Behaviour Modification

Behaviour-based treatments for autism are used to teach new behaviours. Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is the most common. Medical professionals, schools and clinics use this treatment. ABA rewards positive behaviours while discouraging negative ones.

Other types of behaviour modification can include:

  • Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
  • Lovaas Program
  • Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
  • Princeton Child Development Institute Program

Developmental interventions

This form of treatment helps children develop their social relations, and focuses on social interaction skills. These include how to respond to everyday situations in groups. Reading and expressing emotions is an important skill here. Various techniques are used to help with this. For example, the use of emotion bands can give a visual cue that helps the child signal to others how they are feeling. Some examples are:

  • Developmental social-pragmatic (DSP) model
  • Relationship Development Intervention (RDI)
  • Responsive teaching

Speech Therapy

Therapy based treatments are used to focus on specific problems. For example, speech therapies help children develop their language skills and social communication. This can involve verbal as well as gestural skills.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy helps with everyday life skills, supporting independent living.

Sensory Integration Therapy

Sensory integration therapy can help those sensitive to sensory inputs. These can include sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touch.

Medications

While there is no cure, some ASD symptoms may be treated with medications prescribed by a competent doctor. Hyperactivity and attention deficits for example can respond to medication treatments. There is as yet no medication for ASD itself. This is no doubt due to how complex the disorder is. As always, consult your doctor regarding any possible treatments.

The Challenges of ASD

Parenting is challenging at the best of times. Helping your child deal with ASD makes the job even more tougher, although of course it is not without its rewards. Helping others understand these challenges can also be hard, especially when out in public spaces or on family holidays. Parents should know that feelings of guilt, anxiety, anger and depression are not uncommon for carers in general. And that counselling is available to help them deal with the stress so that they can better assist their child. At the end of the day, ASD doesn’t mean that your child can’t live a happy life. They might be different, but that difference also makes them unique!

Lastly, don't forget to grab a medical id bracelet for kids. It will make your life alot easier and you can relax knowing if something goes wrong they will not be misdiagnosed and will receive the correct treatment when necessary.