Autism: Care Your Child When You Know They Are

 

 

 

     "Flapping arms, not speaking, and not looking at others" might seem unfriendly when heard. Some people might not notice it from the outside, but when you talk to them or look more closely, you may realize that something seems off. Sometimes, they are focused on an object, repeatedly, almost as if they are cut off from everything. These signs are concerning, and observing and caring for a child with autism is important. What should you do?

 

What does ‘Autism’ mean?

     The term 'Autism' comes from the Greek word meaning 'self,' and was first used by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler to describe the behavior of individuals who withdraw from everything to enter their inner world. Autism is a disorder that causes individuals to prefer being alone, lacking imagination, almost like robots.

 

What is Autism?

     ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder’ (ASD) is a condition of developmental brain and nervous system abnormalities that affect language development, communication, and social interaction. It also involves repetitive behaviors and intense focus on specific objects. Various subtypes depend on the spectrum level.

 

How to Spot Autism in a Child

• Starts speaking late in childhood and avoids eye contact.
• Lacks cooperation in school, prefers to isolate.
• Does not try to engage others’ attention.
• Uses a unique or "alien" language.
• Prefers playing alone rather than with others.
• Rarely imitates or engages in pretend play.
• Exhibits repetitive, purposeless behaviors, such as flapping hands, tiptoeing, spinning in circles, or lining up objects.
• Gets fixated on specific topics, e.g., knowing every country’s flag.
• Shows inflexibility, e.g., becoming anxious when the route home is changed.
• Has difficulty controlling emotions.
• Shows heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli like sight, taste, smell, and touch, which can lead to "avoidance behaviors." In cases of reduced sensitivity, children may seek more stimuli.

 

 

 

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As they enter adolescence, children with autism may struggle to adapt socially, leading to alienation and vulnerability to bullying, which can result in stress and depression.

 

 

Factors That Contribute to Autism

While there is no clear cause for the disorder, several factors contribute to autism:

 

• Genetics Autism is hereditary. It is more common in boys than girls. Older parents may have a higher risk of having children with autism. Brain abnormalities are often found, particularly in areas associated with social and emotional skills.
• Environment Toxic environments, accidents before, during, or after birth, and imbalances in the body’s chemistry (e.g., oxygen deprivation during birth, premature birth, or lead exposure after birth) can all contribute to autism.

 

 

 

 

 

Artificial Autism

     Children who are not born with a brain disorder but are in an unsuitable environment or lack proper care may develop a condition known as ‘Artificial Autism’. This occurs when children lack social interaction and develop delayed communication and social skills. With attention, play, and communication, the child can return to normal development.

 

Diagnosis

Doctors typically begin by asking about the child’s history, observing their behavior, and comparing developmental milestones with other children of the same age. Parents may notice signs of autism as early as age 1.

 

• Behavioral observation: Check eye contact, and call the child’s name. If there’s no response or eye contact, this might indicate an issue.
• Medical evaluations: Tests for hearing, vision, genetic disorders, and neurological and psychological assessments may be done. A pediatrician specialized in behavior will then plan appropriate treatments and therapies.

 

Levels of Symptoms

Autism can be categorized into three levels:

 

• Mild Autism (High functioning) These individuals have normal or above-average intelligence and may have hidden abilities or even be geniuses. However, they struggle with social interaction and recognizing emotions or facial expressions, a condition often linked with Asperger syndrome.
• Moderate Autism These individuals experience delays in language, communication, and social skills but can still manage some self-care. They account for 50-75% of cases.
• Severe Autism These individuals show significant developmental delays and may have co-occurring conditions such as intellectual disabilities. This level requires close monitoring and care from healthcare professionals, parents, and others.

 

Co-occurring Conditions

     People with autism often experience additional conditions such as epilepsy, depression, anxiety, or ADHD. Some may also have trouble sleeping or engage in self-harm. Therefore, both doctors and caregivers need to provide close attention.

 

Treatment

• Medications Doctors may prescribe neurotransmitter-modulating medications to control behaviors. Typically, therapy is combined with medication to address developmental issues.
• Speech Therapy Aimed at addressing communication disorders, speech therapy helps children understand and use language and can be combined with therapies for those who lost communication abilities due to a stroke.
• Social Skills Training Group dynamics and therapeutic interventions are used to teach positive social skills and self-help strategies, enabling the child to communicate, express needs, and interact with others.
• Occupational Therapy This therapy helps children practice social interactions through play, which also helps strengthen muscles and brain function.
• Developmental Support After receiving therapy, parents should create a supportive learning environment, such as reading picture books with their child.

 

Autism and Genius: A Thin Line

     Characters like ‘Woo Young Woo,’ who can read backward and still understand the original meaning, represent individuals with autism. Sometimes, autism is hidden within seemingly normal individuals, and they may have extraordinary abilities that are not immediately apparent. Everything is connected and waits for the right moment to reveal itself.

 

 

 

 

 

Department of Pediatrics Ready to Support and Care for Your Child

     The Pediatric Department at Ramkhamhaeng Hospital is dedicated to nurturing children's development so they can grow and live harmoniously in society, under the care of clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, and pediatric specialists in child behavior. We believe every child has unique qualities waiting to shine, given the right care.