Autism, what is it? The name of a nervous or emotional
problem. Is autism a disability or disorders? No, it is neither a disease nor a
hereditary or mental disorders. In English, this problem is called neurodevelopmental
disorders. Autism is generally identified as the child's psychological
complexity. The symptoms of autism start to manifest since childhood,
especially when they are three years of age. People with autism are weak in
social behavior and less able in mutual communication. Mental constraints and
tendency of doing the same tasks repeatedly are seen. A child, affected by this
disease, cannot build social relationships with anybody of the same age or
another. If they are called by name, they do not respond. Many of them prefer
to communicate in nonverbal way. They like to live in themselves. When they
cannot do what they want, they are prone to convulsions. They do not look at
anyone's eyes. They are reluctant to share their accessories with anybody. They
do not smile or laugh looking at anyone and do not respond to caress. Many of
them do not like fondness at all. Generally, autistic children say the same
thing over and over again. Autism has become so widespread in the world that
the United Nations (UN) is celebrating World Autism Awareness Day on April 2
every year.
Autistic:
Autism affected persons are called autistic. Some people
call the autistic children as mentally challenged. Some autistic children
display very special skills sometimes. Autistic children are very
knowledgeable. But like other normal children, their knowledge is not the same
in every field. Some of them have great knowledge on mathematics, some on
science. Some can draw great pictures and some have great memorizing power. And
for this reason, an autistic child may become a great scientist if he gets
proper care and attention.
Many experts think that super-scientists Einstein and Newton
had autism. Many other famous scientists, poets, writers and president had
signs of autism. The reason of mentioning the famous persons is that, maybe the
unnatural baby next to you is autistic. Help him to grow up. He may be a famous
person one day. Even you may be an autistic, because 2-4 persons are affected
by autism in every one thousand people. The number may be more or less in terms
of areas.
Who are affected by Autism?
Children are affected by autism since their birth. Autism
early signs are revealed after three years. Now question may rise, “Only children
are affected by autism? How do the autistic children live when they grow up?”
Actually, the symptoms of autism are expressed in childhood. Autism is cured
when they grow up. Because of autism, many children cannot adapt to the
environment. As a result, many of them face premature death. Many of them grow
up but with abnormality. However, autism turns to a devastating form in
childhood. Most autistics have convulsions and it is expressed if their normal
activity is prevented. Many die due to this convulsions. For this reason, autistic
children should be kept away from the water bodies, roofs of the buildings and
from the fire. They should have a partner during traveling and crossing the
road.
What are the causes of Autism?
Researchers could not find out the exact cause of autism.
They think that, there are genetic, biologic and environmental factors behind autism.
It is generally accepted that, abnormalities in brain structure or function
cause autism. Genes play a major role in the development of autism. Lack of
proper care during pregnancy may cause autism also.
Characteristics of Autistics:
An autistic child may be too much capricious, stubborn and
offensive. He may have unintended intimidation and convulsions. The behaviors
and sensitization of an autistic tend to be much different from others.
Responses to sound, light and touch of an autistic is quite different and
strange. Physically, people cannot differentiate an autistic child from a
common child. Occasionally, autism comes together with numerous physical
obstructions. The brain size of an autistic is larger than normal, but its
effect is still unclear.
The characteristics of autistics vary from one another. The
following are some of the main features:
- Doing the same task repeatedly, doing more if restricted.
- Throwing and breaking the things.
- Being engaged in self-works, no response to anybody's call.
- Without giving response to anybody's call, just mocking up.
- Seeking to stay away or not mixing with everyone.
- Not letting to change own environment, liking to stay in one
place.
- Expressing severe reactions unless getting the expected
things.
- Incomprehensible movements.
- Doing the work until that is done.
Autism Treatment:
What is the best treatment for autism? The first treatment
of an autistic child is to identify his autism. It is not possible to treat
autistic children with any type of medicine. Rather, special education
arrangements have to be made for him. There is no alternative to this education
for his treatment. Through this education, it is possible to make him move
freely. So if the children with autism get opportunity of education, they will
not be a burden for the society but become wealth. Because they are very
talented. To use their talent, special education is needed. For this reason,
children with autism are called the children with special needs or intellectual
needs. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the following
treatments:
- Behavioral training and management.
- Specialized therapies which include speech, occupational,
and physical therapy.
- Using medicines for depression, anxiety, hyperactivity, and
obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
- Community support and parent training.
Autism patients live with many problems. Many people think
that these traits are children's will or mind's imagination. So many people behave
badly with these children. We have to remember that, autism is not a disease. A
little awareness and love can ensure a pleasant life of an autistic.
