Overview
Autism spectrum disorder, often generalized as Autism, is characterized by a difficulty in communicating, interacting with, and relating to others. Appearing in early childhood, autism consists of symptoms like a delay in learning to talk, excessive emphasis on certain behaviors or interests, depression, anxiety, and unusual devotion to routines. Fortunately, early autism screening and counseling can help young children overcome the condition and lead successful lives.
Symptoms
The symptoms of autism will usually appear in children before the age of 3. At a very early age, parents typically notice that their children do not make eye contact and have an odd interest in objects. These parents also notice that their children haven’t started talking yet and behave differently than their peers. Generally, symptoms are divided into problems with social skills, language, and behaviors. Among social skill issues, the child may have:
- poor eye contact,
- tend to prefer isolation to social interaction,
- and resists physical contact.
As far as language problems, the child might have:
- no speech
- delayed speech,
- or lose the capability of speech after acquiring it.
- The child may also have a difficult time conversing with others
- and may not understand simple directions or questions.
Behavior problems include:
- repetitive movements,
- constant motion,
- unusual sensitivity to light and sound,
- and odd food preferences,
To determine whether a child’s symptoms are indicative of autism, it’s wise to consult with an autism therapist for a professional evaluation.
Causes
Genetics play a significant role in autism, with most experts believing autism is a heritable trait. There are probably specific genes responsible for autism in families. It’s also believed that some medical problems or environmental factors could lead to autism. As for the myth that childhood vaccines lead to autism, studies have shown conclusively that this isn’t true.
Treatment
As of right now, there isn’t a cure for autism, but there are a number of different treatment options, such as autism counseling and autism coaching. Depending which symptoms are prominent, you can focus on therapies for behavior, communication, education, or family. It’s also feasible to use medications to treat and control particular symptoms, although unfortunately, no medication can affect the core symptoms of autism.
Prevention
Put simply, there is no way to prevent autism. However, through early treatment and diligence, it’s possible to compensate for the condition and live a nearly normal life. The important thing is to create a treatment strategy with a competent autism counselor. This will provide the best chance of a productive and happy life.
Why Choose New Horizons to Treat Autism?
Open up the lines of communication today. We have licensed autism experts with years of experience. If you suspect your child has autism because of these symptoms, ask for our autism screening. The sooner you get help, the easier it will be. Contact us to get started.
