AUTISM IN CHILDREN

Keerti
M.Sc Cognitive Neuroscience
JSS University
Mysore

What is Autism?

Autism is a disorder of brain development. It is sometimes also referred as

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These disorders are characterized, in varying
degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal
communication and repetitive behaviors. ASD can be associated with
intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and
physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. The most
obvious signs of autism and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between 2 and
3 years of age. The condition is the result of a neurological disorder that has an
effect on normal brain function.
Interestingly, no two people with autism will have exactly the same symptoms.
As well as experiencing varying combinations of symptoms, some people will
have mild symptoms while others will have severe ones.
Some of the symptoms that are common in autistic children which may be
present in them in various combinations either mild or severe are:
A delay in learning to talk, or not talking at all. A child may seem to be deaf,
even though hearing tests are normal.
Repeated and overused types of behavior, interests, and play. They do not make
eye contact with others
Many children with autism have below-normal intelligence or some may show
high level intelligence.

Assessment of Autism
Parents are the first to notice that their child is showing unusual behaviours such
as failing to make eye contact, not responding to his or her name or playing with
toys in unusual, repetitive ways.
Screening tests
The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT)
The Childhood Autism Spectrum Test or CAST
Autism Diagnostic Interview
When a developmental delay is recognized in a child, further testing can help a
doctor find out whether the problem is related to autism, another autism
spectrum disorder, or a condition with similar symptoms, such as language
delays or avoidant personality disorder.

Additional testing includes

Behavioral assessments. Various guidelines and questionnaires are used to
help a doctor determine the specific type of developmental delay a child has.
These include
Medical history. During the medical history interview, a doctor asks general
questions about a child's development, such as whether a child shows parents
things by pointing to objects. Young children with autism often point to items
they want, but do not point to show parents an item and then check to see if
parents are looking at the item being pointed out.
Clinical observations. A doctor may want to observe the developmentally
delayed child in different situations. The parents may be asked to interpret
whether certain behaviors are usual for the child in those circumstances.
Developmental and intelligence tests.
Physical assessments and laboratory tests. Other tests may be used to
determine whether a physical problem may be causing symptoms. These tests
include:
Physical exam, including head circumference, weight, and height
measurements, to determine whether the child has a normal growth pattern.
Hearing tests, to determine whether hearing problems may be
causing developmental delays, especially those related to social skills and
language use.
Testing for lead poisoning.

Other lab tests may be done under specific circumstances. These tests include:

Chromosomal analysis, which may be done if intellectual disability is present or

there is a family history of intellectual disability. For example, fragile X
syndrome, which causes a range of below-normal intelligence problems as well
as autistic-like behaviors, can be identified with a chromosomal analysis.
An electroencephalograph (EEG), which is done if there are symptoms
of seizures, such as a history of staring spells or if a person reverts to less
mature behavior (developmental regression).
MRI, which may be done if there are signs of differences in the structure of
the brain.

Intelligence levels of autistic Children is tested using

(Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art.)
The WISC-IV and
The Stanford-Binet

Eyes test
Picture sequencing test
Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ)
Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ)
Australian Scale for Asperger Syndrome (ASAS)

Making living with Autism better

The parents/caregiver has to be strong and patient in order to take care of the
child. They need to build up awareness about autism in order to help the child.
This disorder is financially as well as mentally taxing so they have to be
prepared for it. With the help of the family the patient can lead an almost
independent life.
Parent implemented intervention programmes can be used.
Early intensive behavioral intervention involves a child's entire family, working
closely with a team of professionals. In some early intervention programs,
therapists come into the home to deliver services. This can include parent
training with the parent leading therapy sessions under the supervision of the
therapist.
The aim is to promote the childs progress where the Therapist first assess the
family and the child,
what the child requires
what are his/her capabilities
select goals that have positive impact on the child
can be easily implemented by parents at home
goals that will increase positive behavior and reduce interfering
behaviors, and goals that will increase communication/language skills
parents should not only assume the role of instructor, but also the role of
learner. Through parent goals, skills can be acquired that will have an
enduring and profound effect on child progress as well as parental mental
health.
parent-child interactions (e.g., shared attention, turn-taking)
parents knowledge of ASD;
parents knowledge and skills related to instructional strategies that
promote development and learning
parents knowledge of behavior management strategies
parents can make note of the improvement in the child
Parents are taught how to implement these goals and to take care of their
child.
The progress of the child is assessed at regular intervals.

Each child or adult with autism is unique and, so, each autism intervention plan
should be tailored to address specific needs.
Intervention can involve behavioral treatments, medicines or both. Many
persons with autism have additional medical conditions such as sleep
disturbance, seizures and gastrointestinal (GI) distress. Addressing these
conditions can improve attention, learning and related behaviors.
Early behavioural intervention include
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
The Early Start Denver Model.
Social Communication/Emotional Regulation/Transactional Support SCERTS
Relationship Development Intervention

Autism Globally
April 2, 2015 is celebrated as world autism awareness day.
About 1 percent of the world population has autism spectrum disorder.
ASD affects over 3 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions
worldwide. 1 percent of the adult population of the United Kingdom has autism
spectrum disorder. As of 2013, 1 in 250 children in India are autistic.
There are many organizations/institutes nationally as well internationally which
help people with autism. Some of them are: Autism speaks, National Institute
of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (U.S.), National institute of Mental Health
and Neurosciences,(NIMHANS), Bangalore, India, autism society of India,
Action for Autism Delhi, Sampoorna Music Therapy Centre Bengaluru
Conclusion:
There is no one cause of autism just as there is no one type of autism. Recent
studies have shown that the gene changes and mutations as well as
environmental factors cause autism. Still the there is no clear answer as to what
causes autism.
Other than the above approaches, there are still many ways being found so that
children with autism can lead a normal life.