Autism

Signs of autism usually appear by age 2 or 3. Some associated developmental delays can appear even earlier, and often, they can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. These include:

Symptoms in Children

Usually, a child with autism will present with several indicators that include:

Behavioral Symptoms

• Inexplicable tantrums
• Unusual interests or attachments
• Uncommon movements such as flapping hands or spinning
• Extreme difficulty coping with any kind of change

Sensory Symptoms

• Being scared of certain sounds
• Not looking directly at an object or person
• Fascinated with moving objects
• High tolerance towards temperature and pain

Communicational Symptoms

• Not responding to their name by 12 months
• Not giving any reactions by 12 months

Know the 5 early symptoms of autism in children. Read This

Symptoms in Adults

People with autism have difficulty with social communication and interaction, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. The symptoms include:

Behavioral or Interactive Symptoms

• Avoiding eye contact
• Infrequently sharing interest, emotion, or enjoyment of objects or activities
• Not responding or being slow to respond to one’s name or to other verbal bids for attention
• Difficulty in keeping up with conversations
• Often talking at length about a favorite subject without noticing that others are not interested or without giving others a chance to respond
• Displaying varied facial expressions, movements, and gestures
• Having an unusual tone of voice that may sound sing-song or flat and robot-like
• Difficulty in understanding another person’s point of view
• Unable to predict or understand other people’s actions
• Difficulties adjusting behaviors to social situations
• Difficulties sharing in imaginative play or in making friends

Restrictive or Repetitive Symptoms

• Repeating certain behaviors or having unusual behaviors
• Having a lasting intense interest in specific topics, such as numbers, details, or facts
• Overly focused interest in moving objects or parts of objects
• Becoming upset by slight changes in a routine
• Being more sensitive towards light, sound, clothing, or temperature
• Experiencing sleep problems and irritability

Note: People with autism may also have many strengths, such as the ability to learn things in detail, being strong visual and auditory learners, and excelling in math, science, music, or arts. Read about 7 things about autism that you may not know about. Click Here

Autism is a complex disorder with no exact cause; however, it can develop from a combination of genetic and non-genetic (environmental) influences. These influences appear to increase the risk that a child will develop autism.

The fact that symptoms and severity vary from person to person and the complexity of this disorder indicates that both genetics and environment may play a major role.

Genetic Risk Factors

• Genetic mutation: Most individuals with autism have rare gene mutations that occur in only a single gene.
• Heritability: The recurrence risk of pervasive developmental disorder in siblings of children with autism is 2% to 8%.

Environmental Risk Factors

• Paternal age: Studies suggest that advanced paternal age is associated with an increased risk of autism, which in turn is linked to gene mutations that occur with advancing age.
• Environmental chemicals: Several environmental agents have been identified as strong contributors to learning and developmental disabilities in humans. These include:
  • Arsenic
  • Lead
  • Manganese
  • Mercury
  • Pesticides
  • Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)
  • Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
  • Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
  • Solvents
• Drugs: Exposure to pharmacological agents, particularly during pregnancy, represents a significant environmental concern regarding the risk of autism. These include:
  • Valproic acid (VPA)
  • Thalidomide
  • Misoprostol
  • Beta 2 adrenergic agonist drugs
  • Antipyretics
• Dietary factors: Diet-influenced factors are potential environmental risk factors for autism that have been largely overlooked until recently. These include deficiencies of the following:
  • Vitamin D: Some studies have found that mothers of autistic children have reduced serum vitamin D levels compared to those with non-autistic children.
  • Folic acid: Folate availability has been suggested as a possible factor in the risk of autism due to its role in affecting neurodevelopment.
• Infections: The idea that maternal and/or early infant infections could influence neurodevelopment and contribute to adverse outcomes.
• Assisted reproductive technologies (ART): Children conceived using ART are more likely to be diagnosed with autism than those conceived naturally.
• Pregnancy-related factors: Certain prenatal factors that aid in the development of autism include:
  • Maternal asthma
  • Allergic conditions
  • Maternal toxemia or bleeding
  • Prenatal stressors
  • Beginning of prenatal care
  • Urbanization of birthplace
  • Pregnancy and birth complications such as extreme prematurity, low birth weight, and multiple pregnancies
  • Pregnancies spaced with less than a one-year gap

Understand week-by-week symptoms related to pregnancy.

