We explain what autism is and how this disorder is diagnosed. We also explain its characteristics, causes, symptoms and more.
What is autism?
Autism is one of the most common forms of autism. neurological alterations located in the complex “autism spectrum disorders”which in turn are located in the group of the “pervasive developmental disorders”, more frequently known as TGD.
Autism creates difficulties in establishing social relationships, since the ability to communicate and interact is altered. In autism there are usually stereotyped behaviors, often repetitive.
It is important to know that autism It is a lifelong disorder; However, with an early approach under the guidance of qualified professionals, it is possible to mitigate the symptoms and improve the quality of life of the patient and his family.
See also: Piaget’s theory.
Characteristics of autism:
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Diagnosis
Experts believe that autism can be diagnosed from 3 years of age, although new evidence supports the idea that it could be diagnosed even much earlier (around 6 months). The diagnosis is not simple, one of the classic symptoms of an autistic child is the absence of the so-called “social smile” after 4 months of life. It is often parents and caregivers or teachers who notice the first signs that guide professionals towards the diagnosis of autism.
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Treatment
Unfortunately, autism is an entity that cannot be prevented and cannot be cured. That is why it is very important to carry out an intervention as soon as possible. Efforts should focus on the development of communication skills, socialization and cognitive, which can be improved considerably through constant work. In this sense, it has been shown that great advances can be achieved with novel therapies, such as animal-assisted therapies, especially with dogs and horses.
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Frequency
The frequency of autism is estimated statistically It is between 4 and 20 per 10,000 children in the general population and, curiously, it is 4 times more common among boys than among girls. It is believed that this could be related to some abnormality in the X chromosome. It can occur in any ethnic group and has been shown to be independent of socioeconomic level, geographic location and other factors.
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Causes
The causes of autism are not exactly known. Genetic components (since the frequency increases in families with a history), neurological (lesions in brain areas involved in learning), biochemical (neurotransmitter levels) and infectious components are usually recognized in the etiology of autism. Although Several genes have been identified that would be linked to autismThere is consensus that autism would be the result of genetic and environmental events during gestation.
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PDD disorders
autism It is located along with the other four pervasive developmental disorders (TGD) that currently recognizes the Statistical and Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV edited by the American Psychiatric Associationwhich are Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegration disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified.
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General symptoms
The child with autism (childhood autism) tends to isolate and avoid eye contact with other individuals, has difficulty communicating, either verbally or through body language. He cannot understand the emotions of others (i.e., he lacks empathy), being unable to internalize conventional social cues, such as tones of voice and facial expressions.
Sometimes other symptoms are added to these, such as sleep disorders, seizures, ticsIt is extremely difficult for them to register changes in the environment, and when they do, it causes them enormous distress.
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Delay in language acquisition
This is another of the characteristic symptoms of autism and is largely responsible for the communication problems these children suffer from.
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Inability to intervene in the social game
Due to the difficulty in communication, autistic children are unable to participate in games with other children. In addition, They have a very limited imaginative capacitywhich prevents them from participating in the typical childhood simulation games.
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Compulsive behaviors
It is very common in autistic children the alignment of surrounding objects; He dedicates himself to these tasks with excessive zeal, disinterested in almost everything else.
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Stereotyped and repetitive movements
Added to the constellation of symptoms described are: repetitive fixed movements (rocking, spinning), which sometimes result in self-harm.