AUTISM; BASIC THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

INTRODUCTION TO THE WORLD OF AUTISM

While it is true that ASD is not something a person simply “grows out of,” there are many treatments that can help children acquire new skills and overcome a wide variety of developmental challenges. From free government services to in-home behavioral therapy and school-based programs, assistance is available to meet your child’s special needs and help them learn, grow, and thrive in life. 

The issue isn't the availability of help but that , how much do we know already with regard to autism? There is still much ground to be covered interms of creating an awareness of the subject matter-Autism, particularly in sub-Sahara Africa.

Many that have children on the spectrum are unaware and the few that have an iota of knowledge as to what and how they can best go about handling the situation do not realy know how best to help their children.

This post is to help in a small way to help five that little idea as to what autism is and what it is not amd try to point attention to what some experts have to say on this with hope also to  help parents and the public be able to live with  children on the ASD.

BASIC QUESTIONS ON THE SUBJECT MATTER;

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder is a difference in the way a person's brain develops. People with ASD are born with it and their problems usually begin in the first couple of years of life. They may have trouble with communicating and relating to others.

What's it Like to Have Autism Spectrum Disorder?

ASD affects different people in different ways. Some people can't speak or learn. Their behavior may seem strange; they may avoid other people; they may pace and move their bodies in unusual ways, like flapping their hands. They may repeat lines from TV shows or movies.

People with less severe ASD are able to talk and learn. But they may have trouble:

• expressing feelings. They may seem cold and distant.
• understanding the feelings of others. They may ignore or misunderstand how other people might feel or behave in a situation.
• reading social cues. They might not understand body language or facial expression; they stand too close; they ignore signs of boredom or frustration.
• handling sensory information. Loud noises, bright lights, or crowds may bother them.
• handling a new routine. It might be hard for them to sit in a different seat or having a substitute teacher.

Some might get get super-focused on a single topic or hobby, some of which may be unusual (apple varieties, World War I,animal watch, calculating figures  or music).

What Causes Autism Spectrum Disorder?

No one knows exactly what causes ASD. It probably has something to do with DNA — the genes passed down from your parents — and other things, like infections or toxins that change the way the brain develops. Problems during pregnancy and around the time of birth raise the chance of getting autism.

Vaccines do not cause autism

The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), commonly known as autism is a disability in development that affects how a person communicates and relates to people around them. Children and adults with autism have difficulties with social interaction of everyday life.

Research in the past several years has shown that children can outgrow a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), once considered a lifelong condition. In a new study, researchers have found that the vast majority of such children still have difficulties that require therapeutic and educational support - Source:

Albert Einstein College of Medicine

https://www.sciencedaily.com/

Is Aitism a Disability?

Answer: No, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) isn't a learning disability. But it does affect learning—sometimes in ways like learning disabilities. And kids who have autism are often eligible for special education services. Bob Cunningham, EdM

Visible Signs to watch for;

Common signs of autism

• Avoiding eye contact.
• Delayed speech and communication skills.
• Reliance on rules and routines.
• Being upset by relatively minor changes.
• Unexpected reactions to sounds, tastes, sights, touch and smells.
• Difficulty understanding other people's emotions.

Symptoms can be severe and interfere with everyday tasks, or they can be mild and cause only a few problems. Experts call this range of symptoms a "spectrum." Asperger syndrome and pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) are conditions that fall within the autism spectrum.

Signs of autism may include:

• trouble interacting, playing with, or relating to others
• little or brief eye contact with others
• unusual or repetitive movements, such as hand flapping, spinning, or tapping
• delays in developmental milestones or loss of already-achieved milestones
• difficulties learning in school
• playing with toys in ways that seem odd or repetitive
• low muscle tone, clumsiness, and poor spatial awareness

Although there's no cure for autism, early intervention and therapy can help kids develop skills and achieve their potential. Therapy is tailored to each child's individual needs and may include behavioral, educational, speech, and occupational therapies-

: Mary L. Gavin, MD

Answer:

Is it a learning disability?

No,  (ASD) isn’t a learning disability. But it does affect learning—sometimes in ways like learning disabilities. And kids who have autism are often eligible for  services.

Special education law covers 13 types of disabilities, including a category known as  (SLD). Autism is another category.

Kids who have an SLD have challenges in certain academic skills. Reading, writing, and math are the main ones. Autism may cause challenges in those areas, too. However, it also has a broader impact on how kids develop.

It affects communication and can cause trouble with social skills. It also tends to involve sensory processing issues, repeated movements, and limited interests.

Teachers and doctors know a lot about how to help with autism and with learning disabilities. But the strategies can be very different. Some supports that are great for kids with learning disabilities may not work for kids with autism—and vice versa. Autism and learning disabilities can co-occur, too.

See two grade-schoolers explain what autism and dyslexia feel like in this video from Not Your Mum.

Diagnosis;; Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be difficult because there is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorder. Doctors look at the child's developmental history and behavior to make a diagnosis. ASD can sometimes be detected at 18 months or younger. ... Getting upset by minor changes in routine.

Doctors check babies and little kids for signs of autism at each checkup visit. A parent may think that something is wrong and tell the doctor. Maybe the child is old enough to speak but doesn't. Or a kid doesn't seem interested in people or plays in unusual ways.

