Introduction
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition connected to brain development that impacts how people perceive and communicate with others. It also eliminates problems in the child’s social interaction and socialization. Autism spectrum disorder poses numerous challenges for treatment, although more significant research studying brain illnesses is increasing as time progresses. Recently, problems have arisen with the increasing number of children diagnosed with ASD. Accordingly, the report focuses on determining the symptoms, causes, and treatment of this disorder in kids.
Sherman indicates that 1 in 6 American children live with some form of developmental disability. A significant portion of these problems is related to an inability to communicate interpersonally, in other words, autism (Sherman, 2017). The author points out that this disease has a profound effect on kids and their families and offers options for improving children’s health. Perritano (2017) refers to autism as a complex mental development disorder characterized by social maladjustment and an inability to interact, communicate socially, and stereotype behaviors. The author provides facts about conduct disorder and tips for supporting children and their siblings and parents working to overcome the conduct disorder.
Hyman et al. (2020) pointed out that ASD is difficult to diagnose in children of all ages because of the variability of symptoms. The most crucial to treatment is identifying the patient’s diagnosis promptly. This is because they can also demonstrate the behavior. However, they vary with age, speech, and cognitive functioning. Hyman et al. (2020) highlight the essential traits that people can crucify a child’s abnormal behavior. That is, the first manifestation of autism is a child who does not understand people’s intentions, has low eye contact, and explicitly understands gestures. The writers argue that identifying autism at an early age (18 to 24 months) can help kids gain a chance at a normal life.
Genetics is another significant factor that influences the appearance of autism in a child, although degrees of genetic diseases are variable. In some cases, “prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal environmental factors” can affect genetic vulnerability (Hodges et al., 2020, p.59). Prenatal exposure to thalidomide and valproic acid has been attributed to a higher risk. In contrast, other research suggests that prenatal folic acid administration in individuals receiving antiepileptic medications may reduce risk. A study by Monz et al. (2019) concentrates on different therapies for ASD in children. The authors state clinicians use non-pharmacological treatments such as behavioral therapy, speech and language training (SLT), and occupational therapy in all pediatric age groups. The implications of these medicines are positive, but there are differences depending on where the family lives, not only in terms of the type of care but also the location that provides it.
Causes of Childhood Autism
It is significant to note that parents and physicians can detect the first symptoms of ASD in early childhood. That is, the first evidence of the disease is already visible between 12 and 24 months of age, although symptoms may appear earlier or later depending on individual characteristics (Hyman et al., 2020). Early symptoms include problems with communication, social interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors.
Although, the child must have both features in order to establish a diagnosis. Communication difficulties appear in children by the age of five; for example, by nine months of age, the infant does not respond to their name or express any emotion (Hyman et al., 2020). Additionally, the first indicators of autism are if the child demonstrates no interest or gestures until twelve months of age. Similarly, if kids are not responding to the moods of others or toys at two or three years of age, parents need to screen their infant’s health. If not intervened in the early stages of the disease, it is challenging for a child with autism to develop speech ability later. However, kids with autism can learn to read quickly but usually do not understand what they are reading. It is significant to mention that 84 percent of children with hyperlexia are on the risk spectrum (Perritano, 2017). When these infants interact with others, autistic kids may have difficulty showing their emotions and interests to others.
In addition to communication issues, autism also includes body movement and behavioral symptoms. This may consist of repetitive activities such as swaying, waving arms, or running back and forth. For example, a person with the disorder raises toys strictly and becomes upset when someone else disrupts that order. Perritano (2017) also lists characteristics of autism as excessive anxiety or stress and hyperactive, scattered, or impulsive behavior. At the moment, physicians diagnose based on five types of autism. Sherman (2017) indicates the following types: with or without accompanying intellectual impairment; with or without accompanying language impairment; linked to a medical or genetic condition or environmental factor; linked to other neurodevelopmental, mental, or behavioral disorders; with catatonia. Nevertheless, doctors have not yet determined the exact cause that leads to autism in children.
Although recent research suggests that there is no single cause and clinicians may consider them in conjunction. Hyman et al. (2020) identify factors that may potentiate the onset of this disease. The presence of the closest family member with autism, specific genetic mutations, fragile X syndrome, and other types of genetic disorders. Hodges et al. (2020) add other influences, such as low birth weight, metabolic imbalance, exposure to heavy metals and environmental toxins, and exposure to valproic acid or thalidomide medications. However, Sherman (2017) refers to data from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, indicating that genetics and environment affect the occurrence and development of ASD in an infant. The author mentions that vaccines do not lead to the emergence of this illness. Sherman (2017) reviews a 1998 study that established a connection between autism and the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine and points out that as early as 2010, repeated research invalidated its results.
