In Spain, more than 60,000 people have been diagnosed as autistic , with the majority being men according to data from the IMSERSO and Autismo España . These people have trouble communicating and interacting with other individuals. What is autism? What are your symptoms? What needs do these people have and what can we do to improve their lives? We approach this neurodevelopmental disorder from all points of view.
Autism: what is it
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) , generally known as autism, is a neurobiological disorder of the child’s development. This disorder manifests itself in the first three years of the child’s life, and accompanies him for the rest of his life. Hence the importance of early detection and awareness of the needs of these people.
Symptoms of autism
The ASD child shows deficiencies in communication and interaction with other children. There is also a common pattern in which autistic children tend to repeat driving patterns, apparently compulsively.
How to know if a child is autistic? In addition to the tests that are established, there are a series of signs that warn that the child’s behavior may be due to ASD , such as an absence of interest in the classmates of the nursery-school, their disinterest in sharing with other people , does not develop symbolic play or does not establish eye contact with the speaker.
In the family environment , it is possible to intuit if he refuses physical contact, hardly reacts to the voice of the parents, or performs repetitive non-habitual movements. Swaying or screaming, hitting, etc. is very typical.
Degrees of autism
Although until a few decades ago there was talk of different types of autism , today they are included as Autism Spectrum Disorders , and are labeled according to the abilities it affects and the intensity of the disorder .
Thus, grade 1 autistic disorder is the most complex. Unfortunately, its involvement is so profound that it is more easily diagnosed. This severe autism is characterized by the absence of language development. As a consequence of their inability to communicate, they do not express emotions like anyone else, they avoid physical contact and have episodes of stereotyped movements that may be strange to others.
For its part, regressive or grade 2 autism is one of the most difficult to diagnose in the first years of a child’s life , since in these, it does not show any type of developmental problem . There comes a time when the child loses that ability to interact and communicate and becomes isolated as a result.
Finally, grade 3 autism or high-functioning autism is the mildest : the child develops communication skills, they integrate more easily into the school environment and tend to have a good memory. On the contrary, they become obsessed with certain ideas or concepts, and show a certain motor clumsiness.
How to detect autism?
ASD is diagnosed at three years. Both caregivers , in the case that we take them to kindergarten, as the teachers of the early educational stages, and parents , are the pillars for the early detection of ASD.
To detect symptoms of ASD in a baby, the pediatrician and the experts in early childhood education, as well as the parents themselves, are key, since they are the first to perceive if the child’s behavior differs from those of other babies of the same age in aspects such as the absence of regulation of crying, does not smile or does not point to objects; He does not babble but makes sounds of few words and it is observed that, after 18 months, there is no further development or he even loses some ability.
From the age of 3, the diagnoses are reliable. However, they are not always treated , as it is difficult to detect if other pathologies concur.
The longer it takes to diagnose ASD, the more difficult it is for your child to develop his skills at his own pace.
Treatment for autism? This is what you can do for the autistic person
Autism is a condition that can not be cured . Yes, there are various methods and treatments that focus on improving the quality of life of the person with ASD.
In this action, beyond the medications, the whole family and the social context (the educational environment included) of the minor intervenes. Not surprisingly, hundreds of children who have either been diagnosed and are not receiving support, or have not even been diagnosed, suffer from bullying.
An autistic person requires understanding to feel integrated into society.
The order
For autistic people, order is peace; routine, a paradise. Chaos, hell.
Show no fear or fear or anguish
Although they seem like antisocial people, who do not empathize, if you are afraid of them or feel distressed by their behavior, they notice and react with more anguish , more fear and more unusual behavior.
Respect their space
People with autism especially feel when their personal space is invaded . Please respect it.
Do you want to help him? Do not be obsessed, make it something natural , and always watch out for the reaction of the autistic person.
Finally, we must be aware that their behavior is not due to us , or to anyone in the room, but responds to their own disorder. Your facts are unintentional.
