What is Autism Spectrum Disorder
This ultimate Guide to Autism spectrum Disorder (ASD) will provide you greater depth of knowledge and understanding. Autism is a spectrum disorder (ASD). It is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects individual’s life in many ways, how they react with others, learn, behave, and communicate. defines that every individual experiences differently than the other. Autism is not a disease, or mental illness which can be cured by medicine or treated or fixed by therapy or by any other means. It is part of life where an individual and society must learn how to deal and live with it.
Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children
It is described as developmental disorder, first two years of life are very crucial to recognise the symptoms. In children restricted interests and repetitive behaviours and difficulty with social interactions are the symptoms to look for and get the early support is highly crucial. Less or very little eye contact, no response to their name, no smile in response when you smile at them-not to look or listen to person who is talking, no pretend play, repeat same phrase and reparative movements are all early signs to look for.
See Diagnosis & Early Intervention
Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults: Signs and Challenges
In adults, the signs to look for are difficulty continuing conversation, slow in response, lack of emotions and attention, keen in one subject or game or tv show, get upset for no reason or do not want to response for any question, get offended easily. Autism in men and women have different signs too. Women get more quieter and hide their feelings and they are less repetitive and handle social situations very well as compared to men but not in all cases.
Inclusion, Acceptance and Awareness
The differences should be celebrated, and we should play our part to drop the differences and discrimination from society by creating awareness to reduce the stigma and promote inclusive environment. The representation matters as there are many autistic sides of story are unheard.
Global Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder
The number of ASD children is growing in UK alone according to National Autistic Society 1 in 100 people is autistic and there are at least 70,0000 autistic adults and children in the UK. In USA there are 1 in 31 children and 1 in 45 adults are autistic. The numbers growing worldwide. There is no specific or authentic data to finds the number of autistic people in third world countries.
How Autism Manifests
Autism manifests people in diverse ways some have mild, and some have more sever need. They see and perceive the world differently as their brains are wired differently then the non-autistic people. The outer environment and their senses overwhelm their thought process. Some have intense focus, and some have short attention spans. Some struggle with social cues, they are very transparent and will have no filters when they communicate.
These children and individuals have difficulty in adjusting in social situations, making friends is also difficult for them, sleep problem and irritability is another difficulty they face. These individuals have many strengths such as they learn things in detail and retain information for exceptionally prolonged period. They can be extraordinarily strong with numbers, reading difficult texts, science, and art.
Autism Occurs in All Groups
Autism can be found in any gender, race, age, ethnicity, or social economical background.
How the Autistic Brain Processes
In autistic brain the outer environment affects differently, their senses give overwhelming signals to the brain, who process the information and send Singles back in an unusual way. It is way different than a non autistic individual therefore it is harder for people to understand how an autistic individual understands and reacts.
Every Autistic individual is Different
Autism is to be understood, embraced and supported. In this spectrum not even two autistic people will be the same, every individual has their own strengths, interests, and needs which makes them different. Some individuals are verbal; some are non or use less words and no eye contact, some are highly intellectual and some struggle to convey their own feelings and needs.
Possible Factors
There are many factors that could be potential causes of autism
- Advanced parental age at time of conception
- Prenatal exposure to air pollution or certain pesticides
- Maternal obesity, diabetes, or immune system disorders
- Extreme prematurity or low birth weight
- Any birth difficulty leading to periods of oxygen deprivation to the baby’s brain
- A twin or sibling with autism
- Certain genetic conditions, such as Down, fragile X, and Rett syndrome
But these factors alone are unlikely to cause autism. Rather, they appear to increase a child’s likelihood for developing autism when combined with genetic factors.
Myths, Learning Style & Parenting
In past there were many myths about autism however, with the development of society and sciences we have discovered autistic individuals are visual learners therefore visual strategies are very useful from younger stage i.e. in younger children give them visual clues to set the routine, visual timetables can help achieve the targets, small efforts can bring bigger results.
Some children find it ridiculously hard in early stage of their lives to share their things or taking turns become a biggest challenge and often parents get overwhelmed too however, small adjustment can bring positive results. Raising an autistic child in positive manners is an achievement. Autism affects lives in learning, schoolwork, building, and maintaining relationships. Social understanding and communication is a key area of difference for individuals or children with ASD.
Diagnosis & Intervention
Early diagnosis and intervention are extremely useful. For diagnosis there is no single medical test available for autism however, behavioural observations, developmental history and specialist standardised screening could help define the autism.
Mindful Communication
A mindful communication has a positive impact. For example, when we thank an autistic individual, we should specify why are we thanking them. If thy hold the door open for you, say “thanks for holding the door for me” Give clear instructions such as “walk please” longer sentences make things complicated such as saying “walk do not run” will confuse them.
Conclusion
Autism is not something to be cured or fixed; it is a unique way of experiencing the world that deserves acceptance, patience, and respect. By increasing awareness, encouraging early support, promoting inclusion, and listening to autistic voices, we can build a society where every individual is valued for who they are. Understanding autism is not only about recognising challenges, but also about celebrating strengths, individuality, and the beautiful diversity of the human mind.
FAQs
1: What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, learns, behaves, and interacts with others. It is called a “spectrum” because every autistic person experiences it differently and not two people have the same affects of disorder.
2: Can Autism Be completely Cured?
The answer is `No, because autism is not a disease, it is a lifelong neurological difference and cannot be cured. However, support, understanding, structured environments, and early intervention can help autistic individuals thrive and live fulfilling lives.
3: What Are Some Early Signs of Autism?
Early signs may include reduced eye contact, delayed speech or communication, repetitive behaviours, limited social interaction, lack of response to name, and strong interest in specific objects or routines. Early recognition and support are very important.
4: How Can Society Support Autistic Individuals?
Society can support autistic individuals by promoting acceptance, inclusion, patience, awareness, and reducing stigma. Providing supportive environments at school, home, and workplaces helps autistic people feel valued and understood.
