What is Autism
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them.
Autism includes a spectrum of conditions, which means that while all people share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways. Some people with autism are able to live relatively independent lives but others may have accompanying learning disabilities and need a lifetime of specialist support. People with autism may also experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours.
Asperger syndrome is part of the autism spectrum. People with Asperger syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence. They have fewer problems with speech, but may still have difficulties with understanding and processing language. They may also have difficulties understanding some of the rules governing social interaction.
Autism is often defined by its difficulties, but many report it can also bring benefits. The cognitive strengths of some individuals may mean that they can focus on tasks without breaks in concentration, and individuals on the autism spectrum report the enjoyment they get from their unique way of thinking and perspective of the world.
Is There Any Cure For Autism?
What are the causes of Autism
The causes of Autism is still investigated but Research suggests that autism has largely genetic causes, but environmental factors, such as parental age, may also play a role. We still don’t know what the genetics are underpinning most cases of autism but for those cases we have more confidence about the genes seem to affect how neurons in the brain link together and communicate. There is no clinical genetic test for autism but research is being conducted which in the future may be able to explain at the point of diagnosis why certain groups of people have autism.
What we do know is that if you have one child already with an autism diagnosis, you are at an increased risk of having a second child who will go on to have a diagnosis. Autistica plans to develop guidance to inform parents when they have a family history of autism but for now it is best to discuss this with your Doctor.
Environmental (non-genetic) factors that may cause autism have been even more difficult to identify. So far there is little evidence that would suggest that any environmental factor significantly increases risk. Higher parental age does seem to increase risk for developing autism but it is associated with an increased risk for other conditions too. There is no reliable evidence to suggest that early years vaccinations cause autism.
Ultimately it is likely that a combination of different genetic and environmental factors result in a person having autism and affecting the type of autism they have. These factors will impact on very early brain development, which in turn influence the myriad of behaviours that are seen in a person who has an autism diagnosis.
There is no known 'cure' for autism. This does not mean, however, that nothing can be done for a person with autism. This has been written primarily for parents of newly diagnosed children, but will be of interest to anyone who wants to know about autism and possible 'cures'. Parents of newly-diagnosed children, however, will often ask, 'Is there a cure?'. There is currently no known 'cure' for autism. This does not mean that nothing can be done to help a person with autism.
Our understanding of autism has grown tremendously since it was first identified in the 1940s, and as we learn more about the condition, more interventions will undoubtedly become available.
Because autism is a 'spectrum' disorder it affects different people in different ways. It is therefore very difficult to generalise about how a person with autism will develop over time. It is particularly important to realise that an intervention which works well with one individual may not be appropriate or effective with another.
The symptoms and characteristics of autism can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations. Both children and adults can exhibit any combination of autistic behaviours in varying degrees of severity . This means that two children, both with the same diagnosis, can act very differently from one another and have varying skills
The main features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are problems with social communication and interaction.
See your Doctor if you notice any of the following signs of ASD in your child or if you’re concerned about your child’s development.
Signs of ASD in children
Spoken language
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delayed speech development (for example, speaking less than 50 different words by the age of two), or not speaking at all
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frequent repetition of set words and phrases
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speech that sounds very monotonous or flat
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preferring to communicate using single words, despite being able to speak in sentences
Responding to others
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not responding to their name being called, despite having normal hearing
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rejecting cuddles initiated by a parent or carer (although they may initiate cuddles themselves)
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reacting unusually negatively when asked to do something by someone else
Interacting with others
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not being aware of other people’s personal space, or being unusually intolerant of people entering their own personal space
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little interest in interacting with other people, including children of a similar age
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not enjoying situations that most children of their age like, such as birthday parties
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preferring to play alone, rather than asking others to play with them
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rarely using gestures or facial expressions when communicating
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avoiding eye contact
Behaviour
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having repetitive movements, such as flapping their hands, rocking back and forth, or flicking their fingers
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playing with toys in a repetitive and unimaginative way, such as lining blocks up in order of size or colour, rather than using them to build something
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preferring to have a familiar routine and getting very upset if there are changes to this routine
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having a strong like or dislike of certain foods based on the texture or colour of the food as much as the taste
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unusual sensory interests – for example, children with ASD may sniff toys, objects or people inappropriately
Symptoms of Autism in a Child
A diagnosis is the formal identification of autism, usually by a health professional such as a paediatrician or a psychiatrist. Having a diagnosis is helpful for two reasons:
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it means that people with autism (and their families) understand why they may experience certain difficulties and what they can do about them.
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it allows people to access services and support.
Parents often have concerns about their child’s development but it can take a long time until they receive a formal diagnosis for their child. For adults it can be even more challenging.
Diagnosis
Treatment for Autism
Whilst autism cannot be cured, there are effective ways to help manage symptoms
Cognitive behavioural therapy is one of the most successful treatment options.
CBT teaches social and emotional awareness and enables the individual to develop a ‘toolbox’ of successful coping mechanisms to help deal with difficult, anxiety inducing situations.
CBT works well because the individual is encouraged to adapt the skills taught in their own way, making them a better ‘fit’ and therefore more likely to be used effectively.
CBT can be very successful in helping the individual overcome some of the negative thought patterns they may adopt and as a result can improve feelings of anxiety,depression and low self worth.
Relationship counselling
We know that being in a relationship with someone who receives a diagnosis of autism can be difficult. The relationship can be put under a lot of strain and it can be hard to discuss feelings, leading to resentment and even relationship break downs.
Relationship counselling, with a therapist with experience of working with autism, can really improve things. The counselling provides a safe space for both parties to discuss their emotions and develop healthier ways of relating, whilst the counsellor can help the couple find workable solutions to some of the difficulties commonly experienced in these situations.
Family therapy
Family therapy can help partners, children, parents and grandparents work through any difficulties that might arise when someone in the family has autism. Common problems include sibling rivalry, a lack of understanding as to what autism means, conflict around parenting styles and frustrations with challenging behaviour.
The therapist will work with you to determine successful coping strategies and mechanisms to achieve a fulfilling and happy family life. By airing frustrations in a safe, non-judgemental environment the atmosphere at home can often improve drastically as family members gain an understanding of each other’s points of view and common goals can be worked towards
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