Autism spectrum disorder

 

What is Autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological and developmental disability that appears within early developmental stages of life. Child with autism has difficulties with social interaction, social communication and also has repetitive routines and behaviors. Autism is a wide spectrum disorder because of wide range and severity of symptoms. That means that two people with autism will not have exactly the same symptoms.

The prevalence of autism has increased over the few decades. Currently the figures are 1 in 44 children in USA and 1 in 100 in India. Males tend to have a higher prevalence than females.

 

How to diagnose Autism?

Diagnosing Autism can be little difficult as there are no specific blood tests or other lab tests which can diagnose autism like other diseases. It is diagnosed based on skilled clinical observations about child's different signs and symptoms related to his behavior. Diagnostic criteria proposed by DSM- V have been followed to diagnose autism worldwide. In order for an individual’s to be diagnosed with ASD, he/she must meet all the criteria for the impairment of social interaction, communication and at least two signs of repetitive behavior.

At lakshya, with help of preschool teachers and special educators, we make early screening of kids at risk of developing delays in motor- sensory, cognition or speech domains. With collaborating with clinical psychologist and developmental pediatrician, we make diagnosis of Autism.

Feel free to contact Lakshya Neuro Rehab for screening or diagnosing your child having any red flags of development or any developmental issues.

 

Possible signs & symptoms of ASD

          Problem with social interaction

·         Lacks eye contact

·         Child Doesn't respond to his name when called.

·         Child may not show interest in surrounding people and environment, he/she seems to be in his/her own world.

·         Doesn't understand emotions, own or others

·         Not interested playing, sharing, talking with others kids or family members.

·         they does not understand how to pretend play or toys.

·         Shows little interaction with peers.

·         Does not initiate conversation with other.

·         Not showing enjoyment, excitement, with others. Has difficulty in expressing their need and emotions.

 

·         Has trouble understanding other people feeling or talking about own feelings. (Not showing facial expression happy, sad, angry)

·         Child may be interested in friendship but does not understand how to do conversations

·         While talking to other people he/she avoid looking into person’s eye.

·         They may not use and understand body posture or gesture( pointing, waving)

·         Does not notice when others are hurt or sad.

·         Does not point or look at what you want.

·         Not play with his/her age level.

·         When you smiles at them he/she doesn’t t smile at you.

Problem with social relation relationship

·         Does not notice another person’s interest in an activity

·         Inappropriate expressions of emotion (laughing or smiling out of context)

·         Does not imaginative play with peers.

·         Does not have proffered friends

·         They likes aloof, in own world.

Problem with communication

·         While talking to other people they avoid looking into person’s eye.

·         They does not use and understand body posture or gesture( pointing, waving)

·         They cannot understand nonverbal communication through hand gestures, eye contact, as well as facial expression.

·         They may not understand body language or different tone in language.

·         Limited communications of own affect.

·         Inability to recognize or interpret others nonverbal expressions.

·         Lack of coordinated nonverbal communication.

·         Difficulty in conveying their needs appropriately.

Repetitive /stereotype behavior

·         Plays with toys in atypical pattern all time.

·         Repeats words or phrases over and over

·         Gets upset by minor changes.

·         Must   follow certain routines. Has fixed routine and may react inappropriately when routine is changed.

·         Flaps hands, rock body, or spins self in circles.

·         Lack of fear or more fear than expected

·         Unusual mood or emotional reactions.

·         Repetitively opens and closes doors, turns lights on and off

·         Lines up toys or object

·         Repetitive questioning about a particular topic

·         Focused on the same few objects, topics or activities

·         Being overly perfections tic

·         Having to carry around or hold specific or unusual objects (blankets, stuffed animals)

·         Looks at objects, people out of corner of eye

 

Other Characteristics

Most children with ASD have other characteristics. These might include:

• Delayed in language skills
• Delayed in movement developments and skills
• Delayed or less cognitive or learning abilities.
• Hyperactive and /or inattentive, impulsive behavior
• seizure or epilepsy
• Unusual eating and sleeping habits
• Gastrointestinal issues (e.g., constipation)
• Unusual mood or emotional reactions
• Anxiety, stress, or excessive worry
• Lack of fear or more fear than expected

 

It is important to note that children with ASD may not have all or any of the behaviors listed as examples here.

Assessment of Autism:

At Lakshya, we make detailed assessment of child's developmental skills which includes basic pre learning skills, attention skills, cognition, speech and communication skills, behavior, Sensory integration assessment, motor skills, oromotor development, ADL skills, school performance etc.

We make individual treatment plan based on detailed assessment of child with autism which includes but not limited to Occupational therapy, Sensory integration therapy, speech and language therapy, ABA, TEACCH, physiotherapy, ADL training etc.

Get in touch with Lakshya Neuro rehab for assessment of your child having autism or any other developmental issues like hyperactivity, Inattention, impulsivity, Down Syndrome, developmental delay, cerebral palsy etc.

Treatment Intervention for Autism

At Lakshya, Aim of the treatment of child with autism is to reduce his social and speech related challenges that interfere with daily routine.

At Lakshya , We use different approaches to help child and family with autism.

1. Behavioral Approach- Applied behavior Analysis (ABA) - DTT - Discrete Trial Training

2. Occupational Therapy:  Sensory integration treatment, ADL training, Fine-motor training

3. Speech and language therapy

4. Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication-Handicapped Children (TEACCH)

5. Physical Therapy

Feel free to contact Lakshya Neuro Rehab for any assistance you require for screening, diagnosing, assessing or treating your child having issues related to autism or any other developmental issue.

We are always happy to spread smiles on children and families' faces by providing them with best solution of their problem.