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Autism Symptoms Risk Factors and Treatment

Austism
Autistic Kid

Autism:

Autistic Disorder (commonly known as Autism) is a developmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication usually manifested in childhood.
Autism usually manifests within the first two years of a person’s life but can be diagnosed well into adulthood.

Characteristics of persons with Autism:

  • Social problems with difficulty in communicating
  • Difficulty in forming friendships with peers
  • Repetitive Behavior
  • Bizarre Mannerism
  • Strict adherence to purposeless activities
  • Mental Retardation present in 75% of autistic children but some may have exceptional IQ’s
  • Inability to form a bond with parents and siblings
  • Inability to maintain normal eye contact during conversation
  • Showing great anger routine is disturbed
  • Talking at length about a favorite topic without regard for other person’s interest.

Risk Factors of Autism:

  • More common in boys
  • Increased chances when a sibling is affected with autism or other mental disorder
  • Increased mother age(> 35)
  • Maternal infection with Rubella virus
  • Encephalitis
  • Fragile X syndrome
  • Trauma during pregnancy
  • Phenylketonuria
  • Tuberous Sclerosis
  • Down Syndrome

Physical Findings in Autism:

  • Abnormal EEG
  • Seizures
  • Abnormal Brain Morphology
  • Failure of speech development.

Management and Treatment of Autism:

  • Family Counseling and therapy
  • Special Education if IQ below average
  • Speech Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Behavioral Therapy.

Drugs given in Autism:

Drugs are usually not given in Autism. But to alleviate symptoms like aggression, repetition, anxiety etc anti-psychotics are given for a shorter period. Do consult child psychiatrist before using any medications. Consult your physician immediately if you find most of these symptoms in your child. Finally, check for autistic support groups and parents of other autistic children as they can provide immense support in managing these symptoms.

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