AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS: A DIFFERENT WORLD
Article
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Introduction
ASD
Autism Spectrum Disorder, which is often referred to as ASD, is the term used to describe a group of disorders that include autism, Asperger's syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder (also known as atypical autism). Autism is the most commonly occurring form of ASD.
The symptoms associated with ASD appear early in a child's development and this is why it is considered to be a ‘developmental disorder'. The term ‘spectrum' is used because it describes the wide variety and differing levels of severity of symptoms found in children with ASD. For example, two children could be diagnosed with ASD, yet one may have an intellectual disability, no spoken language and be considered low functioning; whereas the other may have average or even above average intelligence, appear to have normal speech and be considered high functioning.
Some experts think that Asperger's syndrome is a high-functioning form of autism. Others believe there is no difference because these disorders share the same characteristics and similar difficulties. What is important is that the general approach to treatment for both these disorders is the same, with specific treatment being tailored to the needs of the individual.
Recent research suggests that on average, one in 160 children will be diagnosed with ASD, with boys outnumbering girls in ratio four to one. Approximately 75 per cent of children with a diagnosis of ASD are of low intelligence, while around 10 per cent may demonstrate high intelligence in specific areas such as mathematics or computer studies. A very small number have a remarkable ability in a specific area, for example musical skills or memory.
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CHARACTERISTICS/EARLY WARNING SIGNS
There are certain facts that parents with Autistic children need to know.
This was well documented in an article written by Dr Biodun Ogungbo in a Punch newspaper publication in January 2014.Given the obvious challenges of persons exhibiting this condition, the management of the school envisages that there might be problems and difficulties of a different nature in housing/boarding both male and female autistic persons on the same premises, given close proximity of the two hostels. Hence, at present, it accepts only males. This is not gender insensitivity on the part of the organization, but a challenge. To this end, the foundation has an advanced plan to establish another school for FEMALE Autistics in Lagos, based on the requests we receive regularly from the families of autistic persons in Lagos State. Nevertheless, whenever we are able to expand the needed facilities with capable personnel, we hope to admit female autistic persons.
It is important to recognize the early sign of autism and seek early intervention services. One of the most important things you can do as a parent or caregiver is to learn the early signs of autism and become familiar with the typical developmental milestones that your child should be reaching. The following “red flags” may indicate your child is at risk for ASD, if your child exhibits any of the following, please don’t delay in asking your pediatrician, or family doctor for an evaluation:
i. No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months
ii. No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expression by nine months.
iii. No babbling by 12 months.
iv. No back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving by 12 months.
v. No meaningful, two-word phrase (not including imitating or repeating) by 24 months
vi. Any loss of speech, babbling or social skills at any age.Recent research confirms that appropriate screening can determine whether a child is at risk for autism as young as one year. While every child develops differently, we also know that early treatment improves outcome, often dramatically. Studies show, for example, that early intensive behavioral intervention improves learning, communication and social skills in young children with ASD.
The following people are autistic and should serve as examples for parents to know what their children can achieve, if their energies and talents are recognized and channeled appropriately.
i. LIONEL MESSI, Argentinean football player.
ii. MATT SAVAGE, U.S jazz prodigy.
iii. MARK ZUCKERBERG, Founder of Facebook.
- As revealed in Dr Ogungbo’s article
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Guidelines
Tips for helping individuals with ASD
It is important to seek professional advice about suitable treatment strategies for people with ASD. The age of the person, and the severity of their difficulties are both important factors to consider when deciding on what can help. Listed below are some strategies that can be put in place to assist parents and other care-givers or therapist of people with ASD.
Provide a reasonable level of daily structure through the use of a daily or weekly diary and prepare the person for any changes to their routine. When a significant change is going to happen, spend time prior to the event talking to the child or adult about what is going to happen and ensure that they have support to manage any anxiety. This may help them cope with change more easily.
Give a step-by-step list of instructions for completing everyday activities, such as getting ready for school or taking a shower. A wall chart with pictures illustrating each step can be a good way to present this information. This can be helpful for higher functioning children and adults.
Develop a regular routine for the day including set times for meals, activities and sleep. Once a routine is in place, avoid changing it, if possible. Children and adults with ASD can become extremely upset if their routine is changed.
Provide instructions in simple language allowing time for the individual to absorb the information and respond. Try not to use phrases such as "pull your socks up" or "it's raining cats and dogs" because people with ASD often take things literally. If an appropriate response is not given it is helpful to check that the person has understood.
Provide visual cues such as pictures or a story outline to support communication. For example, when giving instructions or setting up a daily diary use pictures to demonstrate tasks and to help understanding.
Teach and practise social ‘rules' such as turn-taking and how to greet people, and provide opportunities for the individual to interact with others. Strategies such as role-plays can be a useful way of helping the person to learn new social skills. Seek help when family issues arise. Raising a child or supporting an adult with ASD can be difficult and stressful. Family assistance and treatment can improve outcomes for both the person with ASD and those around them.
Research And Development
Latest research shows that Autism can be treated through STEM CELLS transplant operation.
Umbilical cord-derived stem cells are ideal for the treatment of autism because they allow our physicians to administer uniform doses and they do not require any stem cell collection from the patient, which for autistic children and their parents, can be an arduous process. Because they are collected right after (normal) birth, umbilical cord-derived cells are much more potent than their “older” counterparts like bone marrow-derived cells for instance. Cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells pose no rejection risk because the body does not recognize them as foreign.
REF: www.cellmedicine.com/stem-cell-therapy-for-autism/