To the autistic disorder or simply autism,
we now call autism spectrum disorder.
This was probably the most controversial change that emerged
with the new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,
most often called DSM.
The latest version, the DSM-V was published in 2013.
From this point onwards, global developmental disorders
including, for example, autistic disorder,
Asperger's disorder and Rett's disorder
were included in a single diagnosis, called autism spectrum disorder,
because they are considered to be only one condition,
varying only in the severity of the symptoms.
Let us then explain some characteristics of this disorder.
Autism spectrum disorder is considered a serious condition
in the sense that it impairs the development of the child
and changes the way the child experiences the world,
resulting in disabilities and difficulties that continue throughout life.
There are a wide variety of characteristics
identified and associated with this disorder,
but it is very important to note that not all
signs and symptoms are present in all cases,
nor do they always manifest in the same way,
having different degrees of severity and damage.
The particularities of the autistic spectrum are mainly focused
on the difficulty of establishing social relations and social interaction,
to communicate verbally and non-verbally
and at a behavioral and thinking level, such
as the absence or difficulties in imaginative play activities.
There are numerous clinical expressions that are associated with this disorder
and these vary according to the level of development and with chronological age.
Let's give some examples:
They tend to isolate themselves
Normally they don't imitate the behavior of others nor interact
and they can even present an apparent indifference to
the people and the environment that surrounds them.
It is common the lack of response to the affective
behaviors of others and to when people play with them.
For example, when someone smiles they don't associate it
with an emotional state or that the person is being kind,
they may also, for example, not stretch their arms
for the parents to remove them from the cradle
They may exhibit an obsessive relationship with objects
and don't use toys in their proper function ie
a doll, for example, may not serve to pack,
but to disassemble
Often show a great sensitivity to the stimuli:
sounds that are normal for us can bother them
They show a lot of resistance to changes in routines.
They like, for example, to always wake up at a certain time,
to repeat the procedures throughout the day and to organize
their toys in the order they stipulate
The variety of interests tends to be restricted, but, on the other hand,
they show an exaggerated interest in the subjects to which they give importance
They often present difficulties in controlling repeated behaviors.
They can, for example, be constantly waving their hands,
turning objects or moving their heads from side to side
And they also tend to have problems with speech:
they may find it difficult to find the right words to express themselves,
or they can speak correctly but not use language to communicate with others.
They can, for example, label an object, but not use the language
for a conversation with someone or share ideas or feelings.
The autistic spectrum is undoubtedly a
well-known and also well studied disorder.
Despite this, its
etiology remains unclear. However, there are several causes:
it is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder
and is the result of multifactorial dysfunctions
in the development of the central nervous system,
namely its structure and functions.
Genetic factors are also mentioned,
and genes seem to be predisposed to autism,
which explains the large number of cases among siblings.
Some pre-natal factors such as hyperthyroidism and congenital rubella
and also peri-natal factors such as prematurity,
low birth weight and birth trauma.
Environmental factors are also pointed out, although they are more contested
and there seems to be no empirical evidence to prove them,
such as environmental toxins, measles syndrome and the rubella vaccine.
It is now accepted that the emergence of autism
is not related to the type of education,
lack of stimulation to activities or result of
the interaction between parents and children.
This is a condition that occurs in all social strata, ethnicities and races.
And it tends to occur more in boys than in
girls, being the proportion of 5 boys for 1 girl.
There is no cure for autism.
Therefore, the limitations, as we have already
mentioned, accompany the person throughout life.
This is one of the main reasons why a correct diagnosis,
as early as possible, is so important.
Knowing the clinical picture is possible to find
the characteristics and difficulties of each case
and help, more effectively, the development of the child.
Early intervention and integration into school and community
are a very important asset and will make a difference in the lives of these children,
giving them the opportunity to have a better quality of life
and, in some situations, to live independently.
Please subscribe to our channel to see more videos.
Click like and share. Help us grow.
Thank you and see you in the next video!
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét