AUTISTIC PRIDE DAY

Edited by, SNEHA MAVIS

         Every year on June 18, Autistic Pride day is held to increase awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder, so that others do not perceive autistic people as disadvantaged but rather as unique individuals.

        The term "AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER" (ASD) refers to a set of neurodevelopmental disorders. Autism is a developmental disorder marked by social interaction and communication difficulties, as well as restricted and repetitive behavior. 

         Autism symptoms are most noticeable in early childhood, between the ages of 12 and 24 months. However, symptoms may appear sooner or later. Symptoms include extreme fixation on a single item, Unresponsiveness, a failure to grasp social cues (such as tone of voice or body language), repetitive motions, or self abusive behavior such as head banging. Other possible symptoms include learning to speak relatively late, not engaging in interactive play with other children, avoiding eye contact, lacking empathy and social withdrawal.

        Causes of Autism include having an autistic family member, mutations in the genome, other genetic disorders include fragile X syndrome, being the child of older parent, birth weight is low, metabolic inconsistencies, Heavy metal and environmental toxin exposure, an infection with a virus in the past.

        Diagnosis of ASD can be challenging because there is no medical test, such as a blood test, to diagnose the disorders. To make a diagnosis, doctors examine the child's behavior and development. ASD can sometimes be detected in children as young as 18 months. By the age of 2, a proffesional diagnosis can be considered very reliable. Many children, however, do not receive a final diagnosis until they are much older.

           There is presently no treatment for autism spectrum disorder, and there is no cure. However some medications can assist with symptoms such as depression, seizures, sleeplessness and difficulty in concentrating. Medication is most helpful when paired with behavioural therapy, according to studies.

          Behavioural therapy has emphasised on the development of social communication skills, particularly at young ages when the child would naturally be learning these abilities, as well as the reduction of restricted interests and demanding behaviors. For some children, occupational and speech therapy may be helpful. In older children social skills training and medication could be helpful.