Evaluation of autism begins with a screening of the general pediatric population to identify children at risk or demonstrating signs suggestive of autism, after which a thorough diagnostic evaluation needs to be conducted.

A parent interview, collection of any outside informant observations, and direct clinician observation of the child’s current cognitive, language, and adaptive functioning by a clinician experienced with autism should be components of this comprehensive assessment. Further, the diagnostic evaluation includes:

• Complete physical examination
• Assessment for dysmorphic features: Dysmorphology is the study of the atypical development of physical features, which include birth defects such as the presence or absence of ear pits.
• Full neurologic examination with head circumference: Individuals with autism often show a high level of anxiety and are frequently affected by comorbidities that influence their quality of life. Studies demonstrate that children with autism often exhibit an atypical trajectory of head circumference (HC) growth, which may indicate vulnerability to autism.
• Wood’s lamp examination of the skin: This test is often used to diagnose specific skin and hair disorders.

Genetic testing is also recommended. Currently, no clear biomarkers or diagnostic measures exist for autism, and the diagnosis is made based on the fulfillment of descriptive criteria. Given a relatively high yield in patients with autism, clinical genetic testing can provide information regarding necessary medical interventions or work and assist with family planning.

Note: Children with autism should also be screened for other illnesses or learning disorders. The comprehensive evaluation may include blood tests and hearing tests.

There's no way to prevent autism; however, certain measures taken during pregnancy, along with early detection and screening, can significantly reduce its impact. These include:

• Get genetic testing done: Genes represent the baseline susceptibility, leading to physiological changes that can overcome an individual’s resilience and adaptation. Manipulating these factors may provide some level of prevention. Find out more about genetic testing and whether the disease runs in your family.
• Beware of congenital hypothyroidism: Maternal hypothyroidism during pregnancy increases the risk of autism. Testing for congenital hypothyroidism during pregnancy can be a game changer.
• Avoid smoking during pregnancy: Studies suggest that maternal smoking during pregnancy correlates with risks for pregnancy and birth complications, as well as long-term effects like asthma and behavioral problems, including autism. Want to quit smoking? Try our exclusive smoking cessation range to get rid of this deadly habit.
• Protect yourself from air pollution: Air and chemical pollution are public health concerns that can affect the development of autism in children whose mothers are exposed to it.
• Avoid high thermal-intensity ultrasound: Studies indicate that the use of modern high thermal-intensity ultrasound in the first trimester of pregnancy increases the risk of autism. Since the critical period covers the first trimester, avoidance or judicious use of ultrasound during this time may decrease the overall risk for autism.
• Eat healthy: Nutritional deficiencies are known risk factors for the development of autism. Ensure adequate intake of Vitamin D and folic acid during pregnancy.
• Add multivitamins to your regime: Taking a multivitamin with folic acid during pregnancy is associated with a reduced risk of autism in children. These supplements can be very beneficial for both the mother and the child.

Explore our widest range of multivitamin supplements to meet all your needs.

