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    Childhood Autism: A Neurodevelopmental Disorder

    By No Comments4 Mins Read

    Caregivers have to become more aware to cope with the symptoms and needs of the child diagnosed with autism. Prioritizing their physical and psychological health to enhance communication and social skills is necessary. It is best to consult the best neurologist in Lahore to discuss the condition of the child and effective treatment options. The treatment allows the child to live a healthier life with better physical and psychological health.

    Childhood Autism and Its Symptoms

    Childhood autism is also known as ASD (autism spectrum disorder). It is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which the child suffers from cognitive impairment and socializing problems. The child engages in repetitive behavior. It affects the psychological health and overall functioning of the child. There is no cure for the disorder; However, therapies and medications can help the patient function adequately and enhance the quality of life. The symptoms of childhood autism are:

    The caregivers can notice that the child does not respond to others and have poor facial expressions.

    • The child does not interact with others and has a delay in speaking.
    • The child gets agitated easily and may respond aggressively to others.
    • The caregivers can notice that the child does not respond to their name.
    • The child repeats words more than three times and does not stop.
    • The child has a sensitivity to light and sound.
    • The child repeats actions and may suffer from poor body coordination.
    • The child engages in self-harming activities.

    Causes of Childhood Autism

    The causes of the condition include:

    • The gene mutation can cause the child to suffer from Rett syndrome or fragile X syndrome, which may lead to autism. Certain genes can cause distortion in neurological development. The defective gene can cause the person to suffer from the symptoms of autism from birth. Male children with a family history of neurological disorders are at a higher risk of suffering from ASD.
    • Exposure to certain drugs and environmental pollutants during the pregnancy can lead to complications, including ASD. Therefore, pregnant women need to prioritize their physical health and avoid exposure to harmful chemicals. Additionally, the mothers should avoid consuming alcohol and illicit drugs during pregnancy as it may affect the physical and psychological health of the child.

    Preventive Measures

    • The parents with a family history of neurological history should get a detailed check-up during pregnancy to avoid complications.
    • The parents should monitor the behavior of the child in the early years to determine the cause of the disease and opt for a treatment proven effective.

    Tests to Diagnose Childhood Autism

    The tests to determine if the child is suffering from ASD are:

    • Family and Patient History: The specialist will ask the caregivers about close blood relatives suffering from neurological disorders. Additionally, the specialist will monitor the body movements to assess the coordination and balance.
    • Psychometric Assessment: The specialist will conduct relevant tests to evaluate social and communication skills. It will help determine the severity of the condition to provide intervention to avoid complications.
    • Genetic Testing: The child will undergo genetic testing to determine if the child is suffering from Rett Syndrome or Fragile X Syndrome, which may have led to ASD.

    Effective Medications

    The medications for treating ASD include:

    • Use of Antipsychotics: The medication helps control the anxiety that causes aggression.
    • Use of Stimulants: The medication is proven effective in managing the hyperactivity of the child.

    Therapies to Treat Childhood Autism

    The therapies aid the child and family members to cope/manage with the symptoms.

    • Behavioral therapy aims to improve the communication skill of the child.
    • Family counseling helps the caregivers understand the mental condition of the child and enables them to behave in a certain way to improve the psychological and physical health of the child.
    • Educational therapy helps the child learn skills and enhance their language and socializing skills.

    Caregivers should visit Dr. Sabir Hussain Bhatti for guidance regarding effective treatment options, allowing the child to function adequately and live a quality life.