World Autism Awareness Day

Autism is a complex disorder that affects multiple areas of development including social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, imagination, behaviors and interests. The symptoms of this disorder appear quickly in life, sometimes in infancy, but generally before the age of 3 years.

What causes autism? Many studies have tried to answer this question. In a few cases autism is a sign of a genetic problem, such as Fragile X, however in many cases the causes are not known. Currently, autism is thought to be caused by a combination of genes and environmental factors. There is still no evidence that autism is caused by something parents have or did not do before or during pregnancy, or while caring for their baby.

How is autism diagnosed? The diagnosis of autism is based on the child’s behaviors. Currently, there is no medical test (for example blood test, x-ray, etc.) that would help diagnose autism. Doctors may advise genetic tests to find a genetic cause, and may recommend tests or other studies that help determine other health conditions that may be present.

When professionals find that a child has autism or related diagnoses, problems are assessed in three areas: social interaction, communication, and unusual behaviors / interests.

Social interaction: Children with autism often have difficulty establishing and maintaining social relationships. Compared to children who develop normally, those diagnosed with autism may find it more difficult to establish and maintain eye contact, respond when spoken by name, play games such as hiding, or involve other children in the game. . They may like to be with their parents or get involved in active games, but show less interest and reaction compared to other children with normal development.

Communication: Children with autism are generally slower to use simple words or phrases that are normal for that age. Also, they are less likely to use common gestures such as asking for something, or directing one’s attention towards a sight or sound. Some children may have a timely language development, but may experience relapse or loss of communication skills around the age of 18-24 months. This loss of skills can include a decrease in social interests, as well as a loss of words or phrases they have used before. Children with language development may exhibit unusual speech patterns, such as repeating or echoing phrases they hear from others or on television. They may ask for things they want but find it very difficult to keep a simple conversation.

Behaviors and interests: Children with autism generally exhibit a more limited degree of play compared to their peers, and exhibit more repetitive behaviors; for example, they may focus more on lining up objects than on feeding a doll or bear. Also, they may be interested in certain objects or insist on following certain routines, or they may repeat specific movements such as clapping hands, throwing, or moving back and forth.

Time: In addition to displaying developmental differences in the above three spaces, children with autism exhibit these patterns before the age of three.

World Autism Awareness Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in Resolution “62/139” in 2007, more as an attempt to end discrimination against people with autism. This day is set for April 2 and is included in the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda, which promises that no one is left behind.

top channel