A Family Doctor's Tale - AUTISM

DOC I HAVE AUTISM
Autism is defined as a group of the developmental disorder of childhood with pervasive lack of responsiveness to other people.


There is
1.gross deficit of language development
2.bizarre and lack of response to meaningful interaction

There may be hereditary predisposition.
The illness is more prevalent in boys than in girls
No specific neurological abnormalities may be present.

Symptoms of autism:
There is gross sustained impairment in social relationships or motor skills while general knowledge, reading or vocabulary skills are well above normal for child's age
1.lack of affective response to other
a.avoid touch
b.do not smile in response to another's smile
c.poor or inappropriate eye contact
d.do not imitate complex actions like clapping
e.do not participate in early social games like hide and seek
f.prefer to play alone
g.unable to join in imaginary games or play
h.uncooperative in classroom activities
i.lack of interest in others

2.resistance to change in environment
a.cannot cope with sudden changes
b.inappropriate clinging
c.repetitions of actions with toys or objects
d.repetitive behavior or movements
e.Abnormal motor movements -posturing, rhythmic rocking, hyperactivity
f.problems with imaginative play or creativity
g.unusual focus on certain parts of objection (example air conditioner)
h.difficulty in self control especially in open spaces

3.abnormalities of speech
a.difficulty in understanding simple commands
b.delayed or unusual expression of language
c.limited use of speech for communication
d.difficulty in understanding gestures or using gestures

4.Over or under sensitivity to certain stimulation:
a.sudden excessive anxiety
b.fear of unknown
c.very sensitive to loud sounds
d.difficulty in standing close to other or in a line
e.smell inappropriate areas of body such an adult hair
f.unusual response to pain or high threshold of pain
g.Poor concentration

5.Other problems
a.Insomnia or poor sleep
b.self mutilation

Diagnosis:
1.loss of language or social skills
2.no babbling, pointing,or other gestures at 12 months
3.no meaningful word by 18 months
4.no spontaneous 2 word phrase by 24 months

A full evaluation of the child is done
1.neurological assessment
2.psychological assessment

Treatment of autism:
There is no medication to cure autism although medications may be helpful with anxieties, hyperactivity and aggressive behavior.

The best way to treat autism is by intervention using:
1.counseling
2.psychotherapy
3.family support
4.Behavior modifications
5.psychosocial intervention
6.remedial education
7.healthy lifestyle

Prognosis
1.chance of normal adaptation poor
2.symptoms reduce with age
3.some children may be able to attend school