Autism or spectrum disorder of autism has been a topic very recently in the news, but the complex neurological condition is still widely misunderstood.
Autism is a difference in the way someone’s brain works that forms how they interact with the world. Clinically, it is a disorder that affects brain development and causes social differences and differences in behavior. With a wide range of shots, autism is really a spectrum.
Getting a deeper understanding of these nuances is key. We address some common myths and offer support for children and families after a diagnosis.
What causes autism?
There is no known cause of autism. Given its complexity and the wide range of symptoms, multiple factors are likely to contribute. This difference in neurodevelopmental is something that children are born: it has nothing to do with the style of parenting, vaccines or food.
Research suggests that genetic and environmental factors can contribute to the risk of developing autism. When we say that autism is genetic, we mean that variations in certain genes can influence a baby’s brain development.
These variations may appear spontaneously or be inherited from family members. For example, if a family child is diagnosed with autism, the odds increase that a brother can also be diagnosed.
Some factors may increase the likelihood of autism, including advanced parental age, infections during pregnancy, birth complications, have a premature baby or one with a lower fetal growth than expected or take certain medicines while pregnant.
Having a risk factor does not mean that a child will develop autism. These factors increase susceptibility, not certainty.
Why have autism rates increased?
In the 1990’s, 1 in 1,000 individuals were diagnosed with autism. Today, it is closer to 1 of 31. The increase is largely due to greater consciousness, improved screening and updated diagnostic criteria.
Clinics are now more skilled to recognize initial signs, sometimes up to 12 to 18 months, through game -based assessments and interviews with structured parents.
The diagnostic criteria have been expanded to reflect the spectrum of complete autism and allow co-incidence conditions, such as ADHD or intellectual disability, which was not always possible. As autism diagnoses have increased, the diagnoses of other development disorders have declined as we now recognize how autism is presented through cognitive levels.
Increased awareness and stigma have also caused more families, in particular those with children, who are not diagnosed historically, to evaluations.
How is autism diagnosed?
The diagnosis involves a comprehensive evaluation, often with a team of specialists focusing on different aspects of brain development. Contributions from parents, teachers and other suppliers help create a complete image of an individual’s behavior through configuration.
Collaboration with your pediatrician is key. They can help identify early “red flags”, such as limited visual contact or reduced social smile, as well as more subtle “pink flags”, such as behavioral challenges or a stronger interest in objects instead of faces.
What are some common myths about autism?
Many myths about autism can be confused and stressful for families. It is important to separate the fact of fiction.
One of the most harmful myths is that vaccines cause autism. The decades of large -scale research and studies have repeatedly shown that vaccines do not cause autism. Vaccines are safe and effective and misinformation can cause avoidable diseases.
Another myth is that autism is always serious. In fact, it is a spectrum: the traits and the challenges vary widely. Factors such as cognitive ability, language skills, sex and conditions such as anxiety, ADHD or depression influence how autism is presented.
Symptoms may also seem different in women or in medical conditions, extra development or psychiatric.
Finally, a widespread myth is that aging causes autism. This is not true. It is a condition of neurodevelopmental, not the result of a particular parenting style.
How can the symptoms of autism be supported?
The support is becoming more personalized, inclusive, neuro -affirming and evidence -based, focused on understanding the needs of each individual, respecting neurodiversity and improving the quality of life.
There is no unique approach. Effective supports may include behavioral therapies, educational accommodation and coordinated care for co-incident conditions.
Although there are no medicines approved by the administration of food and medication for basic autism, medication can help manage related symptoms such as irritability, neglect, hyperactivity, impulsivity and anxiety.
Technology, such as applications and Telehealth, has expanded access to care. Early intervention is still key, but we are also focusing more and more supporting autistic individuals throughout their lives.
Official investigations continue to perfect the treatments, with the aim of creating support environments for spectrum people.
How to support autistic individuals
Understand and support people with autism begins with a comprehensive development of development or neuropsychological. This can identify areas of strength and areas where additional support can be useful.
Focusing and based on strengths can promote growth and well-being at all stages of life.
Family participation is also an important part of the support. When parents and carers learn strategies to foster communication, adaptive skills and positive behaviors, it can strengthen relationships and create a home support environment.
Several approaches can be used to support individuals in the spectrum of autism, including behavioral interventions, therapy (both individual and family), group programs, and sometimes medicines. These strategies can help face challenges and support general development and quality of life.
*Page Note: We recognize that language preferences vary, including first -person (“individual with autism”) and first (“autistic individual”). In this article, we use both respectfully, in recognition of the various perspectives of the autism community.
Rebecca A. Shalev, doctorHe is a license psychologist, a Board -certified behavioral analyst Autism Spectrum Disorders Service gear and a clinical associate professor at Nyu Langone Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Kritika Nayar, doctor, He is a pediatric neuropsychologist and clinical assistant professor at the same department as Nyu Langone.
#cases #autism #increased #90s #common #myths #ignore
Image Source : nypost.com