Learn About the Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Methods for Autism

Learn About the Causes, Symptoms, and

Treatment Methods for Autism

If you are a parent raising a child, you may already know about

a condition called autism spectrum disorder, since it is often

discussed in movies, dramas, and other media.

If you are particularly sensitive, you may worry that your child

might be autistic if they repeat words a little, cannot keep their

gaze fixed, or have trouble focusing.

Today, we will look at what causes autism, along with its

symptoms and ways to treat them.

Autism spectrum disorder is generally one of the neurodevelopmental

disorders that appear within the first 3 years after birth, and it

mainly shows symptoms such as social isolation, intellectual

disability, language deficits, and behavioral disorders.

According to various studies, autism is known to be related to

a failure in the normal development of neural connections in the

cerebral cortex, where neurons are the nerve cells that make up

this area.

In other words, because the neural circuits in the cerebral cortex

are underdeveloped, important connections between cortical areas

become insufficient, leading to symptoms such as language or

behavioral deficits.

Early signs that may raise suspicion of autism include not

babbling, pointing, or speaking by 12 months, or not speaking

a single word by 16 months.

In addition, by 24 months, a child may not combine two words,

and at any age there may be a regression in language and social

skills that were previously functioning well.

However, seeing some of these signs does not necessarily mean

that a child has autism spectrum disorder, so continued

observation is important.

If a child has autism spectrum disorder, symptoms such as deficits

in socio-emotional reciprocity, restricted and repetitive patterns

of behavior, and cognitive deficits may appear.

First, at 2 to 3 months, they may not show a social smile, and in

early childhood they may not ask to be held and may not respond

when their name is called.

They may also show repetitive use of objects, such as finger

flicking or twisting, spinning wheels, lining up toys, and repetitive

language use, including the use of their own characteristic phrases.

In addition, in cases of autism spectrum disorder, about 70 to

75% also have intellectual disability and tend to have lower verbal

intelligence.

Developmental testing for autistic traits is possible after 18 to

24 months after birth, but if the child is too young or the symptoms

are mild, diagnosis may be difficult.

If a child shows symptoms or signs suggesting autism spectrum

disorder, it is important to continue observing them and receive

medical evaluation and counseling.

For the treatment of autism spectrum disorder, behavioral therapy

may be used to improve social communication, and speech therapy

may be provided to improve language development and communication

skills.

In addition, occupational therapy may be used to learn daily living

skills and improve physical function, and medication may be used

to relieve symptoms. It is important to continue receiving the

appropriate treatment according to each individual’s situation.

Today, we looked at what causes autism, the symptoms that may be

associated with it, and how to treat those symptoms. I hope this

was helpful.