Was your child recently diagnosed with autism? Are they exhibiting developmental delays? Are you just curious to know more about autism?
Whatever the scenario, this article addresses some of the important questions you might have about autism.
1. How do I know if my child has autism?
Autism spectrum disorder presents differently in individuals. However the major signs to watch out for are communication difficulties, problems with social interactions, limited interests, and repetitive behavior.
Other symptoms vary in severity, age of appearance, and will differ among each person.
The best way to confirm if your child has autism is to see a specialist who will screen your child and give a proper diagnosis. Pediatric specialists such as a neurologist, child psychologist/psychiatrist, or developmental pediatrician can do further screening for autism-specific behavior.
If you are an adult, you can see a psychologist or psychiatrist for an evaluation and diagnosis.
2. Do vaccines cause autism?
Presently, no research exists in support of an association between autism and vaccines; there is no such link. Commonly, vaccines may cause adverse side-effects such as fever, rashes, and malaise. As of now, the cause of autism is largely unknown; however, there is a genetic risk in some percentage of people.
3. My child is displaying some symptoms of autism but not all. What do I do?
Developmental delays do occur and this is what your child may be passing through. But because the autistic spectrum is so broad, the symptoms are very diverse and only a specialist can give you a proper diagnosis. Take your child to a pediatrician who will rule out developmental delays and give a proper diagnosis.
4. How is autism cured?
Autism can be treated, but not cured. Presently, there is no available treatment that can erase all symptoms of autism. Child psychologists offer a number of services, including behavioral therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to help lessen these symptoms and help your child cope better. Autism cannot be outgrown; however, early diagnosis and treatment can alter the outcome positively.
5. The doctor said my child has Asperger's disorder. What is the difference?
Asperger's disorder is also a problem with a child’s brain development, which is part of the broader category of autism spectrum disorders, to which autism also belongs. This means, it has a lot of similarities with autism, especially in regard to behavioral, social, and emotional attributes. However, there are a few differences between the two, such as:
Conclusion
If your child is diagnosed with autism, it's not the end of the world. Most children with autism can live happy, healthy lives with the right care. If you suspect your child might have autism, please see child specialist for a proper diagnosis.
