Dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Kids

A Comprehensive Guide of what all parents with an autistic child should know

Overview

In this article, we will try to provide a comprehensive guide about what parents should know about autism in children. The following will be discussed:

• What is Autism?
• Signs and Symptoms of Autism ( How do you identify the early signs of autism? and when to see the doctor)
• The causes of Autism
• The Diagnosis of Autism in Children
• The Diagnosis of Autism in Adults.
• The Treatment
• Alternative Treatments
• Music Therapy.
• Medication
• Prevention of Autism
• Tips for Parents having a child with an autistic condition.

Autism Defined

Autism is a developmental disability. The full name of the disability is Autism Spectrum Disorder ( ASD). The main characteristics of ASD are communication and behavioral changes.

The manifestation of ASD depends on the concerned individual. For some, it makes them pure genius and for some, it makes them completely challenged people. For the latter, they need serious help.

What is Autism Disorder Spectrum

ASD is a complex condition. Its characteristics differ from individuals to individuals.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition that involves persistent challenges in social interaction, speech and nonverbal communication, and restricted/repetitive behaviors. The effects of ASD and the severity of symptoms are different in each person.

The condition in children is diagnosed around age 2. One out of 59 children is estimated to be autistic. Boys are four times more affected with this disorder than girls.

Autism is not a fatality. With the right education, information, environment, and tools, caregivers can help autistic children to lead fulfilled and prosperous lives.

This article treats the autistic condition primarily in children and adolescents.

Signs and Symptoms of Autism

ASD can starts at an early age in life (baby age: before age 2) and affect the individual for his lifespan. If the disorder is diagnosed in an early stage, this can lead to improved life quality.

How do you identify the early signs of autism?

• The autistic child does not speak early( A child should normally speak by the 16th month after birth). There is somehow a notable delay in verbal communication. In some cases, the child will never speak at all.
• Repeating the same gestures or/and words. When a child starts to frequently repeat the same movement or words, it can be a possible sign of autism.
• Avoidance of eye contact. Autistic children don’t like eyes contacts.
• Isolation. When this becomes very noticeable, there is a possibility for autism.
• Disturb by change. An autistic child loves routine activities and is very disturbed by changes.
• Do not pay attention to people. This can be noticeable when people talk to them or when an object is pointed at them. In some cases, they can rather be very interested in people, but don’t know how to relate to them.
• About 0.5% to 10% of individuals with ASD show unusual abilities. The unusual abilities include splinter skills such as the memorization of trivia to the extraordinarily rare talents of prodigious autistic savants.[52]
• Gastrointestinal problems are one of the most commonly associated medical disorders in people with autism.[61]

When to see the doctor.

As stated earlier, the first symptoms of autism can appear before age 2. If more than 2 of the signs discussed in the previous section are noticeable in your child, you should see a doctor immediately.

Causes of Autism

Nobody can say for sure the real cause of autism. However, there are some scientific conclusions about the possible causes of autism.

Since there are many types of autisms, there are also many probable causes of autism. The general factors associated with autism include environmental, biological, and genetic factors. Below are some known risk factors.

• Fragile individuals with sicknesses such as tuberculosis are more at risk of developing ASD. 4, 19 ( Biological Factor).
• Individuals having family members with ASD are also at risk of developing ASD( Genetic Factor).
• Drugs such as Valproic Acid and Thalidomide can cause ASD. Pregnant women should avoid such drugs. 15–16
• Children born to older parents can develop autism. 18
• Air pollution during pregnancy is also a risk factor for autism. [77][78]Pregnant women should avoid environments with heavy metal dust.

The greatest risk factor of autism is probably a genetic factor. However, genetic ASD is very complex. Genetic ASD is probably due to rare mutations with major effects, or by rare multigene interactions of common genetic variants.[67][68]

Diagnosis of Autism

Diagnosis in Children

Autism cannot be diagnosed like other diseases. That is why some people say that ASD is not a disease. It is so because there is no clinical test to know if yes or no a child is autistic.

