April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day. And while we have heard a lot about the condition, many people are still unaware about the signs, symptoms and the treatment options that are available. We help you understand the basics of autism, the social and behavioral signs to watch out for and the ways you can fight it.

What Is Autism?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental lifelong disability that impairs a person’s social interactions. Signs of autism can be seen during the first three years of a person’s life.

Symptoms Of Autism (In A Social Context)

Autistic people mainly experience three difficulty areas, also known as the ‘triad of impairments’.

1) Impaired Social Communication­

People with autism have difficulty in verbal and non-verbal communication. They struggle to understand facial expressions, different voice tones, jokes and sarcasm. Some may not speak or have limited speech ability.

2) Difficulty With Social Imagination

Social imagination is the ability to draw conclusions, make sense of abstract ideas, predict people’s behavior and imagine situations outside daily routine. People with autism struggle to interpret people’s thoughts, feelings and actions and have a tough time catching up with unfamiliar or new situations.

3) Limited Social Interaction

Inability to understand people’s emotions and difficulty in expressing their own feelings, makes it tough for autistics to fit in society. As they fail to decipher the unwritten social rules, like standing too close to a person, they come across as insensitive. That’s the main reason why they prefer spending time alone.

Symptoms Of Autism (In An Individual Context)

1) Love For Routines

The world is a very confusing and unpredictable place for people with autism. They love to follow routines. They won’t mind traveling on a fixed route, tying the lace of a particular foot first or having the same food for breakfast every day.

2) Special Interests

Autistics have intense special interests. They love to keep a hobby and have special interests in computers, arts, music and science.

3) Learning Disabilities

People with autism might have learning disabilities such as dyslexia, which affects their literacy and language skills, and dyspraxia, immaturity in the way the brain processes information. Some may even develop attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

4) Sensory Sensitivity

Autistics have senses that are intensified (hypersensitive), or are under-sensitive (hypo-sensitive). Those who are hypersensitive may find certain sounds loud and distracting. Hypo-sensitive individuals may not feel pain or fluctuations in temperature.

Is There A Cure For Autism?

While there is no cure for autism, certain approaches could help people deal with the various difficulties in a better manner. No two people with autism are the same. What may have worked for you may not work for another.

Treatment For Autism

1. Counseling

People with autism are more vulnerable to depression and anxiety. A counselor using cognitive and behavioral techniques can help them immensely in dealing with the problems.

2. Developmental & Behavioral Interventions

Developmental interventions involve therapy to teach individuals how to interact, build engagement, communication, logical reasoning and symbolic thinking. Behavioral interventions help people develop appropriate behavior such as getting dressed and discourages unacceptable behavior like aggression or self-harm.

3. Omega-3 Supplementation

Clinical studies have shown that oral supplementation with essential fatty acids may prove beneficial in treating autism. (1,2)

4) Melatonin Supplementation

A pilot study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that melatonin helped children with autism sleep better.(3)



Read More:

Science Says: New Autism-Causing Genetic Variant Identified

Science Says: Age-Specific Brain Changes Discovered In Autism

Science Says: Link Between Autism Genes & Higher Intelligence Found

Healthy Recipes For Children With Autism



References:

1. Sliwinski S, Croonenberghs J, Christophe A, et al. Polyunsaturated fatty acids: do they have a role in the pathophysiology of autism? Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2006;27:465.

2. Vancassel S, Durand G, Barthelemy C, et al. Plasma fatty acid levels in autistic children. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2001;65:1.

3. Malow B, Adkins KW, McGrew SG, Wang L, Goldman SE, Fawkes D, Burnette C. Melatonin for sleep in children with autism: a controlled trial examining dose, tolerability, and outcomes. J Autism Dev Disord. 2012 Aug;42(8):1729-37; author reply 1738. doi: 10.1007/s10803-011-1418-3. PubMed PMID: 22160300; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3368078.