Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental abnormality caused by variations in the brain due to many causes, including genetic heredity and the adverse effects of medications used by the mother while pregnant. The unwanted effects of the pharmaceuticals impede the fetus from completing its normal neurodevelopment, which might result in congenital disabilities if the medication is used during pregnancy. Patients with autism are typically hyperactive, and a portion of them has difficulty rapidly comprehending new information.
Medical professionals conduct behavioral evaluations such as looking at the historical development and identifying patterns of activities in individuals suspected of having autism because there is currently no validated blood test to diagnose the condition. People with autism tend to direct their entire focus on a single object and then throw tantrums if that object is damaged or lost. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a pattern of behaving repetitively from a very young age, which leaves no opportunity for them to maintain social interactions. Medical investigations, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans, can be carried out to aid pediatric neurologists in determining which part of the brain is affected by the condition.
There is no medication to treat autism, although several treatment regimens have been developed to mitigate its destructive effects. One example is occupational therapy, although it is not the only one. Occupational therapy assists patients in acquiring daily skills such as eating and dressing (Sharma et al., 2018). Sensory integration therapy is a type of physical therapy that assists patients in dealing with sensory input that may be overwhelming. Pharmacological approaches include using medication to aid concentration or to slow down body functions so that people do not harm themselves.
The main predictor of autism spectrum disorder is genetic factors such as Fragile X Syndrome, a risk factor for ASD. Clinical features such as children losing skills and interest in activities, they were good at earlier, indicate a concern. Some parents use acceptance as an emotional coping mechanism to demonstrate that they have accepted the condition because it is a healing process. Understanding that an autistic child has unique needs and that their way of life differs from typical children makes it easier for parents and caregivers to care for children with impairments. As a result, the patient’s stress and expectation of total healing are lessened, as autism has no cure.
Reference
Sharma, S. R., Gonda, X., & Tarazi, F. I. (2018). Autism spectrum disorder: Classification, diagnosis and therapy. Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 190, 91–104. Web.