Parents should observe the child's behavior. If one or more of the sins mentioned under the section “How do you identify the early signs of autism?” is observable, you should book an appointment with a doctor. The doctor is just to confirm that the child truly has ASD and start treatment.

Diagnosis in adults

It is not very clear to know if an adult has ASD or not. It is so because the symptoms of ASD are similar to some mental illness symptoms found in adults. The common signs of ASD in adults include attention disorder/deficit or hyperactivity. Mentally-ill individuals also have these symptoms.

It is advisable that an adult who notices the signs mentioned above sees a doctor.

Getting a correct diagnosis of ASD can help an adult to identify his or her strengths and obtain the right kind of help.

Treatment

There is no known medical cure for ASD. It is so because ASD is not a clinically detectable disease. All there is to do is to help the child or the adult adapt to the condition.

Though there is no known treatment for ASD, there are however many interventions aiming at improving the cognitive ability, the social skills of the child while reducing the symptoms. [1–6].

Interventions are multi-disciplinary and generally targets :

• parent-mediated interventions
• behavioral intervention focussing on relational, social, and communication skills
• Occupation and Speech Therapy.

For older patients ( above 18 years olds) there are no many known intervention schemes. Research is still underway for the treatment of older children and adults.

Some material such as the one below can help in the cognitive, communicative, and social development of children with autism in the bracket age of 2–17.

Those resources are teaching tools ( Books, Videos, Computer Software, etc) which can help in the overall development of autistic children age 2 to 17. You can get those resources at modelmekids.com.

Even if your child has not been diagnosed with an ASD, he or she may be eligible for early intervention treatment services. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)external icon says that children under the age of 3 years (36 months) who are at risk of having developmental delays may be eligible for services. These services are provided through an early intervention system in your state. Through this system, you can ask for an evaluation.

Medication

The known medications are for children age 2 to 18. The purpose of medication is to alleviate the symptoms related to autism. The Medication should be administered in relation to the particular child’s need and strength.

Before you can give a child any medication, consultation with a doctor is a must. With medication, a person with ASD may become :

• Irritable
• Aggressive ( A medicine such as Risperidone can help reduce aggressive behavior in autistic children)
• hyperactive ( there are no specific biomarkers to lessen hyperactivity and aggression in children with autistic conditions).
• anxious and depressive. ( Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help reduce anxiety.)

Medications may be the only alternative to treat ASD symptoms that interfere with the learning ability of the child.[10]

Alternative medicine

Some people claim to remedy ASD. However, there is no scientific basis for their claims. Most of the treatment that works are empirical. People did things that just work.

In my own case, as I counted the story in my article: https://autismexpertise.medium.com/ultimate-guide-for-teaching-students-with-autism-2e5e6b96a69d, the miracle happened due to Mrs. Buhman Love, Prayers, and use of Technological aids.

Some people will try even diets such as casein-free diets, as a consequence of the low intake of calcium and vitamin D.

In some cases, a gluten- and casein-free diet is used as a standard treatment.[153][154][155]

The Power of Music — Musical Therapy to Treat Autism

music therapy for treating autism

Music Therapy is classified in the field of alternative medicine for autism treatment.

Many people who discuss autism therapy ignore this simple but powerful means of treating ASD. The therapy is especially useful with respect to the patient's temperament and learning skills.

Music is efficient for the treatment of ASD because it connects to the non-verbal part of the patient brain, making it a perfect therapy for trouble in communication. You should this innovative treatment method if you are looking for some help with autism and haven’t had much luck in the past.

Another thing that makes music therapy effective is that music therapy is used in conjunction with social skills. Since ASD patients are hypersensitive and easily irritable, cool music will be considered as a non-threatening medium for the child.

While on music therapy, you must encourage eyes contacts with the child.

One of the ways to make the patient harvest all the benefits of music is to give the child games with soft background music ( either objects or computer games).