Treatment of Autism in Children
Worldwide evidence-based practices guide all methods used to treat autism symptoms, including behavioral, educational, biomedical, and alternative approaches. However, Monz et al. (2019) observe that the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry recommends multiple treatments for autism spectrum disorders. Behavioral strategies have more evidence for treating ASD symptoms. One known method of behavioral therapy is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Its action is that the technique encourages desired behaviors and deters unwanted behaviors in order to improve various skills.
Clinicians often use ABA by clinicians in metropolitan areas than in rural areas and apply it in settings that are familiar to the kid (Monz et al., 2019). When using this technique, practitioners use staged instructions and divide lessons into small parts to help children better absorb the information. The method operates on the principle that experts ignore unwanted actions and reward desired behaviors (Perritano, 2017). One example of a core skill is the initiation of communication with others.
Another treatment for autism in kids is developmental approaches that focus on improving specific growth competencies, such as language or physical abilities. Monz et al. (2019) remarked that a combination of developmental and behavioral approaches greatly benefits a child’s progression. The most common developmental treatment for infants with ASD is speech therapy; because language training enhances understanding and application of language. Occupational therapy is also aimed at teaching kids how to live independently; for example, this method includes self-dressing, eating, and bathing. Monz et al. (2019) mention the effective application of the early start Denver model. Its advantage is the early intervention beginning at twelve months of age.
Learning treatments in the classroom are also used to manage autism. Perritano (2017) refers to the TEACCH technique, which suggests sequential and visual instruction for kids with autism. A positive consequence of this approach is improved academic outcomes. Social-relational treatments also focus on enhancing social abilities and emotional connections. The advantage of this process is that children interact with the community, which expands opportunities for communication, and specialists listen to the kid’s requirements. Therefore, it contributes to developing the individual’s interests and motivation to explore the surrounding world. Hodges et al. (2020) discuss pharmacological therapy but notes that no medication treats the main symptoms of autism; instead, their goal is to treat related illnesses. The objective of drugs is to help with high energy levels, inability to concentrate, or when a kid is self-harming.
For example, risperidone is the first FDA-approved drug to treat aggressive behavior and tantrums. Stimulants such as methylphenidate can help with inattention and hyperactivity in infants. Sherman (2017) indicates that nearly half of children with autism benefit significantly from stimulants, although some experience negative side effects. Stimulants also address co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression, sleep problems, or stomach issues. Hyman et al. (2020) argue that the physician should prescribe drug therapy because the negative side effects do not predominate over the beneficial ones. Finally, there are also psychological approaches to managing the disease; doctors often recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy (Monz et al., 2019). This is because it focuses on changing the kid’s thoughts and emotions to modify their reactions to certain types of situations.
Conclusion
Therefore, ASD is a widespread neurodevelopmental disorder, and 16% of children have the condition. There are various symptoms of ASD, and the most common are antisocial behavior, unusual interpretation of people’s intentions and gestures, and avoidance of eye contact. Although doctors have not thoroughly investigated the causes of autism, many researchers prefer to believe there is a genetic connection. Still, other factors can also stimulate the development of the illness itself. Scientists also list environmental issues, neurological trauma, or biochemical imbalances in the brain as reasons that contribute to autism. According to research, there are non-medical treatments such as behavioral, educational, biomedical, and alternative methods. At the same time, experts recommend medical therapies to treat related illnesses. In order to provide timely treatment to kids, it is essential for parents to identify the disease at an early stage. Thus, early intervention will enhance the child’s opportunities for holistic development.
References
Hodges, H., Fealko, C., & Soares, N. (2020). Autism spectrum disorder: definition, epidemiology, causes, and clinical evaluation. Translational Pediatrics, 9(1), 55-65.
Hyman, S. L., Levy, S. E., Myers, S. M., Kuo, D. Z., Apkon, S., Davidson, L. F., Ellerbeck, A., & Foster E. A. (2020). Identification, evaluation, and management of children with autism spectrum disorder. Pediatrics, 145(1).
Monz, B. U., Houghton, R., Law, K., & Loss, G. (2019). Treatment patterns in children with autism in the United States. Autism Research, 12(3), 517-526.
Perritano, J. (2017). ADHD and other behavior disorders. Mason Crest Publishers.
Sherman, R. (2017). Autism and other developmental disabilities. Mason Crest Publishers.