Can Autistic Individuals Engage in Verbal Communication with Adults?

Autism: A Neurodevelopmental Disorder

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by varying degrees of difficulties in social interaction, impaired language development, narrow interests, and repetitive behaviors. Typically, individuals with autism do not initiate verbal communication with adults spontaneously. Symptoms manifest early in infancy, with social interaction impairments such as a lack of response to parental embrace or affection and an inability to form partnerships with peers of the same age. As they grow older, language development delays become evident, including the inability to speak or speaking only a few words at 2-3 years old, and the inability to form complete sentences by 4-5 years old.

Children with autism also exhibit narrow ranges of interests and engage in rigid, repetitive behaviors, like showing disinterest in toys and preferring to play with a specific toy or object exclusively. If parents observe these symptoms in their children, it is recommended to promptly seek medical attention and undertake targeted therapies under the guidance of healthcare professionals.

Clinically, treatments often include psychoeducational interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy, and applied behavior analysis. Additionally, medication such as risperidone and aripiprazole may be prescribed as per doctor's instructions. Parents should provide ample care and avoid excessive criticism towards their children. Furthermore, dietary considerations should emphasize proper nutrition, avoiding spicy and irritating foods.