Childhood autism - methods of early detection and treatment

Scientists note with great concern that over the past decades the number of children with autism spectrum disorders has increased: if at the end of the twentieth century such a diagnosis was given to one child in a thousand, now it is every 150th child. The leading cause of autism has not been identified, but there are many fully and partially confirmed hypotheses.

What is childhood autism

Childhood autism

is a disorder that occurs due to disturbances in brain development.

The disease is characterized by a pronounced comprehensive deficit of communication and social interaction, repetitive actions, and limited interests. All of these signs can be noticed before the age of three. Similar conditions, in which milder manifestations are observed, are classified as autism spectrum disorders.

Simply put, childhood autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It is characterized by a variety of symptoms, many of which first appear in infancy or early childhood. Example: inadequate reactions to discomfort, too strong reactions of fear or crying in response to minor changes in the environment or a weak sound stimulus. A weakened response to feeding position is also characteristic. The reactions of the “revitalization complex” are distorted - an affective readiness for contact with adults is demonstrated. The reaction of animation can manifest itself in the absence of an adult, relating to an inanimate object. In adults, symptoms persist, but in a milder form. It is impossible to determine childhood autism by one symptom.

The diagnosis is characterized by:

• violations in mutual communication;
• lack of social interactions;
• repetitive actions, limited interests.

Who is autistic?

This is a person who has a different picture of the world and a different perception of reality. Autists:

• can't stand noise;
• do not show empathy towards others;
• have difficulty understanding spoken language, much easier written language;
• extremely frank and straightforward;
• as a rule, have outstanding mathematical and logical abilities;
• take what is said literally - sarcasm and jokes are incomprehensible to them;
• do not like to be touched;
• don't look people in the eye;
• have a limited range of interests;
• prone to repetitive ritual actions that bring them a sense of security;
• adhere to a strict routine of their life and established habits once and for all;
• may not distinguish a person’s voice from other sounds;
• as a reaction of resistance to the new, they experience auto-aggression, and there is no sense of limit, and the traumatic dangerous experience is not consolidated.

Why does autism develop in children?

The development of childhood autism is caused by various factors. Some ordinary people still believe in well-known myths, despite scientific refutations. In the 70s of the last century, the theory of “soulless and cold mothers”, whose restrained attitude is the cause of the development of the disease, was popular. There is only one point close to the truth in this theory: parents of children who are faced with the symptoms of childhood autism actually touch it less often, building communication according to a logical and clear pattern, without unnecessary emotions. But it is worth understanding that such behavior is dictated by the child himself: childhood autism is characterized by a hyperreaction to touch. They also cannot track the meaning of speech if it has subtext such as humor or references to other situations - parents are forced to speak clearly, concisely and to the point. Conclusion: parental behavior has no influence; developmental disorder is primary.

Another myth about the development of childhood autism: rubella vaccines. It has been repeatedly proven that there is no connection between vaccinations and childhood autism. The true causes of the development of autism spectrum disorder are unknown, although there are factors that increase the likelihood of having a child with this disorder.

Examples:

• having relatives with autism;
• late age of parents at conception (especially the father);
• birth in a large family among the last children (7-8 and beyond);
• maternal diseases during pregnancy (tuberous sclerosis, rubella, excessive body weight).
• Cerebral palsy.

Some deviations provoke the development of autistic traits. Example: with speech impairment, hearing impairment, attention deficit disorder, signs of autism are concomitant with the underlying pathology due to distortion of perception in the child.

Risk of being born autistic if mother is over 35 years old

After 35 years, many women have problems with conception (the number of eggs is lower than in young girls) and the process of bearing a child. American researchers noted that children born to mothers over 35-40 years of age are susceptible to various diseases, including autism.

University of Utah researchers said parents between the ages of 35 and 39 are more likely to have a child with autism. To avoid diagnosis, women should undergo testing before conceiving a child and during pregnancy.

What symptoms can help identify disorders?

There are different signs of the disease - it depends on the degree of impairment, the specifics of the disease, severity, and age period.

In general, there are four areas that characterize developmental disorders:

1. poor, distorted or absent social interaction;
2. stereotypies in speech, behavior;
3. communication is stereotypical, gestural, often not requiring dialogue.

