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What is Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a serious Neuro-Developmental Disorder that impairs a child's ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism significantly affects verbal and non-verbal communication and social interaction that adversely affects the child’s educational performance. It may also cause restricted repetitive behaviors, interests and activities.
The term "Spectrum" in autism spectrum disorder refers to the wide range of symptoms and severity.
Autism can affect boys four to five times more than girls.
The CDC latest statistics show that 1 in 44 children has Autism
(United States Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 2021)
What is Autism
ABOUT AUTISM
ABOUT AUTISM
ABOUT AUTISM
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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a serious Neuro-Developmental Disorder that impairs a child's ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism significantly affects verbal and non-verbal communication and social interaction that adversely affects the child’s educational performance. It may also cause restricted repetitive behaviors, interests and activities.
Some of the characteristic behaviors of Autism may be apparent in the first few months of a child's life, or they may appear at any time, mainly before the age of 3 years.
It's very Important to realize that Early Diagnosis & Early Intensive Intervention are CRITICAL to gain maximum benefit from existing therapies and it can make a big difference in the lives of many children.
AUTISM RATES
ABOUT AUTISM
ABOUT AUTISM
The CDC latest statistics on March 2020, show that 1 in 54 children 8-year-olds in the U.S. has an autism spectrum disorder, or ASD. (United States Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 2020)
AUTISM AFFECTS
BOYS 5 TIMES MORE THAN GIRLS
Autism Cases on the Rise, Reason for Increase Still a Mystery
The number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder is rising. In the 1970s and 1980s, about one out of every 2,000 children had autism.
It's not clear whether this is due to better detection and reporting or a real increase in the number of cases, or both.
AUTISM SIGNS
ABOUT AUTISM
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Here are some common signs and symptoms that people with ASD might have:
- Little or No Eye-Contact
- Little or No Speech
- No Babbling by 12 months
- Not pointing at objects to show interest by 14 months
- Repeating words & phrases (Echolalia)
- Not responding to their own name by 12 months
- Stereotypic behavior: Flapping hands, rocking body, or spinning
- Not playing with peers
- No Play Pretend
AUTISM DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be difficult, since there is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorders. Doctors, Professional & Trained Specialists look at the child’s behavior and development to make a diagnosis. The doctor should refer the child to a team of professionals in developmental evaluation and early intervention.
A typical diagnostic evaluation involves a multi-disciplinary team of doctors including a pediatrician, psychologist, speech and language pathologist and occupational therapist.
It's very Important to realize that Early Diagnosis & Early Intensive Intervention is CRUCIAL to gain maximum benefit from existing therapies and it can make a big difference in the lives of many children.
AUTISM TREATMENT
ASPERGER'S SYNDROME
AUTISM TREATMENT
There is no Medical treatment for Autism but you need a team of Professional & Trained specialists to work with the child.
It is important to remember that you do not need a diagnosis to start working with the child. Early Intervention is Crucial to the child's long term improvement and success.
Treatment Interventions for Autism
There is no single treatment protocol for all children with Autism, but most individuals with Autism respond best to highly structured Educational programs and Early Intervention.
Some of the most common interventions are Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), school-based TEACCH method, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Verbal Behavior Intervention (VB), Sensory Integration Therapy, Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) and the Floortime Therapy
ASPERGER'S SYNDROME
ASPERGER'S SYNDROME
ASPERGER'S SYNDROME
is the High Functioning part of the Autism Spectrum Disorder.The condition is what doctors call a "high-functioning" type of ASD.
This means the symptoms are less severe than other kinds of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
This group of related mental health issues shares some symptoms. Even so, lots of people still use the term Asperger's.
The DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) also includes a new diagnosis, called social pragmatic communication disorder, which has some symptoms that overlap with Asperger's.
Doctors use it to describe people who have trouble talking and writing, but have normal intelligence.
Therapy Team
WHO IS THE TEAM WORKING WITH A CHILD WITH AUTISM
- BEHAVIORAL THERAPISTS
- SPECIAL EDUCATORS
- SPEECH THERAPISTS
- OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS
- PSYCHO-MOTOR THERAPISTS
- PSYCHOLOGISTS
- TEAM COORDINATORS
Parents Guide to Developmental Milestones
Every child is different, and so is every parent's experience; but experts have a clear idea about the range of normal development from birth to age 5 — and signs that a child might have a developmental delay.
TIPS FOR DEALING WITH AUTISM
-Be Nice
-Use Simple Words
-Respect Routine
-Reinforce Good Behavior
-Use Pictures to Communicate (PECS)
Click on the link below to find milestones organized by period of development, and tips on when to contact a health professional about your concerns.
>>Remember — there is no penalty for being cautious about your growing child, and if there is a problem: acting early can make all the difference.
** the American Academy of Pediatrics
DSM V
What is DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition)
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) is the 2013 update to the American Psychiatric Association's (APA) classification and diagnostic tool. In the United States the DSM serves as a universal authority for psychiatric diagnosis. Treatment recommendations, as well as payment by health care providers, are often determined by DSM classifications, so the appearance of a new version has significant practical importance.
The DSM-5 redefined the autism spectrum to encompass the previous (DSM-IV-TR) diagnoses of autism, Asperger syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and childhood disintegrative disorder.
Features of these disorders include social deficits and communication difficulties, stereotyped or repetitive behaviors and interests, sensory issues, and in some cases, cognitive delays. (Wikipedia)