What is autism spectrum disorder?

Autism is controversial even by its own description. As a pervasive developmental illness that impacts many facets of a child’s development, autism has long been referred to as beginning in early childhood. However, there is now a lot more acceptance of the notion that autism should not be viewed as a disorder but rather as a neurological difference, giving rise to the names “neurodiverse” and “neurodivergent.” ASD, a developmental impairment brought on by variations in the brain, is on the autism spectrum. Communication and social interaction issues, as well as repetitive or limited behaviors or interests, are common in people with ASD. Additionally, people with ASD could move, pay attention, or learn in unusual ways.

Signs of Autism:

1. Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, as manifested by the following, currently or by history (examples are illustrative, not exhaustive; see text):
   1. Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity, ranging, for example, from abnormal social approach and failure of normal back-and-forth conversation; to reduced sharing of interests, emotions, or affect; to failure to initiate or respond to social interactions.
   2. Deficits in nonverbal communicative behaviors used for social interaction, ranging, for example, from poorly integrated verbal and nonverbal communication; to abnormalities in eye contact and body language or deficits in understanding and use of gestures; to a total lack of facial expressions and nonverbal communication.
   3. Deficits in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships, ranging, for example, from difficulties adjusting behavior to suit various social contexts; to difficulties in sharing imaginative play or in making friends; to absence of interest in peers.
2. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, as manifested by at least two of the following, currently or by history (examples are illustrative, not exhaustive; see text):
   1. Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech (e.g., simple motor stereotypes, lining up toys or flipping objects, echolalia, idiosyncratic phrases).
   2. Insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines, or ritualized patterns of verbal or nonverbal behavior (e.g., extreme distress at small changes, difficulties with transitions, rigid thinking patterns, greeting rituals, need to take same route or eat same food every day).
   3. Highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus (e.g., strong attachment to or preoccupation with unusual objects, excessively circumscribed or perseverative interests).
   4. Hyper- or hyporeactivity to sensory input or unusual interest in sensory aspects of the environment (e.g. apparent indifference to pain/temperature, adverse response to specific sounds or textures, excessive smelling or touching of objects, visual fascination with lights or movement).

Causes of Autism:

There is not just one cause of ASD. There are many different factors that have been identified that may make a child more likely to have ASD, including environmental, biologic, and genetic factors.

Although we know little about specific causes, the available evidence suggests that the following may put children at greater risk for developing ASD:

• Having a sibling with ASD
• Having certain genetic or chromosomal conditions, such as fragile X syndrome or tuberous sclerosis
• Experiencing complications at birth
• Being born to older parents
• Premature delivery
• Low birth weight

 Autism stigma:

 Autism stigma is affected by people’s understanding of autism and by visible autistic traits. Poor understanding of autism means that visible autistic traits may be viewed negatively. Certain factors influence the amount of stigma. One factor was the quality and quantity of contact that autistic people have with others. Another factor was cultural differences, such as specific beliefs about autism. Sex and gender were important, as were other differences such as education and age. Last, whether an autistic person had shared their diagnosis affected stigma.

Treatments:

there are no “cures” for ASD. Rather, for some autistic people, supportive therapies and other considerations can help them feel better or alleviate certain symptoms.

Many approaches involve therapies such as:

• behavioral therapy
• play therapy
• occupational therapy
• physical therapy
• speech therapy

Why is psychological treatment important?

Psychologists focus on the child’s fundamental cognitive abilities, educational abilities, behavior difficulties, and emotional problems.

The main objective is to better comprehend how people learn and how to help children of all ages achieve better educational results. One’s view on life, relationships, and self-esteem can all improve with therapy. People can learn communication skills from therapists to better express their feelings and gain a better knowledge of their own emotions.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment in Lahore:

RehabCure offers autism spectrum disorder treatment in Lahore. Our dedicated team of healthcare professionals specializes and best psychologist in Lahore providing personalized interventions to support individuals with ASD. Our goal is to enhance communication, social skills, and overall quality of life for individuals with ASD.

Contact RehabCure today to schedule a consultation.

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