The treatment of autism mainly consists of various educational and behavioral treatments. There are two kinds of interventions that have been used for treating autism: focused intervention practices and comprehensive treatments. These include:

• Deep brain stimulation (DBS): DBS has been used to send electrical impulses to specific parts of the brain and provides a therapeutic benefit. Certain studies have demonstrated the efficacy of DBS for psychiatric disorders, including refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, Tourette syndrome, and others in the past few years, showing positive results in individuals with autism.
• Medications: Antidepressants are the most commonly used agents, followed by stimulants and antipsychotics. Antipsychotics have been effective in treating repetitive behaviors in children with autism. Alternative options include opiate antagonists, immunotherapy, hormonal agents, megavitamins, and other dietary supplements.
• Behavioral and psychological therapies: Individuals with autism may be referred to specialists who provide behavioral, psychological, educational, or skill-building interventions. These programs help individuals manage their behavior through highly structured and intensive therapies that involve caregivers, siblings, and other family members.
• Other interventions: While there is no "cure" for autism, several effective interventions can improve a child's functioning. These include:

• Training for social skills: This training is conducted in groups where children with autism learn to navigate social situations.
• Therapy to improve communication: These therapies focus on improving the child's speech patterns and understanding of language.
• Training for parents: Parents are shown effective ways to respond to problematic behavior and encourage appropriate behavior in their child.
• Occupational therapy: This therapy addresses adaptive skills and assists individuals with activities of daily living, as well as handwriting issues.
• Special education services: This includes special day classes for very young children to address language, social, and life skills.

Treating other conditions: Children with autism often experience additional symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, and intellectual disability that need to be addressed. The impact of these conditions can be reduced with appropriate services, psychotherapy, and medical treatment.

Read about how cognitive therapy can benefit individuals with anxiety, which is a common trait among people with autism.

Managing individuals with autism can be tricky as every individual is different with an array of symptoms. The most important part is patience and care. There are certain natural remedies consisting of dietary and sensory tips that have been known to yield good results in managing individuals with autism. These include:

• Avoid gluten: Studies suggest a beneficial effect of the gluten-free diet (GFD) in managing behavioral and intellectual problems associated with autism. A gluten-free diet can also help in improving gut health, especially if the individuals have symptoms of digestive disorder.
• Try deep-pressure techniques: This involves applying deep pressure with the help of an inflatable ball, a cushion, or a pillow, which can help the individual calm down and achieve a relaxed state, as people with autism can have trouble keeping still or being calm.
• Say hello to probiotics: Probiotics are healthy bacteria that can have a very positive impact on autism. Preliminary studies have shown promising results in alleviating some symptoms of autism and mood disorders by directly restoring the gut microbiota.
• Add omega-3 fatty acids to the diet: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids help in the development of brain functions and can have a positive effect on individuals with autism. These include:
  • Fatty fish
  • Fish oil
  • Cod liver oil
  • Flax seeds (Alsi)
  • Chia seeds (Sabze ke beej)
  Note: Consider adding omega-3 supplements if dietary requirements are not met.
• Give importance to sleep: Autism can cause an imbalance of the sleep hormone called melatonin, leading to irritability and underdevelopment of brain functions. Including melatonin in the diet can help in steadying sleep patterns. Good food sources of melatonin include:
  • Corn (Bhutta)
  • Asparagus (Shatavar)
  • Barley (Jau)
• Use weighted blankets: Weighted blankets can improve the quality of sleep by providing a calming effect on the body. Individuals with autism can benefit the most from this as it increases the release of serotonin, a hormone responsible for mood, sleep, and digestion.
• Allow time with electronic tablets: Tablets can assist in the overall education of the individual as they allow learning at their own pace without pressure. Additionally, they can improve motor skills in children with autism.
• Add supplements: Supplements like vitamin D, vitamin C, and magnesium can be very helpful as deficiencies in these nutrients can cause impairments in brain function, changes in behavioral patterns, and poor concentration.
• Include turmeric in your food: Turmeric (Haldi) is a versatile herb with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects on the body. It can significantly improve gut health, potentially alleviating certain symptoms of autism.
• Apply essential oils: Children with autism can benefit from essential oils, which have various positive effects, including boosting mood, promoting mental clarity, and reducing stress. These oils include:
  • Sandalwood
  • Lavender
  • Cedarwood
  • Chamomile
  • Peppermint
  Essential oils are not just good for relaxation.

