Children with one type of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) behave differently from others. But that’s okay.
In general, there seems to be a kind of information vacuum around autists. In Russia, there is not even statistics that would contain data on diseases that are part of the ASD, and the distinctive features of people with this diagnosis, except for specialists, are of little interest to anyone.
In fact, autism is a developmental pathology of the nervous system characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, as well as limited and repetitive behavior. We still don’t know what causes autism, but there are a number of factors that are most likely to contribute to its onset. These are genetic or chromosomal abnormalities, viruses, infections during pregnancy, metabolic disorders, immune conflict, perinatal hypoxia.
There are four main signs that a child with ASD can easily be calculated by: lack of interest in social interaction, speech impairment, limited interests, and a tendency to stereotypical activities.
If the baby avoids eye contact, shows an unusual reaction to sounds, does not respond to his name, spends a lot of time laying out things or toys in a certain order, there is a delay in speech and the development of motor skills, is very picky about food, then this can be a reason for contact to specialists.
For a start, it is worth visiting a pediatrician with these complaints. If necessary, the doctor will refer the little patient for a consultation with a neurologist, psychologist and speech therapist. There is no need to be afraid of the fact of making a diagnosis, this is not a disease, and it is impossible to cure autism with pills. But with the correct selection of corrective therapy and adaptation programs in society, the diagnosis can even be permanently removed.
Children with ASD have a high sensory sensitivity, so when meeting such a child, do not rush to him with an embrace. Little tricks that will help in communicating with the baby are on the surface, but many are just too lazy to even think about it. Have you decided to buy clothes as a gift? Choose skin-friendly fabrics made from soft, seamless fabrics. Do not forget to cut off all labels at the root, they also cause discomfort.
Do you want to captivate your kid with a game? Offer a place protected from external influences as a location: a tent, a bedspread house, any secluded corner.
Going for a walk? Estimate the expected number of people in advance and try to discuss the route with your child. Give him the opportunity to be where he is comfortable, not to play with peers if he does not want to, not to attract attention if he does not need it. Support initiatives such as collecting leaves and examining their autumn colors.
Do not think that a diagnosis of autism isolates a child from society. People with ASD are able to fully adapt through therapy and live normal lives: going to the movies and parks, riding bicycles, reading books, working, and doing everything that people without ASD do.
Of course, everything depends on the characteristics of a particular person, but the help of society is invaluable. And this must always be remembered.