Understanding autism
- Mediversal Healthcare
- Jun 26, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 29, 2024

Understanding autism
Autism is a lifelong condition, commonly known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and involves behavioral and communication issues. Since it's a spectrum disorder, various people will experience its effects to differing degrees. By age 2 or 3, it typically manifests.
With an estimated 1 in 100 children below 10 yrs has autism in India source , total autistic individuals in India is around 20 lakh (upto 10 years of age). So its necessary to understand ASD. The goal of this blog is to give a thorough overview of autism, promoting understanding and support for affected ones.
What is Autism?
Autism is a developmental impairment brought on by variations in child's brain. Autism (also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD)), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges involving social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication .Individuals may exhibit distinct behaviors, interactions, and learning styles.

Autism vs ASD
The American Psychiatric Association changed the term autism to autism spectrum disorder in 2013. It is significantly more fitting due to the diverse range of traits that each person with autism exhibits. Educators and parents or other professionals who work directly with students who have autism frequently refer to it as either high-functioning or low-functioning autism.
Signs and symptoms
Behavior of autism in young children-
not responding to their name being called
avoiding eye contact with others
becoming extremely agitated incase of disliking a particular taste, smell, or sound
engaging in repetitive motions in their body
not engaging with other children or individuals
not playing with other kids
repeating same phrases
Behavior of autism in older children-
have keen or special interests in certain objects, subjects or topics
have compulsive behaviour
liking a strict daily routine and getting very upset if it changes
repeat body movements or move their bodies in unexpected ways
enjoy making repetitive noises
finding it hard to make friends or preferring to be on their own
getting very upset if you ask them to do something
The DSM's Three Levels of Autism
Medical professionals prescribe suitable therapies depending on each individual's unique needs by using the 3 levels of ASD. By utilizing their strengths, therapies can assist the person with ASD develop their social, verbal, and occupational abilities.
Level 1: Needs small Assistance
Individuals with Level 1 ASD are those who don't require a lot of assistance or support. Individuals diagnosed with level 1 ASD may find it difficult to interact socially with peers and other neurotypical persons. For instance, they can be unable to interpret body language and social cues or say the wrong thing at the wrong moment.
Level 2: Needs moderate Assistance
Compared to those with level 1 ASD, people with level 2 ASD have a tougher time disguising and may find it difficult to socialize or communicate in ways that are acceptable to neurotypical culture. They will also have a difficult time switching their attention or going from one task to another.
Level 3: Needs a Lot of Assistance
Individuals with level 3 illnesses are the most vulnerable to prejudice, abuse, and neglect since they require the greatest amount of help. While many of the characteristics of people with levels 1 and 2 diagnoses will be present in this category as well, they have extremely high loads of self-regulation and are completely incapable of masking them.
A person with an ASD level 3 diagnosis is more likely to have communication differences and may rarely initiate interactions, especially with neurotypical people. When they do, people are probably going to think they're strange.
Diagnosis
Medical professionals assess a patient's behavior and developmental stage in order to diagnose ASD. By age 2, ASD may typically be accurately diagnosed. It's critical to get evaluated as soon as you can. As sooner Treatments and services start is better.
Diagnosis in young children
Diagnosis in young children is often a two-stage process.
Stage 1: General developmental screening during well-child checkups
A pediatrician or other early childhood health care practitioner examines each child on a well-child basis. In addition to specialized autism tests at the 18- and 24-month well-child visits, we recommend that all children undergo screening for developmental delays at their 9-, 18-, 24-, or 30-month well-child visits.
An important component of the screening procedure for young children is taking the experiences of caregivers into account. The health care provider may assess child behaviors in accordance with information from ASD screening tools and may refer the child for additional evaluation if found developmental differences.
Stage 2: Additional diagnostic evaluation
Accurately identifying and diagnosing ASD children at an early age is crucial because it will reveal their special strengths and difficulties. Determining which treatments, educational initiatives, and behavioral therapies are most likely to benefit their child can be made easier for caregivers with the aid of early detection.
A group of medical professionals with expertise in identifying ASD will carry out the diagnostic assessment. Child neurologists, developmental pediatricians, occupational therapists, child psychologists, psychiatrists, speech-language pathologists, and educational experts could be on this team.

TREATMENTS AND THERAPIES
There are several ways to improve abilities and lessen symptoms. People with ASD can make full use of their skills and abilities if they get appropriate therapy and interventions.
The most effective therapies and interventions are usually customized for each patient and should begin soon after diagnosis. Nevertheless, the majority of people with ASD benefit most from highly structured and specialized programs.
Treatment options may include:
Behavior and communication therapies- Numerous initiatives target the variety of behavioral, linguistic, and social challenges linked to autism spectrum condition. Certain programs concentrate on teaching new skills and minimizing harmful behaviors. Some programs instruct kids on how to behave in social settings or improve their interpersonal communication skills. Through a reward-based motivation system, applied behavior analysis (ABA) can assist youngsters in learning new skills and applying these skills to a variety of contexts.
Educational therapies- Highly organized educational programs are often beneficial for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. A group of experts and an assortment of activities aimed at enhancing behavior, social skills, and communication are common components of effective programs. When preschoolers get focused, tailored behavioral treatments, they frequently make good improvement.
Family therapies- In addition to teaching communication and daily living skills, parents and other family members can also learn how to play and engage with their kids in ways that foster social interaction skills and help them manage troublesome behaviors.
Other therapies- Physical treatment to enhance movement and balance, occupational therapy to teach daily living skills, and speech therapy to enhance communication abilities may all be helpful, depending on child's needs. A psychologist can offer suggestions for dealing with problematic behavior.
Medications- The primary symptoms of autism spectrum condition cannot be improved by medicine, however some treatments can assist manage symptoms. For instance, your child may be administered specific medications if they are hyperactive; antipsychotic meds are occasionally used to address severe behavioral issues; and antidepressants may be prescribed if your child is anxious. Inform all medical professionals about any vitamins or medications your child is taking. Interactions between some drugs and supplements may result in harmful side effects.
Planning for future
Most children with autism spectrum condition will always need some kind of care, but they can usually master new skills and make up for lost time. This process can go more smoothly if you prepare for your child's future options, including work, college, housing situation, independence, and the resources needed for support.
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