Autism – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Autism
By definition, autism is a pervasive developmental disorder that occurs in children of all ages. An autistic disorder severely restricts personality development.
What is autism?
There are different forms of autism, which differ in the course and severity of the symptoms.
Early childhood autism, known as Kanner syndrome , is one of the most well-known forms. If autism is spoken of in everyday life, this form of autism is usually meant.
In contrast, Asperger’s syndrome and atypical autism are milder autistic disorders. Rett syndrome is a pervasive developmental disorder with autistic traits. However, the spectrum of possible autism disorders is very broad.
However, all disorders have one thing in common, which is that certain personality traits, such as difficulty forming relationships with people, impaired language development and restricted activities and interests, and a repetitive and stereotyped pattern of behavior are common to people with autism.
causes
To date, the underlying causes of autism have not been clearly clarified. However, it is considered certain that corresponding biological or genetic factors play an important role. For example, close relatives of autistic people also often show autistic symptoms.
The so-called twin studies provide further evidence of a genetic cause. If a twin child shows autistic symptoms, the other twin child also develops autistic symptoms with above-average frequency. In addition, healthy siblings of autistic people often show autistic abnormalities. Compared to other children, mental and language development is usually restricted.
It is assumed that four to ten genetic factors are involved in the development of autism. This also explains the different forms of autism. For example, it was possible to find out the genetic cause of Rett syndrome, which only affects girls, because the gene MeCP2 on the X chromosome is altered in girls.
Symptoms, Ailments & Signs
The spectrum of autism is wide, not all those affected are completely trapped in their own world. While some autistic people simply shy away from contact and therefore have difficulties in dealing with their fellow human beings, others stand out due to their stereotypical behavior, do not speak and are dependent on support or even care throughout their lives.
An autistic disorder does not necessarily indicate a mental impairment . The bandwidth ranges from a high degree of mental weakness to an extremely pronounced partial performance, also known as island talent . The best known is the so-called photographic memory.
Nevertheless, many autistic people have obvious similarities. Due to their different sensory perception, they mostly experience their environment as unstructured chaos. Loud noises, bright lights or spontaneous hugs can trigger fear reactions and lead to an escape reflex. As a rule, autistic people limit themselves to a single area of interest, preferring uniform, repetitive processes.
This is also reflected in the language, which is mostly limited to the mechanical repetition of words and sentences. Because of their inability to understand other people’s facial expressions and body language, the feelings of even close family members remain hidden from an autistic person. It is therefore impossible for many of those affected to find their way around in a larger group and to react appropriately to their requirements.
Diagnosis & History
Making an autism diagnosis is not easy, because not every baby who is not interested in their environment is also autistic. Some children in kindergarten or at school also want to be on their own without having autism right away.
For example, anxiety disorders can also be the cause of such behavior. If there is suspicion, a child and adolescent psychiatrist will usually ask the parents about the typical behavior of the child. Furthermore, ready-made questionnaires exist for diagnosis. Careful observation of the child is also useful in making the diagnosis.
All of this together helps the doctor to get a very comprehensive picture. Other diseases, such as psychoses or intellectual disabilities should also be ruled out. Studies in the areas of perception, motor skills, social behavior, intelligence and language can provide more precise information about the weaknesses and strengths of the child.
Autism manifests itself through different stages, which, however, do not have to occur in the same way in all autistic people. For example, Kanner syndrome begins in infancy and Asberger syndrome symptoms only appear in kindergarten or elementary school. Rett syndrome begins between the ages of 6 months and 4 years, with symptoms of a severe developmental disorder occurring here.
There is no uniform progression in autism. In addition, it always depends on which form of autism is present and how severe it is. For example, people with Asperger’s Syndrome in adulthood can often organize their everyday life and even work. In contrast, people with Rett Syndrome need enormous support in their lifestyle.
In addition, Rett syndrome has a progressive course and those affected will increasingly need care over the course of their lives. Autistic people with retarded intellectual development often live in a social institution.
When should you go to the doctor?
Parents or educators often suspect that symptoms from the area of the autism spectrum disorder are present in the first few years of kindergarten. However, it also happens that schoolchildren, adolescents and even adults with conspicuous behavior repeatedly have problems and cause offense, but a diagnosis has never been made.
The sooner a specialist doctor diagnoses autism, the sooner supportive therapies can begin. For many patients with autism spectrum disorder, these can bring good symptom control and thus more participation in social life.
If autism is suspected, a visit to the doctor in the kindergarten makes sense if the psychological strain develops. Many symptoms that indicate a disorder in the area of autism are still very unspecific, especially in young children. But when school is approaching and problematic social situations repeatedly arise, comprehensive diagnostics are indicated.
Although this cannot “cure” autism either, it can bring significant advantages for those affected through behavioral therapy and, if necessary, support in everyday life from, for example, integration helpers.
Treatment & Therapy
The therapy of autism depends on the affected person, the individual limitations and the strengths. A cure for autism is not possible and will limit the affected person’s social life for the rest of their lives.
The goal of therapy is to provide help and support and to reduce repetitive stereotypical behaviors. Educators, psychiatrists and psychologists try to do this with different methods. Furthermore, the caring family of the person concerned should be supported by various state institutions.
A reliable and effective drug therapy for the treatment of autism does not yet exist. However, neuroleptics or benzodiazepines can be used to help limit high levels of stress or self-harm. Some autistic people suffer from epileptic seizures , which can also be treated with medication.
Outlook & Forecast
Many factors play a role in the outlook and prognosis for disorders on the autism spectrum. For example, the degree of the disorder, a possible reduction or increase in intelligence , integration into the environment and comorbidities must be considered.
In children, the full picture of the behavioral disorder is usually reached in kindergarten or preschool age. During the early school years, the problems may subside.
Autism is associated with a lasting positive change in behavior in about half of those affected in adolescence and adulthood. In the other half, the disorder stagnates or even worsens.
Overall, disorders from the autism spectrum leave no prospect of a cure. However, improvement is possible in most cases if supportive therapy is started sufficiently early. The aim of this is that those affected learn to be independent within the scope of their possibilities and that ways of communication and self-realization are opened up.
Such therapy should be started in early childhood. The prognosis for a significant improvement in condition is significantly better for autistic people without intellectual disability and people with Asperger’s syndrome than for severely impaired autistic people.
It should also be noted that many autistic people have a higher risk of accidents and self-harm, which often means that immediate physical integrity is linked to the quality of care.
aftercare
Follow-up care in the classic sense cannot be carried out with autism, since it is a matter of congenital neurodiversity and is therefore not curable. However, since it is possible to learn how to deal with the disability in therapy, supportive services intended to maintain the status quo after the end of therapy are advisable in most cases.
This support usually takes the form of assisted living – either on an outpatient basis by a nurse who accompanies the autistic person when shopping, going to the authorities and visiting the doctor, or in the form of inpatient accommodation in a nursing facility.
Which support service is the right one depends heavily on the individual client. Some autistic people need their personal space and autonomy and are therefore unsuitable for group homes where they share premises with other autistic people. On the contrary, other autistic people are dependent on very intensive care, which an outpatient nursing service cannot provide.
The personal bond with a caregiver can also be a decisive factor. In this case, it is advisable to hire a caregiver based on your personal budget. Particularly dependent and easily overwhelmed autistic people are also given a legal guardian who can regulate important matters such as dealing with authorities on behalf of the patient.
You can do that yourself
Those who suffer from the disorder autism usually perceive everyday life differently than healthy people. Since autistic people prefer a structured daily routine, regular routines should be part of the agenda. The sequence of activities should be determined in advance so that the unforeseen can be avoided. The routine in the daily routine represents personal security for those affected and contributes to making life more pleasant.
Most autistic people reject closeness and physical contact, so they should also be given sufficient time and space for personal time-out. Autism is usually accompanied by an insecurity towards life. In order to stabilize personal insecurity, one should repeatedly confirm the actions of autistic children and adults. People with autism should work in jobs that fit the person’s specific abilities.
People with autism often struggle with sensory overload. In order to minimize these, it is important that those affected recognize their own needs and set limits. Artistic activity often has a positive influence on the autistic. Those affected can express themselves and develop their sensory perception in music or art. Massage therapy can provide relaxation and help those affected feel better.
Hello! I am Lisa Newlon, and I am a medical writer and researcher with over 10 years of experience in the healthcare industry. I have a Master’s degree in Medicine, and my deep understanding of medical terminology, practices, and procedures has made me a trusted source of information in the medical world.