Autism, also known as autism, is a pervasive developmental disorder. It is not caused by simple psychological factors or poor education, but is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder. People with autism often show obvious symptoms in early childhood and these symptoms may remain with them throughout their lives.
Causes:
1. Genetic factors
Autism has a high degree of heritability, and genetic factors play a central role in its occurrence. Studies have found that if there is one person with autism in a family, the risk of their siblings developing the disease increases significantly.
2: Neurobiological factors
There are significant differences in brain structure and function in people with autism. Studies have found that during development, patients' brains may have too many local neuronal connections and insufficient long-distance connections. This imbalance in neural connections may lead to poor information transmission, thus affecting cognitive function and social behavior.
3: Environmental factors
Environmental factors also play an important role in the development of autism. Infections during pregnancy (such as rubella and cytomegalovirus infection) may increase the risk of autism in the fetus because these infections trigger the mother's immune response, which in turn affects the development of the fetal brain. In addition, poor nutrition during pregnancy (such as lack of folic acid, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids) and the use of certain medications during pregnancy (such as anti-epileptic drugs) may also increase the risk of autism.
4: Other factors
Other factors that may be associated with the onset of autism include premature birth, low birth weight, and immune system abnormalities.
Symptoms of autism
The core symptoms of autism are mainly manifested in three aspects: social disorders, language communication disorders, and repetitive stereotyped behaviors.
1: Social disorders
People with autism often show obvious difficulties in social interactions. They may have difficulty understanding the emotions and intentions of others, lack eye contact, be slow to respond to the emotions of others, and even lack emotional attachment to their parents. For example, normal children will respond naturally when they see others smile, while children with autism may completely ignore this social signal.
2: Language communication disorder
The developmental delay or abnormality of language ability is one of the typical manifestations of autism. Some patients may not speak at all, or their language ability development is significantly behind their peers. Even patients who can speak may show parrot-like repetitive language and have difficulty communicating effectively.
3: Repetitive stereotyped behaviors
People with autism often show repetitive stereotyped behavior patterns, such as repeated clapping, circling, and over-reliance on certain items. They are very sensitive to changes in the environment, and any slight change may cause anxiety or emotional out-of-control.
4: Other manifestations
In addition to the core symptoms above, people with autism may also show abnormal reactions to sensory stimuli (such as oversensitivity to sound or touch), compulsive behaviors, and problems with concentration. The severity of these symptoms varies from person to person, with some patients having mild symptoms while others may require long-term intervention and support.
Free assessment for autism
(Source: https://help4psychology.co.uk/free-screening-child/)
As part of our comprehensive autism assessment service, we offer a free, no-obligation online screening service to help determine if your child has signs of autism. This screening is developed based on decades of combined experience and assessments of thousands of people. Once you have completed the online screening, we will provide immediate feedback via email.
What happens after completing the free screening?
(Source: https://help4psychology.co.uk/free-screening-child/)
After you have completed the screening on behalf of your child and filled in the details, we will send you a report with the results of the screening. Based on the results, we will make recommendations on the next steps, which may be an initial parent consultation or a comprehensive assessment if there are clear signs of autism. If we detect few or no signs of autism, we will also let you know.
Treatment of autism and family support
There is currently no specific drug to cure autism, but the quality of life of patients can be significantly improved through a variety of intervention methods and family support.
▸Professional treatment methods
▸Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): ABA is the most scientifically based behavioral therapy currently available. Through positive reinforcement and step-by-step teaching, it helps patients gradually establish target behaviors and reduce bad behaviors.
▸Sensory integration training: Through training equipment such as skateboards and balance beams, help patients improve their response to sensory stimulation and enhance their self-confidence and self-control.
▸ Music therapy and art therapy: These approaches help patients improve their emotional regulation and social interaction skills through artistic activities.
▸ Drug treatment: Although drugs cannot cure autism, they can be used to relieve patients' accompanying symptoms such as anxiety and depression.
▸Family support and care
Families play a key role in the recovery process of people with autism. Parents can provide support by:
▸ Establish a stable daily routine: Establish a regular schedule for patients to reduce anxiety caused by changes in the environment.
▸ Positive feedback reinforcement: When patients show positive behavior, timely verbal or material rewards are given to enhance their motivation for behavior.
▸ Create a safe and caring environment: Ensure the home environment is safe while creating a warm and harmonious family atmosphere.
▸ Participate in rehabilitation training: Parents should actively participate in the patient's rehabilitation training, learn professional intervention methods, and continue training in daily life.
▸Psychological support: Pay attention to the mental health of patients and family members, and seek professional psychological counseling when necessary.
Social support and resource utilization
Families should make full use of social resources, such as participating in parent training courses, joining autism family mutual support groups, and understanding relevant policies and assistance provided by the government and social organizations. Through these supports, families can better cope with the challenges presented by autism and provide more comprehensive care and support to those affected.