The top benefit of music therapy is that it enhances the development of speech skills. The speech skill is one of the main challenges of autistic children. At in point in time, the ASD patient (old or young) will start mimicking the music, clapping along with the rhythms, humming along, or doing simple echoing songs-which has been registered in the subconscious mind.

Autistic individuals are known for non-verbal communication and monotone voices. Simple, repetitive music will go a long way in helping them. The link in my profile (upper left, “about me”, might help) might help in that direction.

Music therapy should be considered as one of the topmost alternative therapy for ASD patients ( young and old). Some of these patients can even be specially gifted for music ad even make a living out of music.

A musical therapist can use music as a way to induce communication skills and enhance social skills in ASD patients.

By using music therapy in conjunction with conventional or other alternative treatment, we stand a great chance of getting the child mentally and emotionally healthy. Trained professionals can use music to teach children and others how to communicate in nonverbal ways, making it easier for patients to learn.

<< If you are in the USA, Canada, Europe, or Australia, Click here for more practical resources about autism>>

Prevention of Autism

Since Autism is not a conventional disease there are no clear and known ways to prevent the disease. The only necessary thing to do is to avoid the risk factors mentioned in the section: Causes of Autism.

The key points to remember about the prevention of autism include:

• Healthy Living. This includes exercise, a balanced diet, taking vitamins, and supplements.
• Avoidance of drugs during pregnancy. Some drugs ought to be avoided during pregnancy. Before taking any drug seek medical advice.
• Avoid alcohol during pregnancy.

When early signs of autism are detected, a doctor must be consulted immediately.

What is Leaky Gut Syndrome in conjunction with autism?

Leaky Gut Syndrom defined.

The Leaky Gut Syndrome is the inability of the intestinal wall to keep out large unwanted molecules of food. There is a relationship with autism, but this area is still under research. The empirical fact is that this condition is rampant with autistic children.

This symptom of ASD most often implies that the intestinal wall has been altered to become permeable. Leaky gut syndrome in autistic children may occur because of increased sensitivity or allergies.

This syndrome is not harmless.

That is why we choose to discuss it in this review. When an autistic child has this syndrome, his intestine which should normally filter out larges molecules such as proteins allows those molecules to pass through the intestine wall. Because these molecules are not traditionally allowed inside the gut, the body misinterprets these non-harmful substances as a virus and begins to produce antibodies to attack them.

The anti-bodies produces because of the larges molecules which the body interprets as a virus cause an auto-immune disease where the body attacks itself.

Another effect of the Leaky gut is the transportation of bacteria into the bloodstream which leads to an infection in the body. In such cases, the liver is weakened and more toxins flow inside the body leading to complicated health problems.

What can cause leaky gut syndrome?

Research is still going on so as to understand the cause of the Leaky Gut syndrome and its association with ASD. Empirically, it has been discovered that a diet high in alcohol and caffeine intake, certain drugs like ibuprofen and antacids, or a diet high in carbohydrates can enhance the development of the syndrome.

Because of the sensitivity of the digestive system with the leaky gut syndrome, many parents of autistic children find that putting their child on gluten- and casein-free diets can help.

Parents, Doctors, and scientists are still longing to fully understand Leaky Gut syndrome. The best thing that should be done for now is to avoid the substances which can lead to this condition.

What if My child is autistic? What should I do?

Tips for parents with Autistic Children.

The following tips are given base on my own experience with this disability and Mrs. Buhaman’s care ( My Teacher in a specialized school for autistic children).

Tip No1: Faith

You should do your best to give the best quality of life possible to that child. You should clear yourself from myths such as “ Nothing can be done to restore back the life of this child to normalcy”. An autistic child should and can lead a full and prosperous life.

Tip No2:Stimulate the child with words of faith.

You should believe in the child's ability and make the child understand in a clear way-with words-that you believe in his abilities.

Tip No3: Learn as much as possible about spectrum disorder.

