ABOUT AUTISM

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disability demonstrated by an individual’s social, communication and behavior difficulties. Individuals within the Autism Spectrum Disorder have varying degrees of unique behaviors from mild to severe. They might also demonstrate exceptional talents in certain areas of knowledge such as Math, Music and others. Children with Autism will benefit from daily behavioral, communication and functional supports. Autism signs vary from each individual. A certain kind of behavior displayed by one as a reaction to his/her environment may not draw the same reaction from another when experiencing the same stimuli. Most behaviors are results of antecedents or situations the happen prior to the individual’s reaction.

OBSERVABLE AUTISM MANIFESTATIONS

·        The child does not make eye contact when spoken to

·        The child takes one’s hand to reach for an item he/she wants

·        The child avoids cuddling or physical affection by parents or  

           caregivers

·        Prefers to play alone

·        Appears unresponsive, hard of hearing, ignoring or deaf

·        Could not read facial and/or social cues from others

·        Responds to the faintest sounds or stimulus but appears not to

           hear the loudest crushing noise

·        Does not play with regular toys typical children play with

·        Repeats previously heard phrases or sentences or perseverates on

         one topic

·        Flaps hands

·        Could not readily accept changes in routine or environment

·        Speaks for awhile and loses speech or words later on

·        Does not feel changes in weather temperature; may expose skin to frost without feeling     

         discomfort or pain

·        Makes unusual sounds or vocalizations

·        Engages in self-injurious behaviors

·        Engages in picking and chewing items from any surface

·        Repeatedly insists on eating the same food

·        Hyposensitive or hypersensitive to touch, smell, hearing,   taste, sight, proprioception 

People with Autism may or may already have serious health issues other than Autism itself. Tuberous sclerosis, diabetes and complications, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, epilepsy, pneumonia, muscle weakness, arthritis, eye diseases, cancer, sleep disorder, anxiety, depression, gum diseases, seizures and obesity rate to be the most prevalent health issues in adults with Autism.

There are no known cause or cure for Autism. Treatments vary according to the needs of the child, the decisions of parents and the resources available within the child’s family and community. Early childhood intervention support and services promote positive future outcome for the child’s progress. 

Health, psychological and social isolation are only a few of what they go through life. 
If we focus only on Autism as a communication, social and behavioral challenge, we might lose sight of the child's health as a whole. In order to take a balanced approach in our care of our children with Autism, we must also pay close attention to the child's overall health conditions. A regular check up by doctor, provision of nutritious, wholesome meals, exercise and physical activities each week promotes a holistic health intervention. Regular flu shots could mean prevention of major illness. A regular drink of water each day promote proper digestion and detoxifying process of the child’s internal organs, hydrates the body, controls calories and energizes the child in a positive, active way. Regular dental visit helps prevent tooth decay and diseases arising from it. 

Children with Autism mature and grow old in a typical life cycle as many people do. At this time and age of advancement in science and technology, the life span of people are longer than it used to be. With proper health management , treatment and healthy life style and when in the care of compassionate people, a child with Autism reaches old age.