Autism is now defined as autism spectrum disorder or ASD. Classically it was called infantile autism, but the wide variety of its characteristics, with greater or lesser impairment of language and/or general intelligence, has led to calling it “spectrum”.
What is autism and what types are there?
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) comprise a range of complex neurodevelopmental disorders that begin in childhood and continue throughout life. They have in common impairment in social reciprocity, verbal and nonverbal communication and the presence of repetitive and restrictive patterns of behavior.
The origin of these disorders is extremely varied, as is their clinical presentation. In most cases, a genetic component predominates, sometimes inherited from parents with subtle or unnoticed autistic behaviors.
Within ASD, some present with adequate intellectual and language development, but others present with intellectual disability or even absence of oral language.
How can the environment detect it in the child who suffers from it?
The first signs of ASD in a child usually emerge during the second year of life. Around 18 months of age, the child does not look into the eyes, does not share what he/she explores and does not play normally, but tends to repeat the same movements or actions over and over again. In many cases, he/she loses the first words he/she had managed to say and finds it very difficult to change environment, with intense tantrums and sleeping difficulties.
What advances have been made in recent years regarding diagnosis and treatment?
In recent years, Neurology has made remarkable efforts for early detection, before the age of 2-3 years, which has allowed early stimulation and improvement of the autistic behaviors they present. Another advance is the progressive training of family members to know how to intervene at home and improve their daily lives, through professionals and associations.
Current genetic studies, available in hospitals, only allow diagnosis in one third of cases.
However, there is still no curative treatment, only palliative treatment of disruptive behaviors through the use of specific drugs when necessary.
How can society help this type of child?
Today’s society has an important role not only in the integration of people with ASD, but also in the improvement of the disruptive behaviors they may present in public or crowded places. If we know how to address a person with ASD and how to interpret his or her responses, which are usually atypical, he or she will feel more confident and the interaction will be more enriching for everyone.
The main treatment consists of initiating cognitive and behavioral stimulation as early as possible, usually during the second year of life, and maintaining it throughout his or her life, coordinated by the appropriate specialists, teachers and family members.