Autism spectrum disorder in children: causes, symptoms, treatment

Every parent in this world certainly wants their child to grow up healthy, physically, mentally, and from other aspects. However, not a few parents must be faced with the fact that their baby has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or commonly known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism spectrum disorder is a disorder that is quite common in children in various parts of the world. Come on, find out more about this disorder in the following review.

What is autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an umbrella term for various disorders related to children's brain and neurodevelopment.

Developmental disorders in the brain and nerves (neurological) can affect a child's ability to interact, collaborate, behave, and communicate verbally and nonverbally, as he grows older.

Conditions that fall into this spectrum include autism, Asperger's syndrome, Heller syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder (PPD-NOS). Referred to as " spectrum "Because this disorder has many variations in the type of disease, the manifestation of symptoms, and the severity of the condition is different for each person.

This means that one child who has one type of autism spectrum disorder may have different symptoms from other children; who may have the same disease or other disorder on the spectrum.

For example, there are some children who have low intelligence levels, making it difficult to learn and understand. On the other hand, some children with ASD may have extraordinary intelligence and are quick learners. However, they have difficulty communicating and applying their knowledge in everyday life, and find it difficult to adjust to their surroundings.

Signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Every child with autism spectrum disorder can show symptoms that vary with severity from mild to severe.

For clarity, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States (CDC) describes the signs and symptoms of ASF which include:

Impaired social skills

Impaired social skills are the most common symptom of all types of autism spectrum disorder. Examples of social problems commonly faced by children with ASD are:

• At the age of one year, the child seems unable to respond when interacting; for example, immediately turn your head when his name is called.
• Children often avoid eye contact with other people.
• Your little one prefers to play alone and doesn't want to share something with other people.
• Children may interact, but they are limited to certain things they want.
• Children have difficulty expressing emotions and understanding other people's feelings well.

Autism spectrum disorder also makes it difficult for babies to interact with other people, for example copying the words that other people say or following other people's movements, such as clapping and waving.

As they get older, they may not understand how to make friends because they tend not to want to have physical contact with other people, such as being hugged or hugging.

Impaired communication skills

Children with ASD are also more likely to have inhibited communication skills than other children their peers. One study even revealed that about 40% of children with this condition do not speak at all (but are not mute).

Communication problems often faced by children with ASD include:

• Frequently repeating words or phrases over and over when speaking (echolalia).
• Sometimes answering something that is not in accordance with the question being asked.
• When talking, gestures sometimes don't follow, for example saying goodbye without waving.
• The tone when speaking is flat or sounds like singing.
• Neither understand the jokes that other people are telling you, nor do they come up with their own.
• Instead of answering questions, children often repeat questions asked by others.
• Cannot understand movements, body language, and tone of voice.
• Tend to talk a lot about something they like, rather than offset conversations with other people.
• Often standing or facing too close to someone who is talking to him.

Unusual interests and behavior

Children affected by autism spectrum disorder sometimes show behaviors and interests that are usually not carried out by other children their age, such as:

• Likes a certain part of an object, such as the wheels on a toy car.
• Often sort things, very neat and organized
• Often perform repetitive movements that involve one or all parts of the body. For example, flapping your hands, running in circles, swinging your body to the right and left.
• Doing a repetitive activity, such as turning off and turning on the lights.
• Feeling that the activities carried out must run smoothly and routinely. If there are other activities that he doesn't normally do, he will get angry, annoyed, or cry.

Other symptoms that may occur

In addition to poor communication and social skills, children with autism spectrum disorder also show other symptoms, such as:

• Hyperactive (very active) and sometimes acting without thinking (impulsively)
• Irritable and sometimes do things that can hurt yourself
• Very sensitive to things, such as smells, sounds, or tastes that other people consider normal
• Sometimes they have unusual eating habits, namely eating walls, hair, or soil
• Not afraid of things that are harmful or very afraid of things that are not dangerous

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor immediately.

Causes of autism spectrum disorder in children

Scientists don't know the exact cause of autism spectrum disorder. However, they agree that the development of this disorder can be influenced by genetic and environmental factors since the womb.

A summary of several studies suggests that autism can be the result of impaired brain growth in early fetal development. This disorder can be the effect of mutations in genes that control brain development and regulate how brain cells relate to one another.

In imaging tests on people with autism, there were also differences in the development patterns of several brain areas when compared to other children who did not have the disorder.

Factors that increase the risk of ASD

Environmental factors are suspected of playing a role in gene function and development, but the exact nature of these external factors is not known for sure.

However, there are several things that can increase a child's risk factors for developing ASD, as reported on the Mayo Clinic page.

