Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
the definition
It is an evolutionary developmental disorder that affects a number of aspects such as (social interaction, communication, and behaviors)
the date
1911 : Eugen Bleuler first used the term autism to describe the symptoms of schizophrenia.
1920 : The advent of dietary restrictions to treat autism.
1943 : Leo Kanner first described autism as a social and emotional disorder
1944 : Hans Asperger published an article on autism as a communication disorder in children.
1970 : Shock therapy and aversive punishment were the approaches to treating autism in this period.
1970 : Jay Berard developed auditory integration training to treat autism.
1980 : Autism in children is included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) as a special category.
1987 : Autism was expanded into the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) including diagnostic criteria.
1987 : Ivar Lovaas developed an intensive behavioral therapy for children with autism
2013 : Abolishing old terms related to autism spectrum disorder such as (Asperger’s-Rett and other old names) and adopting the term autism spectrum disorders classified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
the reasons
There is no single cause for autism spectrum disorder. There are many different factors that have been identified that may make a child more likely to develop autism spectrum disorder, including environmental, biological and genetic factors.
Although studies and research have shown little about the specific causes, The available evidence indicates what may expose children to a greater risk of developing autism spectrum disorder, which is as follows:
1- Having a sibling with autism spectrum disorder
2- The child must be born to older parents.
3- Suffering from certain genetic or chromosomal conditions, Such as syndrome X (tuberous sclerosis).
4- Suffering from complications during childbirth.
Symptoms
Children with autism spectrum disorder suffer from problems in communication and social interaction. They suffer from specific behaviors and interests, repetitive behaviors, have different ways of learning, For movement or attention.
Communication and social interaction skills:
Social interaction and communication skills pose a challenge for people with autism spectrum disorder. Examples of social communication skills for children with autism spectrum disorder include:
1- He avoids or does not maintain eye contact
2- At the age of (9) months: Doesn’t respond to name
3- At the age of (9) months: Facial expressions such as happiness, sadness, anger, and surprise are not shown
4- At the age of (12) months: The child does not play simple interactive games, like: Clapping to certain songs or doing simple movements to a song with other people.
5- At the age of (12) months: uses few or no gestures, For example: He does not wave his hands (bye-bye) to indicate goodbye
6- At the age of (15) months: Does not share interests with others, For example: To show others or show them something he likes
7- At the age of (18) months: Doesn’t point to interesting things with his finger.
8- At the age of (24) months: Doesn’t notice when others are hurt or upset
9- At the age of (36) months: He does not notice other children and does not join them in playing
10- At the age of (48) months: Doesn’t have pretend play (doesn’t pretend to be something else) such as: Role-play or role-play a teacher or superhero while playing
11- At the age of (60) months: He does not react by singing and dancing when hearing music
Narrow (restricted/limited) or repetitive behaviors or interests:
1- Arrange the games in a straight line next to each other and feel uncomfortable when asked to change the system .
2- The encounter: That is, repeating words or phrases over and over again.
3- Playing games the same way every time in a non-functional way.
4- Focus on parts of things, like: Focus on the car’s wheels and their rotation.
5- Discomfort from simple changes.
6- Obsessive interests.
7- Follow a specific routine.
8- Hand flapping, and swaying the body, Or rotate around itself.
9- Strange and unusual reactions to things, such as: Its smell – its taste – its texture.
Other features and characteristics:
1- Delayed language skills.
2- Late motor skills.
3- Delayed cognitive or educational skills.
4- Impulsive behavior.
5- Epileptic disorder or seizures.
6- Disturbances in eating and sleeping.
7- Digestive system problems such as: Constipation.
8- Unusual mood or emotional reactions.
9- Anxiety or stress.
10- Not being afraid or more afraid than expected
treatment
There are many interventions available for people with autism spectrum disorder, which can be divided into the following categories:
1- Behavioral intervention.
2- Developmental (evolutionary) intervention.
3- Educational intervention.
4- Intervention through social relationships.
5- Pharmacological intervention.
6- Psychological intervention.
7- Alternative interventions.
Behavioral interventions or behavioral approach:
It focuses on changing behaviors by understanding what happens before and after the behavior.
Behavioral intervention or behavioral approaches are considered evidence-based. It is considered the most effective and beneficial for treating and alleviating the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder.
Behavioral therapy applied with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder is called applied behavior analysis (ABA).
Developmental (evolutionary) interventions:
Developmental (evolutionary) approaches focus on improving specific developmental skills, Such as linguistic skills or physical skills, including:
1- Speech and language therapy:
Speech and language therapy is most common for people diagnosed with autism. Speech and language therapy helps improve a person’s understanding and use of language and speech. Where some people with autism spectrum disorder have verbal communication, While others may communicate through the use of signs, gestures, pictures, or an iPad.
2- Occupational therapy:
It trains the person in skills that help him live independently As much as possible, Skills may include: Dressing, eating, bathing, and other self-care skills.
3- Sensory integration interventions:
Helps improve responses to sensory input that may be restricted.
4-Physiotherapy:
Helps improve physical skills, like: Fine movements of the fingers or larger movements of the trunk and body.
5- Early Intervention Denver Model (ESDM):
It is a developmental approach based on the principles of applied behavior analysis that has been used with children aged 12-48 months.
The Denver Model uses play, social engagement, and joint attention in natural settings to improve language, social, and learning skills.
Educational/pedagogical interventions:
Educational interventions are delivered in a classroom setting, One of the types of educational methods: Treatment and education of children with autism spectrum disorder and people with disabilities who are unable to communicate (TEACCH)
(TEACCH) is one of the educational curricula that contributes to the treatment and education of children with autism spectrum disorder and people with disabilities who are unable to communicate.
TEACCH is based on the idea that people with autism spectrum disorder develop through visual learning.
Teachers at TEACCH provide ways to modify the classroom and improve academic outcomes. For example: Daily routines can be written or drawn for children and set routines In front of them so they can see it.
Intervention through social relations:
Social relationships interventions focus on improving social skills and building emotional connections.
like: presenting social stories, Providing groups with other children to train and improve social skills.
Intervention through drug treatments:
There are no medications that treat the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. Medications may help relieve and treat associated symptoms, which can help people with autism spectrum disorder perform their functions and skills better.
Medications can also help manage associated psychological conditions, like: anxiety or depression, In addition to medical conditions such as: Seizures, sleep problems, stomach problems, or other digestive problems.
Intervention through psychological approaches:
Psychological approaches can help people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder deal with anxiety, Depression and other mental health problems.
Among psychological treatments: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT):
It is one of the psychological methods that focuses on teaching the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Changing the way a person thinks about a situation to change the way he or she reacts to the situation.
Intervention through alternative therapies:
Some families use interventions that do not fall under any of the other therapeutic interventions
Special diets may include, Nutritional supplements such as herbs, chiropractic care, Play therapy with animals: like dolphins or horses, art therapy, Mindfulness or relaxation therapies.
Families and caregivers should always talk to a doctor before starting alternative treatment.