A range of disorders generally accompany autism. These complications include:

• Gastrointestinal (GI) problems: Children with autism tend to experience more gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea compared to others.
• Epilepsy: This condition commonly develops, with the risk of seizures increasing throughout childhood, peaking during adolescence.
• Malnutrition: Studies indicate that limited food preferences are the most common atypical eating behavior in autism groups, which can lead to decreased nutrition.

Is your child a picky eater? Learn how to provide complete nutrition with healthy eating habits.

Complementary and alternative interventions for autism involve special diets and supplements. Along with this, there are certain therapies and treatments that can help manage the symptoms of individuals with autism. These include:

• Homeopathy: Autism treatment in homeopathy can vary, and there is no standardized recipe for homeopathic remedies for children. However, homeopathic intervention in children with autism shows promise, and integrating homeopathy with conventional measures can enhance outcomes.
• Ayurveda: Treatment of autism with Ayurveda generally focuses on maintaining balance and treating the “dosha,” which includes a daily Ayurvedic massage. Many children have difficulties with changes in routine, and a daily Ayurvedic massage can be soothing for the child.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Traditional Chinese Medicine, along with acupressure and acupuncture, is another approach to treating autism symptoms. Studies indicate that the use of interventional modalities in TCM positively impacts its efficacy.
• Chelation Therapy: This therapy is designed to flush heavy metals from the body. It involves the administration of a chelating substance that binds to heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, which are then excreted in the urine. There is no evidence that metals cause autism or proof that this option is effective.

Autism is a complex disorder that requires utmost accessibility, inclusivity, and support. The care for individuals with autism should be accompanied by actions at community and societal levels. Living with individuals who have autism can be challenging. Here are a few tips for caregivers that can help in managing their needs:

• Minimize any changes in the daily routine. Changes in the daily routine can lead to erratic behavior, as many individuals with autism can become upset by minor alterations. Try to stick to a consistent schedule. In case of illness, having a team of healthcare specialists come to your home can minimize disruption and facilitate necessary treatment.
• Teach patients relaxation techniques. Behavior problems are common in individuals with autism, and calming techniques such as deep pressure massage or wearing weighted clothing may help soothe agitation. Teaching relaxation involves instructing them on how to tighten and relax their muscles, including those in the hands, arms, and legs, in combination with deep breathing to alleviate stress and agitation.
• Manage social anxiety. For individuals with autism, social anxiety can act as a trigger. It can be difficult to discern if a person with autism is experiencing anxiety. Always stay alert to signs that your loved one is not behaving in a way that is typical for them.
• Maintain personal space and boundaries. If you are caring for a child with autism who is sick, bringing in a doctor who may not understand personal boundaries can be a trigger and may unintentionally spread germs. The best way to prevent this is to rely on in-home treatment.
• Supervise gastrointestinal disorders. Gastrointestinal disorders, including chronic diarrhea and constipation, are common in children with autism. Ensure in-home care to eliminate the risk of accidents or uncomfortable situations.
• Be vigilant in case of emergency. Seizure disorders and epilepsy are frequently reported comorbidities in individuals with autism. In-home treatment is often sufficient for someone experiencing a mild seizure, but if symptoms include involuntary stiffening or jerking of muscles, confusion, or loss of consciousness, call an ambulance or visit your doctor immediately.

Tips for Parents

Having a child with autism affects the entire family and can be stressful, time-consuming, and expensive. It is important to pay attention to the physical and emotional health of the whole family. Here are some additional tips that can help:

• Learn everything about autism.
• Establish a consistent schedule and routine.
• Connect with other parents of children who have autism.
• Seek professional help for specific concerns.
• Take time off for yourself and other family members.
• Understand your child's triggers and try to avoid them.
• Always use positive reinforcement to manage any tantrums.

Note: Children with autism often experience changing routines as a significant challenge. One major change in everyone’s life in the past couple of years was the COVID-19 pandemic. Get all your queries answered on COVID-19.