• Gender. Autism occurs 4 times more often in boys than girls.
• Family history. Families who have children with ASD have a high risk of giving birth to children with the same condition. In rare cases, this disorder is inherited from distant family members.
• Other diseases. ASD tends to occur more frequently in children with certain genetic or chromosomal conditions, such as fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, or Rett syndrome (slow growth of the head).
• Premature baby. Babies born before 26 weeks of gestation are at great risk for this disorder.
• Parent age. Researchers show that there is a relationship between the age of parents and children with autism. However, further research is needed to find out better results.

One thing that is certain and has been proven is, some studies show that vaccination will not increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder.

How to diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Common symptoms of ASD can start to appear as early as the first two years of a child's life. That's why this growth and development disorder can be diagnosed more quickly by doctors.

Although there is no specific test to diagnose ASD, a team of doctors and pediatricians will approach it in the following way:

• Observe children's habits and how they interact and communicate during treatment.
• Test the child's ability to listen, speak and listen.
• Perform imaging tests to find out any genetic disorders that are a risk factor for autism spectrum disorder.

Symptoms of ASD can indeed begin to appear first at a very young age. However, not everyone gets the right diagnosis. This is because ASD may initially represent signs of other developmental disorders.

Therapy and treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

One thing that every parent needs to understand is that autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong condition. Without proper treatment, the condition can progress to worsening and hinder the quality of life of the child until he grows up.

Therefore, you need the help of doctors, psychiatrists, and special pediatric neurologists to plan the right therapy. Types of therapy that doctors can recommend for children with ASD include:

1. Behavior and speech therapy

Children who have problems with these skills will be recommended to attend behavioral and communication therapy. In this therapy, your little one will be taught new skills through certain games.

From these games and activities, your little one will learn how to act in social situations and improve their ability to communicate with other people.

2. Educational therapy

Children who have difficulty receiving lessons at school, can follow this therapy. Trained teachers will provide a structured educational program, making it easier for children with autism spectrum disorder to accept them.

Unlike ordinary classes, your little one will be given a special teacher. That way, the teacher can pay full attention to the child. Likewise, the child can better focus on the teacher because there is less distraction from friends or other people.

3. Physical and sensory therapy

In some cases, children with ASD need physical therapy. Usually this is recommended for children who frequently make repetitive movements, which make it easy for them to fall.

In this therapy, the therapist will help improve your little one's balance and help reduce unnecessary repetitive movements. To hone the skills of children in sensory processing, children will be given toys that can stimulate the senses, such as squishies or trampolines.

Meanwhile, to reduce the child's sensitivity to sound, he will be taught to recognize various sounds and even play musical instruments.

4. Medicines

Apart from therapy, drug administration can also help control symptoms. This medicine is usually given to children who are very hyperactive and experience excessive anxiety. The doctor will prescribe antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs according to the child's needs.

The treatment that is undertaken can be single, or in combination, depending on the various symptoms experienced by the child. The treatment performed can change over time as the child's health improves. Always consult your little one's health before choosing treatment or during treatment.

Tips for caring for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Autism spectrum cannot be cured.

However, caring for and caring for children with autism spectrum disorder does need extra attention. They really need support from the people around them so they can live a normal life. Here are some tips you can apply in caring for children with ASD.

1. Find trusted doctors and health professionals

ASD affects children's lives in various ways, including social, educational, and personal life. Children with this condition need teachers, therapists, and doctors who are experts in dealing with children with autism.

Doctors and therapists can work together to control the symptoms of ASD that your child is experiencing so that he can interact and socialize better. Meanwhile, a trained teacher can help him follow the lessons well.

You can ask for recommendations from doctors or specialist therapists from doctors who previously treated the child's condition. Searching for additional information online can also help you find the doctor, therapist, or teacher you need.

2. Increase self-knowledge about autism

Parents are the closest and most trusted figures for children, especially if they have autism spectrum disorder. Your figure really helps the child with ASD to grow and develop properly.

In order for you to take care of him properly, you have to increase the knowledge about autism. Do not let you fall into the myths of autism circulating that can worsen the child's condition.

You can get information about this neurological disorder in doctors, books, or reading from trusted websites. You can also follow the community of parents and children with autism. Through this community, you can share experiences in caring for children with these conditions.

3. Make regular doctor visits

Children with autism spectrum disorder can get different treatments. This depends on the severity of the symptoms. If the treatment goes well and the child's condition gets better, certain treatments may be stopped, for example the use of drugs.

So, to know this, you need to take your little one to the doctor regularly. Always make notes every time you visit the doctor, and report how the child is progressing in undergoing treatment.

4. Need to make time for your child and yourself

Helping children reduce symptom severity is not the only task of teachers, doctors, or therapists. As the person closest to your child, you also need to spend more time with him. This is done so that you and your little one can get to know each other better.

However, don't forget that treating a child with autism spectrum disorder will definitely make you tired. Also take the time to release fatigue and stress, such as doing things you love. Talk about this with your partner, so you can take turns looking after your little one.

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