- By Prerna Targhotra
- Tue, 02 Apr 2024 08:40 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
World Autism Awareness Day 2024: Every year, the global awareness event of World Autism Day is observed to raise awareness about autism causes, symptoms and ways to prevent it. This special day is observed on April 2 every year and aims to spread awareness about autism as a disorder and to support those who are suffering from it. It is a global healthcare event which is all about acceptance, support and inclusion of autistic people and advocacy of their rights.
What Is Autism?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a diverse group of conditions. They are characterised by some degree of difficulty with social interaction and communication. Other characteristics are atypical patterns of activities and behaviours, such as difficulty with transition from one activity to another, a focus on details and unusual reactions to sensations.
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Causes Of Autism
Among several causes, extreme prematurity or low birth weight, prenatal exposure to air pollution, maternal obesity, diabetes, immune system disorders or genetics can lead to the development of autism spectrum disorders.
Risk Factors Of Autism
- Having a sibling with ASD
- Having certain genetic or chromosomal conditions, such as fragile X syndrome or tuberous sclerosis
- Experiencing complications at birth
- Being born to older parents
Symptoms Of Autism
Signs of autism in young children include:
- not responding to their name
- avoiding eye contact
- not smiling when you smile at them
- getting very upset if they do not like a certain taste, smell or sound
- repetitive movements, such as flapping their hands, flicking their fingers or rocking their body
- not talking as much as other children
- not doing as much pretend to play
- repeating the same phrases
Signs of autism in older children are:
Some common signs and symptoms of autism in older children include not seeming to understand what others are thinking or feeling, unusual speech, such as repeating phrases and talking ‘at’ others, liking a strict, daily routine and getting very upset if it changes, having a very keen interest in certain subjects or activities, getting very upset if you ask them to do something, finding it hard to make friends or preferring to be on their own.
World Autism Awareness Day 2024 (Image Credits: Canva)
Treatment Of Autism
The treatment of autism spectrum disorders depends on the person’s needs and situations, but the goal is to reduce their symptoms and improve learning and development. According to WebMd, because ASD is a spectrum disorder (meaning some children have mild symptoms and others have severe symptoms) and each child who has it is unique, there are a variety of treatments. They can include different kinds of therapies to improve speech and behaviour, and sometimes medications to help manage any medical conditions related to autism.
(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.)