Autism is a neurological disorder that affects development and impacts a person’s behavior, communication, social skills, and learning abilities. It can affect anyone, irrespective of race, ethnicity, culture, or economic background. The condition is also called autism spectrum disorder (ASD) because it leads to a wide range of symptoms with varying severity levels. This post discusses a few crucial aspects of autism, such as its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Causes
A combination of genetic and environmental factors may lead to the development of autism:

Genetics
Several genetic mutations can trigger the onset of this disorder. It is sometimes also associated with genetic conditions like Down syndrome and Fragile X syndrome.

Environmental factors
Exposure to environmental toxins and heavy metals may trigger autism.

Studies have also shown that if a woman develops viral infections during pregnancy, it increases the risk of autism in the child.

Signs and symptoms
Children usually display the signs before the age of two. Here are the symptoms of this disorder:

Repetitive behaviors
Autism may cause the affected individual to repeat specific movements or motions. These include flapping the hands, twisting the body, rocking, or spinning. Patients also seem to have problems with coordination and may have stiff bodies.

Difficulty with social interactions
A child or adult with autism may not respond to nonverbal cues like smiles or body postures. They are also unlikely to start a conversation. Some may show aggressive or passive behavior during social interaction.

Difficulty in communication
Individuals with autism may fail to hear or respond to their names. They lack facial expression, avoid eye contact, and prefer to be alone. Delayed speech or losing previously acquired skills, such as speaking words or sentences, are other symptoms of autism.

Treatment and management
Many treatments help affected individuals acquire new skills and overcome developmental challenges. These do not cure autism but improve the patient’s functioning in day-to-day life. Here are a few examples:

Behavioral therapy
Behavioral therapy helps improve unusual behaviors. In this therapy, a child with autism learns positive manners while reducing unwanted conduct. A reward-based motivation system is followed so that positive behaviors are reinforced. Healthcare experts also follow Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques to help patients improve their abnormal behaviors.

Occupational therapy
Through this therapy, children acquire life skills that help them live independently. Eating, grooming, and dressing are some activities they learn for daily living.

Speech therapy
Speech therapy can help those who struggle with communication talk more clearly. It may also teach nonverbal cues, such as making eye contact.

Social skills training
Through social skills training, children learn how to engage with others. They learn basic social abilities, such as maintaining conversations, understanding humor, and more.

Sensory integration therapy
Autism can affect sensory input, such as bright lights, certain sounds, or smells. Sensory integration therapy is a way to deal with the perception of sensory information.

Although autism is a lifelong condition, early intervention can help reduce the symptoms’ severity. However, affected individuals may need a long-term treatment plan for a better prognosis as they age.