Autism

Autistic disorder or autism is a rare childhood disorder characterized by significant impairment in social interaction and communication and restricted patterns of behavior, interest and activities.



Autistic children live in their own world. Children with autism do not develop social interactions expected for their age. They do not make eye-contact and smile at their mothers, but in stressful situations they sit near mothers rather than near strangers.



They do not raise their arms when parents pick them up. They show very little signs of attachment to their parents.

People with autism have severe problem with communicating .Some repeat the speech of others, a pattern called echolalia ,for e.g. If you say,” my name is Elien,what’s yours?” they will repeat all or part of what you aid.



Some autistic children who can speak are unable or unwilling to carry on conversation with others.

They like things to stay the same. They become extremely upset if even a small change is introduced( such as moving a chair to few inches). They spend countless hours in stereotyped and ritualistic behaviors, making stereotype movements like spinning around in circles, biting their hands and waving their hands in front of their eyes.



They do not form close friendships as they fail to perceive other children’s feelings . The rituals are often complex such as touching doors as they walk down a hall.

Autistic disorder such as congenital rubella, tuberous sclerosis and difficulties during pregnancy and labor are associated with autism. It is also associated with some form of organic ( brain) damage such as left hemisphere deficit.



Hereditary too plays a major role in autism. Autism as a whole is not inherited but various cognitive and language problems lead to infantile autism.

There is no effective treatment to cure autistic disorder. The treatment plan focuses on enhancing their communication and daily living skills and on reducing problem behaviors such as tantrums and self injury.



Behavioral procedures like shaping and discrimination training are used to teach nonspeaking children to imitate others verbally.

For children most therapy consists of school education combined with psychological support for problems with communication and socialization. Family therapy is also advisable for improving the communication and socialization of the child. The treatment is integrative as it not only focuses on the autistic child but also on the parents and family members of the autistic child. The therapy is not only focused on the child but also to parents. Parental counseling helps in problem solving and helping them to live positively.