Autism

Autism is a brain development disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate and interact with others. In addition, autism also causes behavioral problems and limits the interests of those affected.

Autism is now referred to as autism spectrum disorder or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This is because the symptoms and severity vary between patients. Disorders included in ASD are Asperger's syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder (PPD-NOS), autistic disorders, and childhood disintegrative disorder.

Based on data compiled by WHO, autism occurs in 1 in 160 children worldwide. While in Indonesia, until now there is no definitive data on the number of autism sufferers.

It is very important to be aware of the symptoms of autism as early as possible, because even though autism cannot be cured, there are various methods to deal with autism that aim to make patients adjust to their daily lives.

Autism Symptoms

The symptoms and severity of autism may differ in each patient. In autistic patients with mild symptoms, daily activities can still be carried out normally. But if the symptoms are severe, patients will really need help to live their daily lives.

The symptoms that arise are related to how the victim communicates and interacts. About 80 to 90% of people with this disease begin to experience symptoms at the age of 2 years. In rare cases, symptoms of autism appear at the age of less than one year or only appear when the patient is growing up.

Here are some symptoms that usually appear in people with autism:

Symptoms related to communication and social interaction

About 25 to 30% of children with autism lose the ability to speak, even if they can talk when they are small. While 40% of children with autism do not speak at all. Other symptoms associated with communication and social interaction are:

• Did not answer the name, even though his hearing ability was normal.
• Never express emotions and be insensitive to the feelings of others.
• You can't start or continue a conversation, even just asking for something.
• Repeat the word often (echolalie), but do not understand its correct use.
• Often avoid eye contact and show a little expression
• Unusual tones, for example, flat like a robot.
• Prefer to be alone, like in his own world.
• Don't understand simple questions or instructions.
• Do not want to share, talk, or play with other people.
• Avoid and reject any physical contact with others. 

Symptoms of Behavioral Patterns

•     Sensitive to light, touch, or sound, but does not respond to pain.
•     Routinely undergo certain activities, and angry if there are changes.
•     Having abnormalities in posture or movement patterns, for example always walking on tiptoe.
•     Perform repetitive movements, such as waving your arms or swinging your body back and forth.
•     Only choose certain foods, for example foods with certain textures.

In addition to the various symptoms above, autism sufferers also often experience symptoms related to other conditions, such as ADHD, epilepsy, Tourette's syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), dyspraxia, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and depression.

The earlier autism is treated, the more effective treatment is given. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of the symptoms that arise. Immediately consult your child if you see the following symptoms:

•     Loss of ability to speak or interact.
•     Do not give a happy response or smile until the age of 6 months.
•     Does not mimic voice or facial expressions until the age of 9 months.
•     Don't ramble for up to 12 months.
•     Does not give gestures like waving until the age of 14 months.
•     Not say a word until the age of 16 months.

Causes of Autism

Not yet known what causes autism. However, several factors are thought to trigger a person with this disorder, including:

• Gender. Boys are four times more likely to develop autism than girls.
• Genetic factors. About 2-18% of parents of autistic children are at risk of having a second child with the same disorder.
• Premature birth. Babies are born at 26 weeks or less.
• Twins are born. In the case of non-identical twins, there is a 0 to 31% chance of autism in children affecting their twin who also has autism. The effects of autism are greater in children born to identical twins, which represent about 36 to 95%.
• Age. The higher the age of birth, the higher the risk of having an autistic child. For men with children in their forties, the risk of having an autistic child is 28% higher. The risk increases to 66% in the 50s. In women who give birth after 40 years, the risk of having a child with autism increases by 77% compared to children under 25 years.
• Other interference effect. Some of these disorders include muscular dystrophy, fragile X syndrome, cerebral palsy or cerebral palsy, neurofibromatosis, Down's syndrome and Rett's syndrome.
• Exposure during pregnancy. Consumption of alcoholic drinks or drugs (especially drugs for epilepsy) during pregnancy can increase the risk for children born with autism.

Please note that there is no relationship between vaccines (especially the MMR vaccine) and children with autism. Precisely by giving the vaccine that children will avoid infection, such as measles or mumps (mumps). Autism is also not associated with consumption of foods containing gluten or consumption of milk and by-products.


Autism Diagnosis

The diagnosis of autism is determined by reference to the following criteria:

1. Lack of communication and social interaction in various contexts characterized by the following characteristics:

• Lack of social and emotional responses.
• Lack of body language in social interactions
• Lack of capacity to build and maintain social relationships.

2. Repetitive and limited patterns of behavior, activities or interests, characterized by at least 2 of the following 4 characteristics:

• Perform activities repeatedly, including movement or speech.
• Behavior or speech that shows the same routine.
• Abnormal focus and interest in something.
• Surréaction or vice versa, lack of reaction to sensory aspects of the environment.

3. Symptoms appear early in the developmental period and become more visible with time.

4. Symptoms are the cause of people with autism who suffer from work, social and other life disorders.

5. The symptoms encountered cannot be explained by the development of disability or disability.

Complications of autism

People with autism may have problems with digestion, eating behavior, unusual sleep, aggressive behavior and many other complications, such as:

• Mental disorders Autism can cause depression, anxiety, mood disorders and impulsive behavior.
• Sensory disorders. People with autism may feel sensitive and angry at bright lights or noise. In some cases, sufferers do not respond to sensory sensations such as heat, cold, or pain.
• Convulsions. Seizures can occur in people with autism and can occur during childhood or adolescence.
• Tuberculosis sclerosis. Tuberous sclerosis is a rare disease that triggers the growth of benign tumors in many organs of the body, including the brain. 

Autism treatment 

 
Autism is an incurable disorder. However, various therapeutic options can be applied to develop the patient's abilities. Through therapy, patients must be independent in their daily activities.

Some therapeutic methods for people with autism are:

Behavioral and communication therapy.

This therapy provides a number of lessons for patients, including basic daily skills, verbal and non-verbal, including:

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy helps people to behave positively in all situations. This therapy also helps patients develop their ability to communicate and leave negative behavior.
• Development, individual differences, relational approach (DIR). DIR or commonly called Floortime, aims to develop an emotional connection between children with autism and family.
• occupational therapy. Occupational therapy encourages people to live independently by teaching some basic skills, such as dressing, eating, bathing, and interacting with others.
• speech therapy. Speech-language pathology helps people with autism learn to develop their communication skills.
• Care and education of children with autism and children with low mobility (TEACCH). This therapy uses visual cues such as pictures showing steps to achieve something. TEACCH will help patients understand how to carry out their daily activities, such as changing clothes.
• Image exchange communication system (PECS). This therapy also uses visual cues such as TEACCH. But the PECS uses symbols to help victims communicate and learn to ask questions.

Family therapy

Family therapy is primarily intended to help parents and families with autism. With this therapy, families will learn to interact with patients and teach them to speak and behave normally.

Medicine.

Although it cannot cure autism, medication can be given to control symptoms. For example, antipsychotics to treat behavioral problems, anticonvulsants to treat seizures, antidepressants to eliminate depression and melatonin to treat sleep disorders.

Prevention of autism

Although the cause of autism is not yet known, your doctor will advise you to reduce the risk of your child's birth, including:

• Live a healthy life, for example by doing regular checks, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly.
• Avoid consuming alcoholic drinks during pregnancy.
• Whenever possible, avoid using drugs during pregnancy. If it can't be avoided, consult your doctor first.
• Make sure you get the vaccine before you get pregnant, especially the rubella vaccine.
• Seek immediate treatment and doctor's advice if there is an illness, especially if you are diagnosed with celiac disease or phenylketonuria (PKU).

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