Treatment for Autism in Ahmedadbad
1. What Is Autism or AutismSpectrum Disorder?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)is a complex developmental condition that involves persistent challenges in socialinteraction, speech and nonverbal communication, and restricted/repetitivebehaviors. The effects of ASD and the severity of symptoms are different ineach person.
ASD is usually first diagnosedin childhood with many of the most-obvious signs presenting around 2-3 yearsold, but some children with autism develop normally until toddlerhood when theystop acquiring or lose previously gained skills. Approximately one in 59 children is estimatedto have autism. Autism spectrum disorderis also three to four times more common in boys than in girls, and many girlswith ASD exhibit less obvious signs compared to boys. Autism is a lifelongcondition. However, many children diagnosed with ASD go on to live independent,productive, and fulfilling lives.
2. What are thecharacteristics of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders?
Autism differs from person toperson in severity and combinations of symptoms. There is a great range ofabilities and characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorder — notwo children appear or behave the same way. Symptoms can range from mild tosevere and often change over time.
Characteristics of autismspectrum disorder fall into two categories.
Social interaction andcommunication problems: including difficulties in normal back-and-forthconversation, reduced sharing of interests or emotions, challenges inunderstanding or responding to social cues such as eye contact and facialexpressions, deficits in developing/maintaining/understanding relationships,and others.
Difficulty relating to people,things and events: including trouble making friends and interacting withpeople, difficulty reading facial expressions and not making eye contact.
Restricted and repetitivepatterns of behaviors, interests or activities:
hand-flapping and toe-walking,playing with toys in an uncommon way (such as lining up cars or flippingobjects), speaking in a unique way (such as using odd patterns or pitches inspeaking or “scripting” from favorite shows), having significant need for apredictable routine or structure, exhibiting intense interests in activitiesthat are uncommon for a similarly aged child, experiencing the sensory aspectsof the world in an unusual or extreme way (such as indifference topain/temperature, excessive smelling/touching of objects, fascination withlights and movement, being overwhelmed with loud noises, etc), and others.
Also, while many people withautism have normal intelligence, many others have mild or significantintellectual delays. Also, those with ASD are at greater risk for some medicalconditions such as sleep problems, seizures and mental illnesses.
3. Diagnosis and Risk Factors
Early diagnosis and treatmentare important to reducing the symptoms of autism and improving the quality oflife for people with autism and their families. There is no medical test forautism. It is diagnosed based on observing how the child talks and acts incomparison to other children of the same age. Trained professionals typicallydiagnose autism by talking with the child and asking questions of parents andother caregivers.
If you have concerns that yourinfant or toddler is not developing normally, it is important to bring thatconcern to your pediatrician, who may then refer to a pediatric neurologist ora Neurodevelopmental pediatrician for further evaluation.
4. Are there any red-flags forparents to watch out for early?
Not responding to his/her nameby 12 months of age
Not pointing at objects toshow interest by 14 months
Not playing"pretend" games by 18 months
Avoiding eye contact orpreferring to be alone
Getting upset by minor changes
Flapping their hands, rockingtheir body or spinning in circles
Having unusual and sometimesintense reactions to the way things smell, taste, feel
and/or look
If there is a strong concernthat your child is showing possible signs of autism, then a diagnosticevaluation should be performed. This typically involves an interview andplay-based testing with your child done by a psychologist, developmental-behavioralpediatrician, child psychiatrist or other providers.
5. What causes autism?
Scientists do not clearlyunderstand what causes autism spectrum disorder. Several factors probablycontribute to autism, including genes a child is born with or environmentalfactors. A child is at greater risk of autism if there is a family member withautism. Research has shown that it is not caused by bad parenting, and it isnot caused by vaccines.
6. What can I do once my childhas been diagnosed with autism?
Learn as much as possibleabout autism spectrum disorder
Provide consistent structureand routine
Connect with other parents ofchildren with autism
Seek professional help forspecific concerns
Take time for yourself andother family members
Having a child with autismaffects the whole family. It can be stressful, time-consuming and expensive.Paying attention to the physical and emotional health of the whole family isimportant.
7. How is autism treated?
The mainstay of treatment istherapy by a team of professionals like Neurodevelopmental pediatrician,occupational therapists, psychologists and speech and language therapists. Someterminologies in treatment used are sensory integration therapy, oromotortherapy and applied behavioural analysis; these will be individually customizedto suit your child’s needs. There is no single medication to treat thiscondition, and regular therapy is essential to see for improvement. Also, theaim of therapy is to make children settle in to a routine in life, for them tobe able to make educational progress and for them to be able to liveindependently. Most parents are disappointed that their child is not like otherchildren despite therapy, hence realistic goals and expectations andappropriate counseling right at the outset is important.
8. Are there any medicines forautism?
In some cases, if significantperceived hyperactivity or undue aggression prevents the child from accessingthe therapy, then the pediatric neurologist will prescribe medications to help thebehaviour to ensure on-going therapy. Despite the medications, the child mayhave some subtle behaviour problems related to specific situations – alsocalled ‘melt-downs’, this needs to be managed by behaviour counseling. Goodquality sleep is also important for learning and behaviour, and ensuring goodsleep hygiene and in some cases a short course of medicines for sleep may alsobe recommended.
CONTACTINFORMATION
405, Akshar Complex, Shivranjani Cross roads, Satellite,Ahmedabad,380015.
Phone : +91 93285 03112
Email : drasiyer@gmail.com
Website : www.neurokids.in
View Link : https://neurokids.in/treatment-for-autism-in-ahmedadbad/
