Autism is a brain disorder that limits a person's ability to communicate and understand other people. For the first time it manifests itself in childhood, can be either light or heavy. According to statistics, the autism spectrum disorder (RAS) affects one child out of 68, with almost five times more common in boys than in girls.

Signs of Autism Signs of autism can occur at the age of up to three years. Some children develop normally until 18-24 months, and then the skills are lost. Signs of the PAC may include:.

- Repeated movements (swinging or rotating);.

- attempts to avoid contact with the eyes or physical touch;.

- Delays in the development of speech;.

- repetitive words or phrases (echolalia).

It is important to note that these symptoms can occur in children without RAS.

As in time to notice: the first year Even very young children are very sociable, so you can find signs of autism in how the kids interact with the world around them. At this age, a child with a RAS can:.

- do not react to the mother's voice;.

- do not respond to your name;.

- Do not look people in the eyes;.

- Do not smile or not respond to social signals from others;.

Infants who do not have autism can also have this behavior, but it's best to see a doctor immediately with any problems.

How to notice in time: the second year Signs of autism are more noticeable during the second year of the child. While other children form their first words and indicate what they want, the child with autism remains detached. Signs of autism include:.

No words for 16 months;.

- There are no pretending games at the age of 18 months;.

- there are no two-word phrases for two years;.

- Lack of language skills;.

- there is no interest when adults indicate objects, such as an airplane flying overhead.

Other signs and symptoms People with autism can sometimes have physical symptoms, including digestive problems, such as constipation and sleeping problems. Children may have poor alignment of the large muscles used for running and crawling, or smaller arm muscles. About a third of people with autism also have seizures.

How does autism affect the brain?.

Autism affects parts of the brain that control emotions, communication and body movements. Some children with RAS have unusually large heads, which may be due to problems with the growth of the brain. Abnormal genes transmitted through the family were associated with poor functions in some parts of the brain. Researchers hope to find a way to diagnose autism by scanning the brain.

Early Screening for Autism.

Many children are not diagnosed with an autism disorder before they start visiting a kindergarten, or even a school, and they may not get the help they need in the early years. That's why doctors recommend screening for all children at the age of nine months in the event of delays in basic skills. Special PAS checks are needed at 18 and 24 months, and also if the child has signs of anxiety or a family history of autism.

Diagnosis of autism Speech problems With regular examinations, the doctor checks how the child reacts to voice, smile or other expressions. Did he coo or talk? In this case, the doctor will recommend consulting a speech therapist. In addition, a hearing test may also be required. Most children with autism will eventually speak, but they do it later than others. Communication can be particularly tough.

Bad social skills The problem associated with other people is an important marker of the autism spectrum disorder. A psychologist with special education can identify social problems as soon as possible. Children can avoid looking at people's eyes, even their parents. They can focus on the object, ignoring others for a long time. They may not use gestures, body postures or facial expressions to communicate.

Autism Test There are no medical tests for autism, but exams can be useful to exclude hearing loss, speech problems, lead poisoning or developmental problems not related to autism. Parents may need to answer a list of questions, called a screening tool, to assess the child's behavior and communication skills. Beginning of treatment up to three years can significantly improve the development of the child.

Treatment of Autism Behavioral Therapy Behavioral therapy is widely used to help children with RAS learn to speak and communicate, develop physically and communicate more effectively with others. Step by step, these intensive programs, called applied behavioral analysis (PAP), encourage positive action and prevent negative behavior. Another approach, called Floortime ("Time to Work"), works on emotions and social skills. The TEACCH program uses image maps and other visual signals.

Education Schools should develop an individualized training program (IPO) for each child. Children with autism may qualify for early intervention or extended school year services. If you are concerned about your child, be his lawyer and ask the school to develop an IPO.

Medicines There is no treatment for autism, but medicine can help with certain symptoms. Antipsychotic medications may be prescribed for serious behavioral problems. If seizures are a problem, an anticonvulsant drug can help. Sometimes prescribe medications that treat depression. Follow closely the reaction of the child to prescribed medications.

Sensory Treatment Children with autism can be extremely sensitive to sounds, touch, taste, looks or smells. For example, they may be upset by bright flashing lights or a school bell. If the child is helped to adapt to different sensations, this results in fewer autistic manners and better behavior.

Autism and assistive technology Even non-verbal children can talk to new devices designed to convert images or text into spoken words. This technology includes handheld devices and "applications" for smartphones or computer tablets.

Autism and diet Digestive problems are common in children with autism, and about 30% of them may eat non-food items such as dirt or paper. Some parents try a gluten-free diet (in wheat) and casein (milk protein). Other dietary changes are also often used, including B6 and magnesium. There is still insufficient evidence that any diet plan works. The doctor must supervise the test diet to ensure good nutrition.

Unconventional ways of treating the Internet are full of unusual procedures for autism offered to desperate parents. To find out if this treatment is safe, first contact your doctor.

What causes autism?.

Scientists do not know the exact cause of autism, but, genes probably play a role. Studies are underway to understand whether environmental chemicals or infections can be to blame before birth.

Vaccines do not cause autism Between vaccines and autism, no connection has been found, despite many scientific studies. The researchers carefully studied the vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella (CCP), as the British report of 1998 raised concerns. Later, the journal published a refutation. Thimerosol, a form of mercury, was removed from childhood vaccines in 2001 as a precautionary measure - although no evidence that it causes autism has ever been found.

Autism among siblings People who have one child with autism have a 19 percent chance that another child will also get it, according to one study. If two children have autism, the risk is even higher for the third child. A study of twins showed that when one twin has autism, there is a probability of 31% that he will show up and a second baby, especially if it's boys.

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