Boys are four times as likely than girls to have autism. People of any race, nationality, or social background may experience it. Autism risk in children is unaffected by factors like family income, way of life, or educational attainment. However, there are some danger signs:
– Because autism runs in families, specific gene combinations may raise a child’s risk.
– An older parent increases the likelihood of autism in their child.
– Children who are exposed to certain medicines or chemicals during pregnancy, such as alcohol or anti-seizure medications, have a higher risk of developing autism. Maternal metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity are also risk factors. Additionally, untreated phenylketonuria (also known as PKU, a metabolic condition brought on by the lack of an enzyme) and rubella have been connected to autism in studies (German measles).
What Are the Signs of Autism?
Common symptoms of autism include:
– Not making eye contact.
– A limited range of interests or a strong passion for select subjects.
– Performing an action repeatedly, such as saying the same words or phrases, rocking back and forth, or pulling a lever.
– High sensitivity to sensations that other people might find normal, such as sounds, touching, scents, or sights.
– Avoiding looking at objects while someone else points at them.
– Reluctance to be hugged or held.
– Issues with verbal comprehension or employing gestures, facial expressions, or voice tone.
– Using a monotone, flat, or robotic voice when speaking.
– Difficulty adjusting to routine adjustments.
– Seizures can occur in some autistic kids. Possibly not until adolescence will these begin.
Autism spectrum disorder has no known treatment, however it is treatable and can assist persons with the illness change their behavior patterns.
How does my doctor diagnose autism spectrum disorder?
After considering your symptoms, medical background, and lifestyle choices, Dr. Aman determines if your child has autism spectrum disorder. In addition to ordering blood tests and reviewing the results of your most recent physical examination by your primary care physician, he completes a mental health assessment. He queries you regarding your thoughts, patterns of conduct, mood, and feelings during the psychiatric evaluation. To assess social interaction, he might perform additional tests.
How is autism spectrum disorder treated?
The most common treatment for autism spectrum disorder include:
Lifestyle changes
Sleep enough each night, exercise frequently, eat healthy foods, have a solid social support system, and manage your stress levels.
Therapy
The social, behavioral, and communication abilities of autistic children and adults can be improved with the help of our therapists’ extremely successful therapy. Family counseling is another benefit.
Medication management
To improve the quality of life for those with autism, several symptoms of autism spectrum condition, such as irritability, can be treated with medication.
Coping strategies for people with autism spectrum disorder
There are numerous resources with examples of soothing techniques and self-management abilities. The unique social and emotional support the person may have, as well as their skill and knowledge level, should be considered when determining which coping mechanisms will work best for the individual.
Having said that, there are a variety of coping mechanisms to research and test. A few of them are:
– Music
– Taking a walk
– Exercise
– Deep breathing
– Take part in a fun and soothing activity
– Fidget and sensory toys
– Prayer/meditation
– Engage in mindfulness
Simple suggestions like these should be tried out and discussed with family members, instructors, and anybody else who might be providing the autistic person with ideas. Finding out which approaches will be useful and most advantageous for the person on the spectrum requires effective communication.
To learn more about autism spectrum disorder and its treatments, call the Brightstar Psychiatry office.
