"What is Autism and What Does It Entail?"

Autism Symptoms and Treatment

Autism, clinically known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), primarily manifests its symptoms before the age of three. Patients exhibit varying degrees of social interaction difficulties, language development impairments, narrow interests, and repetitive behaviors. These repetitive and stereotyped actions are common manifestations of autism.

1. Social Interaction Difficulties:

Patients may experience varying degrees of social barriers, such as inability to maintain eye contact, limited verbal communication, monotonous speech, and lack of emotional engagement.

2. Language Development Impairments:

Individuals with autism may have abnormalities in language development, including reluctance to initiate conversations, monotonous speech patterns, and unclear articulation.

3. Narrow Interests and Repetitive Behaviors:

Patients with autism display varying degrees of restricted interests and repetitive behaviors, like disinterest in toys, fixating on small objects, shaking them incessantly, or screaming.

4. Other Symptoms:

Autistic individuals engage in repetitive, stereotyped behaviors like adhering to a single action or repeatedly replacing objects to their original positions. Some may even exhibit self-harm or aggressive behaviors. Emotional instability, anxiety, and irritability are also common, with most patients experiencing relief during adolescence, but a minority requiring lifelong treatment.

If a child exhibits symptoms of autism, prompt medical attention is advised to rule out any underlying organic disorders and initiate targeted treatment. Clinical approaches to managing autism encompass rehabilitation training and psychological therapies. Parents play a vital role in accompanying and understanding their children, fostering communication and building strong parent-child relationships to boost their confidence. Furthermore, ensuring adequate rest, maintaining a healthy sleep schedule, avoiding late nights or overexertion, and engaging in moderate physical activities contribute to the overall well-being of autistic patients.