If the doctor suspects autism, a team of experts (which may include doctors, a psychologist, speech therapist, occupational therapist, and a special education teacher) will evaluate a child.

Difference betweennaitism and asperger 

autism concerns cognitive ability. While some individuals with autism have intellectual disabilities, by definition, a person with Asperger's Disorder cannot have a “clinically significant” cognitive delay, and most possess average to above-average intelligence.

How Is Autism Spectrum Disorder Treated?

There is no cure for autism, but treatment can make a big difference. The sooner treatment starts, the better. With therapy, people with autism learn language, improve in school, and build social skills. Many kids with ASD are in special education classes or get special education services.

A treatment program might include:

• speech therapy to help with talking and language skills
• occupational therapy to help with everyday tasks, like dressing and playing
• behavioral therapy to help improve behavior
• social skills training to help with relating to others
• special education to help learning
• medicine to help with things like sleep, paying attention, and hyperactivity

When you’re looking after a child with ASD, it’s also important to take care of yourself. Being emotionally strong allows you to be the best parent you can be to your child in need. These parenting tips can help by making life with an autistic child easier.

What An Expert Has to Say ;

When your child has autism

Learn about autism. The more you know about autism spectrum disorder, the better equipped you’ll be to make informed decisions for your child. Educate yourself about the treatment options, ask questions, and participate in all treatment decisions.

Become an expert on your child. Figure out what triggers your kid’s challenging or disruptive behaviors and what elicits a positive response. What does your child find stressful or frightening? Calming? Uncomfortable? Enjoyable? If you understand what affects your child, you’ll be better at troubleshooting problems and preventing or modifying situations that cause difficulties.

Accept your child, quirks and all. Rather than focusing on how your autistic child is different from other children and what he or she is “missing,” practice acceptance. Enjoy your kid’s special quirks, celebrate small successes, and stop comparing your child to others. Feeling unconditionally loved and accepted will help your child more than anything else.

Don’t give up. It’s impossible to predict the course of autism spectrum disorder. Don’t jump to conclusions about what life is going to be like for your child. Like everyone else, people with autism have an entire lifetime to grow and develop their abilities.

Helping your child with autism thrive tip 1: Provide structure and safety

1. Be consistent. ...
2. Stick to a schedule. ...
3. Reward good behavior. ...
4. Create a home safety zone. ...
5. Look for nonverbal cues. ...
6. Figure out the motivation behind the tantrum. ...
7. Make time for fun. ...
8. Pay attention to your child's sensory sensitivities.
9. 
   

WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM PARENTS HAVING CHILDREN ON ASD;

1. No matter how exhausted you are, get your child out in the 
2. community. It was a struggle with us with Justin (I have the tiny little bitemarks on my body to prove it) but getting him out so he could have a repertoire of leisure activities was crucial to his happiness and to our family’s. It set him up for a lifetime of being able to try different things, which will set him in good stead when I’m no longer here to take him places. Yes, I’m always planning.
3. If you haven’t already done so, join a parent group and/or your school district’s special education PTA. You will make invaluable connections at both. Try to find parents of kids with your kid’s level of autism as you’re making friends. 
4. These people will be a wealth of information for you and a lifeline.
5. If you can afford it, hire an advocate to check out your child’s school program. A fresh set of eyes may see areas that need to improve, or may reassure you that they are doing all they can for your son or daughter. 
6. If possible, volunteer at school functions or offer to be a class mom. This is a great way to get to know your child’s teacher and your school’s administrators better. You may also make friends with other parents too.
7. No matter how difficult your child can be, take any offer of babysitting you can and get out. You need a night off from autism once in a while. Even if it’s for a few hours, a break will help.
8. Now that your child’s program is set tackle the big issues one at a time- perhaps it’s sleeping, or eating, or potty training. 
9. Educate your friends and family as to what’s going on in your household. Perhaps you’ve been too tired up to this point to talk to people not in the “tribe” about what raising an autistic child is really like. It’s time to tell them and ask for the support you need, even if it’s just an ear to listen. My husband and I kept too much to ourselves, and if I could go back in time I’d be more open with everyone in our lives.
10. Make those doctor appointments for yourself that you’ve been putting off. Just do it.
11. Get involved in an autism walk in your community. It is so powerful to meet so many families like (and unlike) yours. It will give you strength.
12. I can’t stress this one enough- take care of yourself, not just your kid. Autism is a marathon, not a sprint. You owe it to yourself and your child to be whole, healthy, and happy. Do whatever it takes to get there.

(Attend conferences on the subject matter. In Nogeria a bank sponsor a wide range of experts yearly in a conference and also help to give clinical assistance where need be for diagnosis and referrals).

( Kimberlee Rutan McCafferty, mother to two sons on the autism spectrum and an Autism Family Partner at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Kim is also the author of a blog about her two children with autism), at ( see reference)

References ;

 autismmommytherapist.wordpress.com

Autism Spectrum Disorder

 Diane E. Treadwell-Deering, MD in 

https://kidshealth.org/

Albert Einstein College of Medicine

https://www.sciencedaily.com/

 Bob Cunningham, EdM is autism a disability? ( https://www.understood.org/)

https://www.helpguide.org/

 Mary L. Gavin, MD- https://kidshealth.org/