Autism Awareness Coloring Page Printable

What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects a person's capacity for interaction, learning, and behavior. Although the majority of symptoms typically appear in the first two years of life, autism can be diagnosed at any age.

ASD is characterized by deficits in social interaction and communication as well as restricted and repetitive behaviors, interests, or jobs. Each autistic person has a distinct set of skills and challenges because autism is a spectrum condition.

Autism affects how people learn, think, and solve issues in a wide range of ways. Researchers believe there are various elements at play that when combined, affect how people generally grow, even if the causes of ASD are not entirely understood.

What kind of symptoms are usually shown?

A thorough examination of a child's behavior, speech, and social interactions as well as an evaluation of how these symptoms affect everyday functioning are required for an autism diagnosis. It's crucial to remember that autism is a spectrum illness and that each person will experience the condition differently.

• Developmental screening: A healthcare provider may do a developmental screening during routine checkups to assess a child's development and search for any developmental delays or issues.
  
  
• Comprehensive assessment: If there are any suspicions that a child may have autism, a thorough assessment will be carried out, often by a team of experts composed of a developmental pediatrician, neurologist, psychologist, speech therapist, and occupational therapist. Aspects of the child's behavior, speech, and social interactions will be observed during the examination.
  
  
• Diagnostic criteria: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has information on the diagnostic criteria for autism. A child must have difficulties in social communication and social interaction, as well as constrained, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or hobbies, to be diagnosed with autism. Early in life, these symptoms must appear, and they must seriously affect everyday functioning.
  
  
• Additional testing: Depending on the child's symptoms, additional testing may be performed, such as genetic testing, hearing, and vision screenings, or imaging tests, to rule out other conditions that produce similar symptoms.

 

What Are The Common Symptoms of Autism?

These difficulties create varying degrees of functional impairment in autistic people. Autism symptoms often manifest between the ages of 2 and 3, while certain linked developmental impairments may manifest much younger.

Common signs of autism include difficulties with social interaction and communication, repetitive or limited interests or habits, and unusual ways of learning, moving, or paying attention.

Additionally to sensory sensitivity, and physical conditions such as gastrointestinal diseases, seizure disorders, or sleep disorders, people with ASD may also struggle with anxiety, depression, and attention deficit disorders.

Challenges

Co-occurring mental health concerns including anxiety, sadness, and attention problems can affect people with ASD. There may also be sensory sensitivities and health problems including gastrointestinal problems, seizures, or sleep difficulties.

Some of the secondary difficulties that persons with ASD may have include speech and language difficulties, intellectual impairment, sleep problems, concentration problems, seizures, anxiety, depression, and difficulty with fine and gross motor skills.

Social engagement and communication are frequent difficulties for persons with autism spectrum conditions. They could struggle to start and maintain conversations as well as recognize and react to social cues like body language and facial emotions.

Additionally, taking turns in talking and sharing interests with others may be challenging for people with ASD. They could find it difficult to make and keep friends, and they might choose solitary pursuits or interactions with adults.

Social relationships can be impacted by sensory sensitivity since persons with ASD may get overwhelmed by particular noises, textures, or settings. Social isolation and difficulty in school, work, and other social contexts can result from these social difficulties.

Early treatment

Early autism treatment should be customized to the requirements and abilities of each kid. The earlier intervention is implemented, the more likely it is to be successful in assisting autistic children in growing their abilities, forming relationships, and realizing their full potential.

• Application-Based Behavior Analysis (ABA): ABA therapy is a popular autism treatment. It entails using a systematic and specialized method to teach kids particular skills. Children who receive ABA therapy will learn new skills, have fewer problem behaviors, and exhibit more positive behaviors.
• Speech therapy: Many autistic children struggle with communicating. Children who receive speech therapy can enhance their language skills and learn to speak more effectively.
• Occupational therapy: The main goals of occupational therapy are the improvement of fine motor, self-care, and sensory processing abilities. The ability of autistic youngsters to carry out daily tasks can be improved with this therapy.
• Social skills training: Social skills training can help children with autism learn appropriate social behaviors and improve their ability to engage with others.
• Early Start Denver Model (ESDM): For kids with autism, ESDM is a comprehensive early intervention program. To support children's skill development in a realistic and play-based environment, it combines ABA, developmental, and relationship-based techniques.
• Medication: Medications may occasionally be prescribed to treat symptoms like impulsivity, anxiety, or depression.

 

References:

Signs and Symptoms of Autism

Symptoms of Autism

Symptoms Causes of Autism

About ASD

ASD Updated Guidelines