Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder. Affecting people's communication skill, can have sensory issues and behaviour symptoms as well. Symptoms generally appear in the first 2 years of life. Autism is known as a “spectrum” disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a guide created by the American Psychiatric Association that health care providers use to diagnose mental disorders.
People with ASD often have :
- Difficulty with communication and interaction with other people
- Restricted interests and repetitive behaviours
- Symptoms that affect their ability to function in school, work and other areas of life.
Signs and symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Little or no eye contact
- Delay speech
- Repetitive behaviour
- Repetitive words or sentences
- No response or late response to name calling
- Sensory issues
- Play alone
- Laughs randomly
- Flapping of hands
- Infrequently sharing interest, emotion, or enjoyment of objects or activities
- Having an unusual tone of voice that may sound sing-song or flat and robot-like
- Displaying facial expressions, movements, and gestures that do not match what is being said
- Becoming upset by slight changes in a routine and having difficulty with transitions
- Being more sensitive or less sensitive than other people to sensory input, such as light, sound, clothing, or temperature
- Being able to learn things in detail and remember information for long periods of time
- Being strong visual and auditory learners.
Causes of ASD
Researchers don’t know the primary causes of ASD. But there are other reasons like :
- Having a sibling with ASD
- Having older parents
- Having certain genetic conditions (such as Down syndrome or Fragile X syndrome)
- Having a very low birth weight
- Early exposure to screen
Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Diagnosis can be done on the basis of signs and symptoms which can appear at an early age before 2 years. Other assessment can be :
- Family history
- Past medical History
- General development screening
- Genetic testing
- Neurological investigation
- Blood test
- Sensory test
Treatment and medication of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
A health care provider may prescribe medication to treat specific symptoms. With medication, a person with ASD may have fewer problems with Irritability, Aggression, Repetitive behaviour, Hyperactivity, Attention problems, Anxiety and depression.
For behavior and development physiotherapy, occupational and speech therapy is required. Additional behavioral therapy and a special educator is also part of the team.
Physiotherapy/Occupational Therapy role in ASD
To build muscle and teach new milestones. Also helps with sensory processing issues. Help them to learn social, communication, and language skills,
Reduce behaviors that interfere with daily functioning, Increase or build upon strengths and Learn life skills for living independently
CURA Advanced Physiotherapy will help you deal with all the above concerns with certified and experienced therapists. Help you achieve the goal and try to make your child independent.
