1 What Is ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)?
ASD or Autism Spectrum Disorder references a range of disorders that are similar that will affect an individual’s behaviour, communication, and social interaction. ASD is one of the spectrum disorders since there are variations in the severity and symptoms among individuals. Adults and children with autism do not share “universal symptoms”, since each person will present unique combinations of indications. However, there are 3 general classifications when it comes to ASD symptoms, which include issues with communication, issues with social interactions, and exhibiting recurring limited behaviours. An autism diagnosis is usually accepted once a child displays symptoms in a minimum of 2 out of these 3 areas:
Social Interaction In Autism
In most cases, children that have autism will find social interactions difficult. Possible indications can include:
• Lacking interest in people the same age as them
• Difficulty relating to our understanding peers
• Finding it hard to predict or understand the actions of others
• Finding it hard to express emotions, particularly around peers
• Struggle to keep conversations going
• They often avoid direct eye contact and prefer to look at people using their peripheral vision
Communication In Autism
Communication is one of the most common struggles for children that have autism. In addition to delays in language development and speech, indications of communication struggles include:
• Using unusual cadence or their speech is spoken in a very flat voice
• Unresponsive when it comes to various verbal prompts
• Finding it hard to understand communication that is nonverbal such as gestures, body language, or facial expressions
• Struggles with pretend play or imaginative thinking
• Taking things very literally like not understanding idioms, expressions, or jokes
Limited Recurring Behaviours
Another term used for “repetitiveness”, Limited Recurring Behaviour can often manifest in various areas of the life of the child, not only in communication. Common indications of this type of behaviour include:
• Becoming hyper-focused when it comes to specific objects, tasks, or topics
•Talking endlessly or excessively about particular interests, and often not letting anyone else have a say or speak
• Following set routines and then getting upset if there are disruptions to the routine
• Repeating certain behaviours or motions, such as closing and opening doors or saying specific phrases or words over and over
• They can exhibit hypo-or hypersensitivity to certain types of sensory input
#2 Facts And Myths About Autism
There are misconceptions when it comes to ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Debunking these myths surrounding autism can help to inform others or spread more awareness when it comes to the facts.
A widespread myth associated with autism is that this condition is a type of disease and it is therefore subjected to the routes and origin “transmission theories” that usually characterise most diseases. However, ASD is actually a type of neurodevelopment disorder associated with a genetic component. There is no cure using special diets or medications (although they can help to control a few of the symptoms). By extension, ASD is also not one of the latest “trends” and does not develop through reactions to vaccines or bad parenting. Since autism often affects the entire body of the person, affected adults and children experience increased rates of depression, ADHD, gastrointestinal issues, and sleep disorders.
Even though there is no cure for autism, there are many different types of assistive technologies and therapies that can drastically improve how a person lives with this condition. For example, early intervention can help to promote communication, self-care, and lifelong social skills. CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy) and ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) are two popular intervention options that can help to correct or improve negative behaviours. Smartphones, tablets, and computers have created a fertile ground when it comes to autism toys, games, and software involving skill development. For additional information on autism see Ability Today.
Learning the facts surrounding autism is the initial step toward improving the prospects for people with ASD. Since the disorder usually affects every area of life, an individual with autism will usually face social, employment, financial, and academic difficulties. Autism can affect individuals from all socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.
