Autism Spectrum Disorders are a group of intricate neurodevelopmental disorders in children, which usually surface during the first three – four years of the child’s life. Children presenting autism symptoms may find difficulties in comprehending simple things or commands, or phrases which are used in everyday life. They often face trouble in perceiving beyond the literal meaning or things, emotions, and even instructions. This may lead them to appear as having difficulty in understanding, problem solving, speech, social interactions and behavior.
Let’s begin with the earliest signs of Autism, which could be presented by a lack of responsiveness, or a lack of eye contact. Children with Autism in the early stages may not show any response to name, or look directly at the person when spoken to.
In some cases of Autism, symptoms may present as a regression of social and cognitive milestones between the age of 2- 4 years, where the child’s development seems to be on track, however, he/she starts to slowly ‘lose’ the milestones.
Commonly, the following signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorders are observed
Lack of response to own name
Poor eye contact
Impaired communication skills; either verbal or non-verbal
Lack, regression, or delay of speech development
Occasional communication via gestures
Poor social interaction
Extreme restlessness with a poor attention span
Repetitive or stereotypical gestures or movements, such as hand flapping, running in circles, or rocking, which may seem obsessive
Excessive attachment with material objects and reduced human connections
Sudden expression of loud, meaningless sounds
Sensitivity to external loud noises which cause sensory discomfort
Self-infliction of pain
Aggressive behaviour towards others like biting, scratching, pulling others hair, throwing objects etc.
Pica - Appetite for inedible and non-nutritive items like chalk, paper, sand, paint and dirt.
The cause of autism has always been debatable and cannot be attributed to a single known cause. There are some excerpts brought forward by doctors, researchers and scientists which attribute the causes to a structural or a functional damage to the brain. A change in the structure of a gene, often called a mutation can be responsible for abnormal brain development leading to autistic features. Alternatively, non-genetic factors like certain perinatal complications such as maternal bleeding in between three months into the pregnancy, the presence of meconium in the amniotic fluid, insufficient nutrient intake during pregnancy etc.
Environmental factors (mercury poisoning, maternal stress and exposure to strong medications, toxins, infections or radiations) may also be responsible for autism.
It is essential to realize that no particular individual or event can be held responsible for the child’s diagnosis. Investing in the child’s care and treatment can go milestones in helping a child with autism.
The risk factors for causes of Autism, therefore, are:
Genetic factors like Fragile X Syndrome
A family history of Autism
Higher parental age at the time of conception
Metabolic imbalance
Heavy metals & toxins exposure
Low birth weight of the child
Recurrent infections at infancy or during gestation
Intrauterine exposure to medications such as anti epileptics, etc.
