Autism Awareness in April: Causes and Tips to Care

Autism Awareness in April: Causes and Tips to Care

special school for autismIf they cannot learn the way we teach, we teach the way they learn. – Dr. O. IvarLovaas

April is also known as ‘Autism Awareness Month’ and worldwide, people come together to create understanding about the same in a progressive way. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a name given to a number of developmental disorders which include a spectrum of symptoms, skills, and levels of disability. Autism is typically associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention, and physical health problems such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. At the same time, however, some people with ASD often excel in music, visual skills, arts and maths.

Tracing the Cause

Autism appears to have its roots in very early brain development. But, its most obvious signs tend to emerge between 2 and 3 years of age. Perhaps, abnormalities in the structure and functioning of the brain cause the whole problem. Even scans have detected alterations in the structure and shape of the brain of autistic children. Genetic problems have often been cited as the reason behind such alteration. The autistic children are believed to inherit certain irregular segments in their genetic code that lead to autism.

Also, there are few conditions under which a group of unstable genes can interfere with the development of brain resulting in the disorder. Sometimes, problems during pregnancy and environmental factors like exposure to chemicals, metabolic imbalances and viral infections may lead to autism. The risk is increased due to harmful substances that may be ingested during pregnancy.

There are several other risk factors that play their part before and at the time of delivery. Advanced parental age when a child is conceived, premature birth, low birth weight and birth complications may trigger autistic behaviour. Certain medical conditions like encephalitis, tuberous sclerosis, untreated phenylketonuria, fragile X syndrome and congenital rubella syndrome may also lead to autism.

Therapies Are the Best Cure

Well! Why should we care? The developmental disorder may hinder the mental development of a child as it has no medical cure. The only way out is through frequent treatments and therapies. A combination of different therapies is offered to the children who suffer from the ASD. Mainly, these include occupational therapy, language and speech therapy, social skills training and applied behavioural analysis.

Applied Behavioural Analysis reinforces positive behaviour as effective evidence based intervention for autistic children. Language and speech therapies address expressive communication, articulation, feeding issues and language delays. Also, there is occupational therapy to help kids with play, sensory issues, oral functioning, socialization and motor skills. However, it is necessary to put down a specific treatment plan that varies from one individual to another before putting the above-mentioned therapies to practice.

While we cannot fully cure autism, we can always reduce the undesirable behaviour resulting from it. We can try to meet the unique educational needs of an autistic child. The key to it lies in the communication. Few things can be taken into account while focusing on communication skills of a child with autism. While interacting with him or her, keep background noise to the minimum and language simpler. Speak clearly and accompany your gestures with words.

Only a personal act of empathy can make a big difference. At Mata Bhagwanti Chadha Niketan, special focus is paid to the needs of an autistic child.  Extending specific training with our well-trained occupational therapists and specialized learning modules, we ensure that autistic children are taught in a secure, active and growth-driven environment.

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