You can bookmark a blog such as this one for the latest information about ASD. The more you learn, the more you understand the disorder and the better you can deal with it.

Tip No4: Connect with other parents having a child with the same problem.

Speaking about this condition with other people struggling with the same problem will ease up the family’s pain.

Tip No5: Seek professional advise.

You can email me for free advice. ***

Tip No6: Pray.

I m a believer and I think that faith can move mountains. In my own case, Mrs. Buhlman’s faith was a key ingredient to my miraculous recovery.

Tip No7: Leverage technology advances

You can get some technological help by clicking the link in my profile (about me).

If you’re not sure who to contact, call the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA) at 919–962–2001 Or visit the ECTA website external icon.

Spectrum

Autism has long been thought to cover a wide spectrum, ranging from individuals with severe disabilities to high functioning individuals who may have active but distinctly odd social approaches, narrowly focused interests, and verbose, pedantic communication.[118]

The complete spectrum of this disability is not clearly known. [54] Sometimes the syndrome is divided into low-, medium- or high-functioning autism (LFA, MFA, and HFA), based on IQ thresholds.[119]

Conclusion.

In this article, we have reviewed the essentials that educators, parents, and caregivers need to understand concerning autistic children. We think we have tried to provide a clear answer to your main concerns: Defining ASD, Explaining the Cause and Treatment of ASD and mentioning some alternative treatment such as music therapy and also discussing the Leaky Gut Syndrom which is prevalent with Autistic children.

If you have a child with this condition endeavor to follow the tips mentioned in this article, we think that if you diligently put everything into practice with prayers, the miraculous will take place!

Do you need more resources ( Blanket, Tools, Books) to help that Autistic Child? Watch these videos.

References

1. Lord C, Risi S, DiLavore PS, Shulman C, Thurm A, Pickles A.external icon Autism from 2 to 9 years of age. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2006 Jun;63(6):694–701.
2. Bai D, Yip BHK, Windham GC, Sourander A, Francis R, Yoffe R, Glasson E, Mahjani B, Suominen A, Leonard H, Gissler M, Buxbaum JD, Wong K, Schendel D, Kodesh A, Breshnahan M, Levine SZ, Parner ET, Hansen SN, Hultman C, Reichenberg A, Sandin S. Association of Genetic and Environmental Factors With Autism in a 5-Country Cohort. external icon JAMA Psychiatry. 2019 Jul 17. DOI: 10.1001/JAMA psychiatry.2019.1411. [Epub ahead of print]
3. Sztainberg Y, Zoghbi HY. Lessons learned from studying syndromic autism spectrum disorders. external icon Nat Neurosci. 2016 Oct 26;19(11):1408–1417. doi: 10.1038/nn.4420. Review.
4. Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the United States today.
5. Signs of autism usually appear by age 2 or 3. Some associated development delays can appear even earlier, and often, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Research shows that early intervention leads to positive outcomes later in life for people with autism.
6. * In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association merged four distinct autism diagnoses into one umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). They included autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome.

Federal resources

• Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
• National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
• NIH Autism Listserv
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee
• MedlinePlus, the National Library of Medicine
• MedlinePlus, en Español, Biblioteca Nacional de Medicina

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Autistic Persons-When Lying isn’t a problem.

Autism with Children.

Autistic Kids: 10 major challenges.

How to deal with Autism in Toddlers.

How to deal with Aspergic Syndrom

Help for Autistic children

Autism Spectrum Disorder: Key Facts.

Dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Kids.

Ultimate Guide for Teaching Students with Autism.

Copyright 2020. Autism Expertise.

Disclaimer.

This article may contain affiliate links. Clicking on them and buying recommended products can accrue to the author some affiliates commissions at no additional cost to the buyer. Your purchase will immensely contribute not only to the betterment of autistic children but also to the perpetuation of our mission to help families with autistic children.

We wish the concerned child well and pray that our good Lord heals him and makes him lead a prosperous life.

Copyright 2020. Autism Expertise.