Impact Of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) On Child Development

 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ADS) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behaviour of a child. Its diagnosis is based on behavioral observations, developmental history, and clinical evaluations. Early signs of autism can be detected as early as 6-12 months after birth of the child. The characteristics and symptoms of ASD are as follows:

1. Communication: 

There is difficulty with verbal and nonverbal communication such as delayed or absent language development, and difficulty understanding tone of voice and sarcasm. 

2. Social interactions:

There is difficulty with social interactions such as initiating or maintaining conversation or understanding social cues , and developing and maintaining relationships.

3. Restricted and repetitive behaviours:

This is where there is a history of repetitive behaviours such as hand flapping, body rocking, or insistence on sameness, or restricted interests such as intense focus on a particular topic of activity.

4. Sensory sensitiveness: 

This is a history of sensitivity to light, sound, touch, taste, smell, which can cause discomfort or anxiety.

There are three types of autism. They are:

1. Autistic disorder: 

This is also called classic autism. It is characterized by significant impairments in communication, social interactions, and behaviours.

2. Asperger's syndrome: 

This is characterized by difficulties with social interactions and restricted interests, but without significant delays in language development.

3. Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD-NOS):

It is characterized by difficulties with social interactions and communication, but without meeting the full criteria for autistic disorder. 

The causes and risk factors of ASD are:

1. Genetics: 

Genetic mutilations and variations can contribute to the development of autism.

2. Environmental factors: 

Exposure to toxins, infections, and other environmental factors during pregnancy or early childhood may increase the risk of autism as well.

3. Family history: 

Having a family history of autism or other developmental disorders increases the risk of autism.

Here are some common signs and steps to help identify if a child has autism:

1. Early signs (from 0-3 years old):

a. No babbling or cooing by 6 months

b. No gesturing (pointing at somebody or something, or waving of hand) by 12 months

c. No single words by 16 months

d. No two-word phrases by 24 months

2. Signs in toddlers and preschoolers (1-5 years old): 

a. Difficulty with eye contact and social interactions

b. Delayed or absent language development

c. Repetitive behaviours (hand flapping, spinning etc)

d. Sensitivity to sounds, lights, or textures

e. Difficulty with changes in routine or transitions

The remedial steps to take are:

a. Consult with your paediatrician:

Share your concerns with the paediatrician and ask for a developmental screening.

b. Developmental screening: 

It is a srandardized tool to assess a child's development.

c. Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation:

A multidisciplinary team will assess the child's behaviour, development, and communication

d. Diagnostic report and recommendations:

The evaluation team will provide a report outlining the child's strength, challenges, and recommends for support.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) treatment and intervention methods:

1. Applied behaviour analysis: 

It is a behaviour therapy that focuses on  breaking down complex behaviours into smaller, more manageable units.

2. Occupational therapy:

It helps individuals with autism develop skills for daily living, such as dressing, feeding, and using the bathroom.

3. Medications: 

This may be used to manage symptoms such as hyperactivity, anxiety, or sleep disturbances.

4. Speech and language therapy: 

It targets communication skills, such as speech, language, and social communication.

In a nutshell, the following are the impacts of ASD:

1. Difficulty making friends

2. Trouble with social interactions

3. Delayed or absent language development

4. Anxiety and stress

5. Consistent mood swings

6. Emotional regulation difficulties

7. Repetitive behaviours (hand flapping, etc)

8. Sensory sensitivities

9. Difficulty with changes in routine (addiction to sameness)

10. Delayed cognitive development

11. Learning difficulties (ASD affects academic performance especially in areas like social studies and subjects requiring abstract thinking.)

12. Strength only in few academic areas (Children with ASD excel wonderfully in Mathematics, and memory but cannot understand idioms and figurative language.)

13. Sleep disturbances

14. Digestive issues

15. Sensory integration difficulties

16. Mental health concerns

International agencies have taken steps to address the challenges of ASD head-on. These organizations aim to improve diagnosis, treatment scope, and support for individuals with ASD and their families. Concerning awareness creation and education on ASD, the United Nations (UN) has recognized World Autism Day on April 2, since 2008 to create awareness and promote acceptance. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides resources and guidelines for healthcare professionals, families, and individuals with ASD to improve diagnosis, treatment, and support. Concerning research and development (R&D), the WHO and other international agencies support research on ASD, focusing on genetics, environmental factors, and effective interventions. Organizations such as Autism Speaks and the Autism Society advocate for increased funding and research on autism. In the area of support and services, the UNICEF works to improve access to education, healthcare, and social services for children with ASD and their families. International organizations provide resources and support for families and individuals with ASD and healthcare professionals, promoting early diagnosis, interventions, and inclusion. The European Union has funded research programmes such as the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the European Union (ASDEU) project, which aims to to improve diagnosis, prevalence, and interventions for ASD. The project, which spanned between 2015 and 2018, involved 14 European Union countries and focused on:

a. Studying prevalence:

Analyzing the prevalence of ASD in European countries

b. Economic and social costs: 

Examining the economic and social costs of ASD

c. Early detection programmes:

Developing proposals for early detection programmes

d. Training professionals: 

Providing training for professionals working with individuals with ASD

e. Validating biomarkers: 

Validating biomarkers for ASD to improve diagnosis and treatment

The United States' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the marketing of diagnostic aids for ASD, such as Cognoc ASD Diagnosis Aid. This software uses machine learning algorithms to help healthcare providers diagnose ASD in children aged 18 months to 5 years old. The FDA reviewed the device through the De Novo premarket review pathway and established special controls for devices of this type.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) biologically affects child development by altering brain structure and function particularly in regions responsible for social communication, emotional regulations, and sensory processing. Abnormalities in neural connections, synaptic plasticity, and neurotransmitters systems such as serotonin and dopamine, contribute to the development of ASD symptoms. Additionally, genetic mutation changes can disrupt normal brain development, leading to characteristic social, communication, and behavioral challenges associated with ASD.

In summary, by understanding the impact of ASD on emotional and cognitive development of a child, parents, caregivers, and educators can provide targeted support and intervention measures to help children with ASD to thrive.

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