Understanding Autism: A Comprehensive Guide to ASD and Homoeopathic Management
Introduction
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way individuals behave, interact, and learn. While the symptoms and severity can vary widely, ASD is characterized by challenges in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive behaviors or interests.
What is Autism?
Autism, now referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental disability caused by differences in brain development. Individuals with ASD may struggle with social interactions, nonverbal and verbal communication, forming relationships, and exhibit repetitive behaviors or intense interests.
Signs and symptoms
The behavioral signs of autism gradually begin after the age of 6 months; noticeable between 1.5 and 3 years of age and tend to continue through adulthood.
The primary symptoms are
1. Inability to relate others and desire for aloneness
- Avoiding eye contact.
- Resistant to being held or touched.
- Lack of response to their name by 9 months
- Limited facial expressions by 9 months
- Not engaging in simple interactive games by 12 months
- Minimal use of gestures like waving goodbye by 12 months
- Difficulty sharing interests with others by 15 months
- Not pointing to show something interesting by 18 months
- Challenges in joining other children in play by 36 months.
2. Inability to relate others and desire for aloneness
Delayed or absent language development or speech started very early and then stopped for a period of time.
Abnormal use of rhythm,intonation,pitch or stress while speaking.
Speech is abnormally loud or quiet.
Repeats last words or phrases several times.
Echolalia-Child repeats what someone else said.For Example:If you said “Do You want a cookie?;child says cookie instead of Yes.
Hyperlalia-Low monotonous speech. (Robotic speech)
3. Desire for sameness( Stereotype behaviour)
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Stereotyped movements(Repeatative purposeless movements) like spinning,hand flapping,rocking,spinning,sucking,rubbing clothes,tapping,watching objects fall.
- Unusual attachment to objects.
- Eating habits.
Secondary symptoms of ASD are
- Sensitivity or lack of sensitivity to sounds,touch,taste,smell,light.
- Lack of symbolic play (child starts to use objects to represent or symbolise other objects.Eg: A cart becomes a shopping trolly when playing a shop.
- Excellent Rote memory.They can memorise vast list of informations like dinosaurs,movie scripts,bus timetables whereas very poor in other areas.
- Difficulty in reading comprehension(can quote an answer,but unable to predict, summarise or find symbolism).
- Alexithymia or emotional blindness in which difficulty in recognising, expressing and articulating emotions.
- Splinter skills-Ability to do a specific task that doesn’t generalise other tasks Eg:The ability to memorize a bus schedule without understanding how to get to a bus station or buy a ticket .Hence it may not be useful in real-world situations.
- Abnormal gait-walks on toes.
- Fine motor skills are developmental. ly behind peers ( hand writing, colouring, gluing, tying shoes.
- Gross motor activities are developmentally behind peers( running, jumping, riding a bike).
- Self injury
- Delayed bowel consistency-food selectivity reflux
- Disturbance in Sleep.
Risk Factors for Autism
The causes of autism are complex and still being studied. Some known risk factors include:
- Advanced maternal age (35 or older)
- Use of certain medications during pregnancy
- Premature birth or low birth weight
- Birth complications Having a sibling with autism
Genetic conditions
Autism often presents with various physical and mental conditions, such as:
- Epilepsy or seizure disorders
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Anxiety and depression
- Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis and Tests
Diagnosing autism requires a comprehensive evaluation. The process typically involves:
- Developmental surveillance: Monitoring a child’s developmental history and behavior.
- Developmental screening: Utilizing questionnaires to compare a child’s development to typical milestones.
- Formal evaluation: Conducted by trained specialists to assess a child’s strengths and challenges, leading to a formal diagnosis.
Management and Treatment
While ASD has difficult to treat as age advances ,early intervention and tailored therapies can significantly improve an individual’s quality of life. Treatment options include Homoeopathic management along with behavioral interventions that address core deficits and symptoms of autism.
Homoeopathic Management
Homoeopathy, a natural and holistic system of medicine, can be used as a complementary approach in the management of autism. While there is no specific homoeopathic remedy for autism, individualized treatment is aimed at addressing the unique symptoms and characteristics of each person with ASD. Homoeopathic remedies are selected based on the person’s physical, and mental symptoms, as well as their overall constitution.
Homoeopathic treatment may help in improving various aspects of autism, such as:
- Enhancing social communication and interaction skills.
- Reducing repetitive behaviors and interests.
- Addressing associated medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal issues, sleep disturbances, and anxiety.
- Supporting emotional well-being and overall mental health.
Conclusion
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex condition that requires a multidimensional approach to management. Early recognition, intervention, and a supportive environment are crucial for individuals with ASD. Homoeopathic management, alongside other evidence-based therapies, may offer additional support and help individuals with autism lead fulfilling lives and reach their full potential. As with any medical intervention, it is essential to consult qualified healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate and personalized treatment plan.