Although the number of children diagnosed with autism increases every year, the causes of the development of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) have not yet been identified. The only fact that modern researchers agree on is that autism does not cause any single cause, but a set of several factors.

Source

Possible causes of autism in children:

✷ the age of the parents (or one of the parents, especially the father); ✷ family history of autistic spectrum disorders; ✷ Having a child in a large family (7-8 or more children) is one of the last. At the same time, the results of some studies also confirm the high risk of the birth of an autistic firstborn; ✷ some diseases of the mother during pregnancy: rubella, chicken pox, measles, cytomegalovirus, obesity, etc.

Alleged factors that may cause Autism:

• the presence of cerebral palsy (CP);
• genetic anomalies (especially among genes responsible for synaptic connections), Angelman syndromes and fragile X chromosomes;
• metabolic disorders, hormonal alterations;
• viral or bacterial infections;
• poisoning with antibiotics or mercury (even in childhood vaccines);
• Organic damage to the central nervous system as a result of encephalitis, inadequate development of certain regions of the brain, etc.
• Injuries suffered during childbirth;
• traumatic brain injury (TBI);
• Congenital "fragility" of emotions.

The first signs of autism in children can appear before the child reaches the age of 2 years (autism in early childhood), or in the period of 2 to 11 years (children) or 11 to 18 years ( teenagers). The symptomatology of the condition varies according to age; this applies not only to stable symptoms, but also to changes in the growth process. The signs of autism in adolescents are more pronounced than at an early age, and the treatment usually takes more time.

HOW IS CHILD AUTISM DIAGNOSED?

SourceAutism itself is considered an incurable condition, however, the sooner the diagnosis is made and professional work begins with a baby, the greater the possibilities of teaching him to communicate with other people and have all the rights in society, which significantly reduces the manifestation of the characteristic symptoms.

The correct diagnosis is a very difficult task, because in this process it is necessary to distinguish autism from a variety of other possible deviations of development, including genetic diseases, mental retardation, schizophrenia, etc.

Ideally, early childhood autism should be diagnosed by a medical committee that, in addition to the pediatrician, includes other specialists: psychologist, psychiatrist, neurologist, and speech therapist. In addition, parents and teachers of the child who have the most information about him have the right to join the commission.

The official diagnosis of "autism in early childhood" can be discussed if there are three mandatory factors:

1. a clear lack of social interaction;
2. Repetitive or restricted behavior; rituals;
3. Poor communication with other people.

Children with autism can focus their attention completely on any activity. One of the main tasks of parents is the search and proper development of the skills and useful talents of an autistic child, regardless of their level of intelligence.

SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS OF AUTISM IN CHILDREN.

Common signs of childhood autism include the following characteristics:

Source✍. Restricted behavior - when a child focuses too much on an object or video without noticing anything else around him;
✍. Compulsive behavior: when the baby tries to organize the objects in a strictly defined order;
✍. Repeative (stereotyped) movements without direction: swinging, turning the head, running in a circle, shaking the arms;
✍ Rituals: perform daily activities in a single order and at a specific time (for example, a child requires the same food, puts on the same clothes / shoes in a certain way, etc.);
✍ Protests against any change in the usual way of life: the baby may start screaming because the toys have moved to another place, the chair has moved, etc .;
✍ lack of emotional contact with other people, including parents: children do not want to sit on their hands, avoid eye contact, do not smile and, in general, do not notice people;
✍autoaggression (self-injury), outbreaks of anger, convulsive syndrome, eating disorder, insomnia, etc.

The characteristic symptoms vary according to age; therefore, in young children, the signs will be less pronounced than in children 10 years and older.

Reference:

1.http://www.adsalutem.institute/posibles-causas-del-insomnio-en-los-ninos-autistas/
2.https://www.webconsultas.com/bebes-y-ninos/psicologia-infantil/autismo-en-ninos-889
3.http://www.peques.com.mx/sintomas_del_nino_con_autismo.htm

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Posted from my blog with SteemPress : http://guada1.vornix.blog/2019/05/28/how-is-child-autism-diagnosed-symptoms-and-signs/

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