Understanding Autism and 10 Key Points Parents Need to Know

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 Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that results in behavioral and social interaction difficulties. This condition is also referred to as autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

This disorder is characterized by symptoms and severity levels that vary among individuals. The term "autism" is derived from the Greek word "autos," which translates to "self," a notion that is particularly salient in the context of individuals with autism, who often possess a distinct internal world.

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Autism manifests in diverse ways, impacting an individual's ability to communicate, interact with others, and comprehend their environment. The presence of autism can be identified in both children and adults.

The severity of autism can vary significantly, ranging from mild to severe presentations. In a similar vein, the characteristics exhibited by individuals with autism can also vary in severity.

10 Important Points About Autism

1. Autism Spectrum Levels

Autism is part of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which encompasses several related conditions such as Asperger's syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder (PPD-NOS), autistic disorder, and childhood disintegrative disorder (Heller syndrome).

The term "spectrum" indicates that autism has a wide variety of symptoms and severity in each individual. No two people with autism are exactly alike in their manifestations of the condition.

2. Autism Data

According to data compiled by the World Health Organization (WHO), autism affects 1 in 160 children worldwide. There is currently no definitive data on the number of autism sufferers. However, as in other countries, awareness and diagnosis of autism are currently increasing.

3. Causes of Autism

The exact cause of autism is unknown, but several factors can be identified based on its occurrence. These factors include:

• Genetic disorders in children
• Hereditary factors, such as a family history of autism
• Premature birth

Researchers continue to conduct research on autism based on genetic and environmental factors that likely contribute to autism.

4. Communication Problems

One of the main characteristics of autism is impaired communication, both verbal and nonverbal. Children with autism often experience language delays or even complete absence of speech. Even if they can speak, their speech style and tone tend to be monotonous, like a robot, and tend to lack variation across situations.

Some children with autism also experience echolalia, which involves imitating or parroting heard words, sentences, or songs without understanding their meaning. They also often have difficulty understanding nonverbal communication such as facial expressions or body language.

5. Social Interaction

People with autism generally have difficulty interacting socially. Some behaviors often seen in people with autism include:

• Not responding when called even though their hearing is normal
• Tendency to reject or avoid eye contact
• Indifference or even no attempt to interact with others
• Preferring to play alone
• Lack of empathy
• They also often have difficulty understanding social cues
• Lack of understanding and adhering to social rules, both written and unwritten
• Some people with autism have difficulty interacting with others

6. Repetitive Behaviors

Individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently manifest repetitive behavior patterns and a constricted range of interests. The subjects engage in repetitive movements, including walking on tiptoes, clapping their hands, and shaking their bodies.

Furthermore, they frequently select a particular object to which they attach themselves persistently, even to the extent of carrying it with them in all locations. Furthermore, they tend to derive significant pleasure from routine activities. Furthermore, environmental changes can provoke strong emotions such as anger or anxiety.

7. Sensory Issues

A considerable number of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) also manifest sensory processing disorders (SPDs), which can manifest as heightened sensitivity (hypersensitivity) or diminished sensitivity (hyposensitivity) to various sensory stimuli, including sound, light, touch, taste, and smell. This condition can result in sensory overload or excessive sensory stimulation, for instance, due to loud noises or extremely cold or hot temperatures.

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Responses to these unusual sensory stimuli cause behavior that seems strange to others, such as covering their ears, screaming, or avoiding certain situations. This is only felt by those with autism; for those without autism, these stimuli are normal.

8. Variations in Cognitive Abilities

The cognitive abilities of people with autism vary greatly, ranging from intellectual disabilities to above-average abilities. Some individuals with autism may have limited but intense interests in specific topics, leading to deep knowledge in those areas.

In other cases, individuals with autism may exhibit extraordinary abilities in certain fields, such as mathematics, music, or art, despite challenges in other areas. This condition is often associated with savant syndrome.

9. Diagnosis and Early Detection

Autism can generally be diagnosed at an early age, even in infants as young as 6 months or under 3 years old. Early diagnosis is crucial so that autism can be addressed intensively from the start, helping individuals with autism adapt to daily life and maximize their potential.

Diagnosis typically involves observing the child's behavior and development, as well as assessments by a multidisciplinary team of experts in autism. These experts include pediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, speech therapists, and other healthcare professionals.

10. Treatment and Therapy

Autism cannot be cured, but there are various therapies and interventions that can help people with autism develop and adapt to their environment. Autism treatment is individualized, tailored to their specific needs.

Some common therapeutic approaches for people with autism include:

• Behavioral therapy, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
• Speech and language therapy  
• Occupational therapy  
• Special education  
• Social skills training programs  
• Sensory therapy  
• Medication therapy for specific symptoms such as mood disorders or anxiety  

Conclusion  

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with a wide spectrum of manifestations. Although individuals with autism face various challenges in communication, social interaction, and behavior. Through various efforts, support, understanding, and appropriate interventions, they can develop their potential and lead fulfilling lives.

It is important for us to understand that every person with autism is a unique individual with different strengths, challenges, and needs. Understanding the diversity within the autism spectrum is an important step toward creating a more inclusive and supportive society for everyone, including those living with autism.