asd

What are Autism Spectrum Disorders?

Autism Spectrum Disorders refer to a range of conditions characterised by challenges with social interaction, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication, and usually come with unique sets of strengths and weaknesses. There is no one Autism, but many types, caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences. The term “spectrum” reflects the wide variation in challenges and strengths each person with Autism possesses.

How early can a child be assessed to see if he or she has Autism Spectrum Disorders? 

Autism’s most obvious signs tend to appear between 2 and 3 years of age. In some cases, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. With early intervention, children with Autism can often make meaningful improvement in their daily living and social life.

What are the early signs of Autism?

Possible signs of Autism in babies and toddlers:

    •    By 6 months, no social smiles or other warm, joyful expressions directed at people

    •    By 6 months, limited or no eye contact

    •    By 9 months, no sharing of vocal sounds, smiles or other nonverbal communication

    •    By 12 months, no babbling

    •    By 12 months, no use of gestures to communicate (e.g. pointing, reaching, waving, etc.)

    •    By 12 months, no response to name when called

    •    By 16 months, no words

    •    By 24 months, no meaningful, two-word phrases

    •    Loss of previously acquired speech, babbling or social skills

Possible signs of Autism at any age:

    •    In play group, avoidance of eye contact and preference to be alone

    •    Struggles with understanding other people’s feelings

    •    Remaining nonverbal or delayed language development

    •    Repetition of words or phrases over and over (echolalia)

    •    Getting upset by minor changes in routine or surroundings

    •    Highly restricted interests

    •    Performing repetitive behaviours such as flapping, rocking or spinning

    •    Unusual and often intense reaction to sounds, smells, tastes, textures, lights, and/or colors

How can I find out if my child has Autism?

Currently, there are no valid and reliable brain or genetic tests that can accurately diagnose Autism.  Diagnosing ASD takes two steps: a developmental screening, and a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation conducted by child neuropsychologists and developmental paediatricians. 

Can my child be cured of Autism?

Currently, there is no known cure for this condition. Listed below are evidence-based early interventions that have proven effective in improving the lives of children with Autism. 

The Behavioral Approach

Applied behavior analysis and ABA therapy focus on developing positive behaviors and discouraging negative behaviors in order to enhance a variety of skills. 

Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based Approach (DIR; also called "Floortime")

Floortime focuses on emotional and relational development (e.g. feelings, relationships with caregivers). It also focuses on how the child deals with sights, sounds, and smells.

Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication-Handicapped Children (TEACCH)

TEAACH uses visual cues to teach skills. For example, picture cards can help teach a child how to get dressed by breaking information down into small steps.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy teaches skills that help the person live as independently as possible. Skills might include dressing, eating, bathing, and relating to people.

Sensory Integration Therapy

Sensory integration therapy helps the person deal with sensory information, like sights, sounds, and smells. Sensory integration therapy can help a child who is bothered by certain sounds or does not like to be touched.

Speech and Language Therapy

Speech therapy helps to improve a person’s communication skills. Some people are able to learn verbal communication skills. For others, using gestures or picture boards is more realistic.

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

PECS uses picture symbols to teach communication skills. The person is taught to use picture symbols to ask and answer questions, and have a conversation.

Social Skills Training

Social skills curriculum teaches children on the spectrum how their behaviors can have positive or negative impact on others’ thoughts, feelings and reactions to them.

Dietary Approach

Although some dietary treatments are available, many do not have the scientific support needed for widespread recommendation. The results are often anecdotal in nature.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

To relieve the symptoms of ASD, some parents and health care professionals use treatments that are outside of what is typically recommended by paediatricians. These types of treatments are known as complementary and alternative treatments (CAM). They include special diets, chelation (a treatment to remove heavy metals like lead from the body), biologicals (e.g. secretin), or body-based systems (like deep pressure).

These types of treatments are highly controversial. Current research shows that as many as one third of parents of children with ASD may have tried complementary or alternative medicine treatments, and up to 10% may be using a potentially dangerous treatment. Before starting such a treatment, investigate it carefully, and talk to your child’s doctor.

To learn more about CAM therapies, go to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Get the Facts webpage. 

Reference: Autism Speaks

adhd

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

If your child can not sit still, never seems to listen and does not follow instructions, no matter how clearly you present them, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (formerly known as Attention Deficit Disorder) may be the cause. Some children with ADHD will make inappropriate comments at inappropriate times. Children with ADHD may be labeled as troublemakers, lazy, or undisciplined at school.

Not all children with ADHD are overactive, but almost all of them have trouble concentrating on activities that are boring or repetitive to them and when there is a lot going on around them. Some children with ADHD are impulsive and have trouble waiting their turn. They can be easily excited and over-reactive emotionally.

How to diagnose ADHD?

ADHD should be diagnosed with stringent assessment of the child’s history, including family, health, and developmental histories, intelligence, attention and impulse control, and executive functioning skills with input from parents and teachers, use of ADHD symptom checklist, and direct testing of the child.

How to help my child with ADHD?

To help a child with ADHD, parents and teachers need to understand ADHD and well educated about behavior techniques and support principles. The child’s attention can be enhanced through exercise and nutrition. Some children with ADHD may benefit from medication prescribed by a paediatrician or psychiatrist.

Reference: Helpguide