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Coping with Autism

 

Definition:

 

Difference Between Autism and Asperger Syndrome:-

 

Autism, also called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a general term for a range of complex disorders of brain development, characterized by difficulties in social interaction, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior.

  • Autism typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others.
  • Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees.

 

Asperger syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) considered to be on the “high functioning” end of the spectrum.

  • What distinguishes Asperger's Disorder from autism are the less severe symptoms and the absence of language delays.  
  • Children with Asperger's Disorder may be only mildly affected and frequently have good language and cognitive skills. To the untrained observer, a child with Asperger's Disorder may just seem like a normal child behaving differently.

 

Symptoms:

The severity, frequency, and grouping of the following symptoms will determine where (if at all) an individual will fall on the autism spectrum 

• Repetitive behaviors (may want to watch the same program over and over again) 
• Unresponsive to commands or questions ("in their own world") 
• Delayed speech & language development (non-verbal, especially by age 3)
• Lack of imitation of others or imaginative play 
• Indifferent to the feelings of others
• Hypersensitivity to light & sound (covers ears when music is played or covers eyes when going outside) 
• Self-stimulatory behaviors (e.g., rocking, jumping up and down, hand flapping)  
• Echolalia (Repetition or echoing of a word or phrase just spoken by another person)
• Unusual emotional responses (inappropriate laughing or crying)
• Frequent temper tantrums / meltdowns 
• Responds adversely to physical affection, hugs, kisses, etc. 
• Shows no interest in making friends 
• Does not initiate conversation
• Very poor diet (may eat only starches)
• Frequently walks on tip-toes as a toddler 
• Socially withdrawn or socially awkward 
• Shows little expressive language
• Clumsiness (falls or trips often) 
• Improper use of pronouns, statements, and questions 
• Unusual tone or rhythm of speech 
• Self Injurious Behavior (head banging, scratching/biting self) 
• Frequently makes irrelevant remarks 
• Difficulty with abstract language and concepts
• Be preoccupied with one or only a few narrow interests
• Need for sameness (adheres to routines) 
• Severe tantrums when routines are disrupted 
• Shows an attachment to unusual objects such as car parts, branches, leaves, etc. 
• Fascination with spinning objects or spinning one’s self 
• Very good at rote memory tasks such as repeating lists of items or facts

 

 Treatment:

 

There is no cure for ASDs.  Therapies and behavioral interventions are designed to remedy specific symptoms and can bring about substantial improvement.  

  • The ideal treatment plan coordinates therapies and interventions that meet the specific needs of individual children.  Most health care professionals agree that the earlier the intervention, the better.

 

  • Educational/behavioral interventions:  Therapists use highly structured and intensive skill-oriented training sessions to help children develop social and language skills, such as Applied Behavioral Analysis.  Family counseling for the parents and siblings of children with an ASD often helps families cope with the particular challenges of living with a child with an ASD. 
  • Medications:  Doctors may prescribe medications for treatment of specific autism-related symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.  Antipsychotic medications are used to treat severe behavioral problems.  Seizures can be treated with one or more anticonvulsant drugs.  Medication used to treat people with attention deficit disorder can be used effectively to help decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity.
  • Other therapies:  There are a number of controversial therapies or interventions available, but few, if any, are supported by scientific studies.  Parents should use caution before adopting any unproven treatments.  Although dietary interventions have been helpful in some children, parents should be careful that their child’s nutritional status is carefully followed.

 

Sources: 

 

 

Hotlines:

  • US Autism and Asperger Association (USAAA)- 888-9AUTISM
  • Autism Treatment Center of America- Son-RiseProgram: 1-413-229-8063
  • Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD): 818-345-2345
  • Generation Rescue : 877-98AUTISM
  • National Autism Association : 877-622-2884

 

Canada

 

Bienvenue au site Web de la Société canadienne de l’autisme

 

Autism Society of America: 800-3AUTISM

Founded in 1975, The Help Group is a nonprofit organization serving children with special needs related to autism, Asperger’s disorder, learning disabilities, ADHD, mental retardation, abuse and emotional problems. 

The helpgroup.org : 877-994-3585




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