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Autism Spectrum Disorder

Writer's picture: Dr. Sanika PawarDr. Sanika Pawar

Updated: Mar 15, 2022


Autism, often known as an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complex illness characterized by communication and behavioral issues. It might include a wide variety of symptoms and abilities. ASD might be a small issue or a handicap requiring full-time care in a specialized institution.

Autism symptoms typically show around the age of two or three. Some developmental delays might emerge much sooner, and it is frequently known as early as 18 months. Early intervention, according to research, leads to better results for persons with autism later in life.


Causes


  • Having an autistic direct family member specific genetic variant

  • Fragile X syndrome and associated genetic conditions

  • Being the child of elderly parents

  • Metabolic abnormalities caused by low birth weight

  • Heavy metal and environmental contaminant exposure

  • A history of viral infections in the mother

  • Exposure of the fetus to the drugs valproate or thalidomide


Signs and Symptoms


Social communication and social interaction

Avoids or does not look people in the eye by 9 months of age

  • Does not respond to name by 9 months of age

  • Does not show facial gestures like happy, sad, angry, and surprised by 9 months of age

  • Does not play simple interactive games such as pat-a-cake by 12 months of age

  • Uses little or no gestures by 12 months of age (e.g., does not wave goodbye)

  • Does not consider sharing interests with others (e.g., shows you an object that he or she like


Restrictive or repetitive behavior

  • Lines up toys or other things and becomes angry when the order is altered

  • Repeats words or phrases over and again (i.e., echolalia)

  • Play with a toy, in the same manner,r every time

  • Lines up toys or other things and becomes angry when the order is altered

  • Repeats words or phrases over and again (i.e., echolalia)

  • Repeats words or phrases over and over (i.e., echolalia)

  • Plays with toys the same way every time

  • Is concentrated on portions of items (e.g., wheels)

  • Gets upset by little changes

  • Has obsessive hobbies

  • Has odd reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, loo, or feel

  • Claps handshakes body or spins in circles

  • Has odd reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look


Treatment


Therapy for behavioral management

Physiotherapy

School-based and educational treatments

Medications

Nutritional supplementation

Occupational therapy (OT)

Electro-modalities

Play therapy




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