Signs of childhood autism from 3 months to 2 years

• lack of a “posture of readiness” for physical contact: the baby does not reach out to his parents, does not strive to be on the chest or on the knees;
• there is no attachment to the mother or a substitute adult, as well as a complex of revival in the form of walking, smiling, physical activity;
• infrequent or absent eye contact;
• lack of interest in general games with other children and adults, as well as aggression when attempting common activities. Prefers to play alone;
• high sensitivity to sound, bodily and light stimuli. Expressed in the form of hysteria, fear;
• absence of humming, delayed expressive speech, syllabic speech. At the age of 1.5-2 years, normal speech development may occur, but subsequently regression of speech skills occurs;
• echolalia – mindless repetition of phrases and words after adults, cartoon characters, and so on;
• restless sleep, poor or selective appetite;
• ignoring speech and requests addressed to him;
• underdevelopment of role-playing games;
• attachment to a certain regime, routes, routine, position of objects, and so on.

Signs of childhood autism from 2 to 11 years

• Inadequate perception of danger: the child has no fear of heights, transport, or animals. At the same time, he may react fearfully or aggressively to ordinary objects: a spoon, a chair, a cup, and so on.
• Stereotyping and pronounced rituals, obsessive gestures.
• Peculiar development of speech or pronounced disturbances. Example: lack of the pronoun “I” and its semantic load, lack of initiation of dialogue.
• Signs of fear, aggression, laughter, hysteria for no apparent reason.
• In many cases, a violation of cognitive development is obvious, often expressed chaotically: increased attention to melodies, numbers with the inability to write, read, and the like.

During adolescence, symptoms may worsen due to hormonal changes and impaired communication and social interaction.

Fine motor impairments in autism

Surely among your friends there are people who, say, would never in their lives be able to accurately and confidently hit the ball while playing football. You don’t consider them autistic on this basis! Meanwhile, this indicates violations of gross motor skills characteristic of autism. So in a child: delayed speech development, problems in the formation of fine motor skills (it is difficult for him to go up and down stairs, he cannot jump or does it clumsily, he cannot hold objects in his hands) can accompany the development of autism to the same extent as are independent developmental disorders or a manifestation of one of many other neurological diseases. To diagnose autism, they must be considered in conjunction with its main symptom - lack of contact with others.

Detection of early childhood autism

Recent studies indicate that the first signs of childhood autism can be detected in children at 2-3 years of age. Infants do not have a complex of animation when their parents appear in sight. They also have a lack of eye contact, a social smile, and decreased or increased sensitivity to tactile, sound and noise stimuli. However, at this age, the diagnosis of “childhood autism” is made only when symptoms are severe. Often, parents can detect obvious symptoms of the disease if their family already has children with autism spectrum disorder.

The first children in the family to receive a diagnosis of childhood autism are the last to receive the diagnosis due to the inexperience of the parents who do not notice obvious deviations in the child’s behavior. On average, the diagnosis is made at the age of 2.5-3 years. Typically, this period is characterized by an increase in general signs of impairment, as well as by the first contacts with peers in kindergartens and general development groups - the signs of impairment stand out more noticeably against the background of other children. By the age of 3, children are expected to develop certain skills, and in autistic people these skills are delayed or not developed.

Childhood autism is a developmental disorder, and early identification of the problem will allow the child to adapt with higher efficiency. It is important not to waste the time needed to acquire different skills and abilities. Foreign experts recommend that at the age of 1-1.5 years, an independent assessment of the baby for the presence of the disease, testing the most likely deviations in autism.

To do this, answer the following questions:

1. Does the child have an interest in other children?
2. Does he like to be held by his parents, does he seek tactile contact while crying, before going to bed?
3. Is there a role-playing game (toy cars, feeding a doll, putting a toy to sleep)?
4. Is there eye contact and pointing?
5. Does he like to play with his parents or other relatives?
6. Does the child try to find a cat or some thing with his eyes if he points at it with his finger and names it?

Many questions are aimed at finding out the presence of contacts between the child and the outside world. If the majority of answers at 1.5 years are negative, you should consult a specialist.

Metabolic disorders during pregnancy are one of the reasons for the birth of autistic people

Lack of insulin in the body, obesity and high blood pressure are metabolic disorders. Poor metabolism of a pregnant woman can negatively affect the development of the baby's organs.

Due to metabolic disorders, there is a high probability of decreased immunity and the appearance of viral diseases.

A baby may be born with a diagnosis of autism if the mother suffered the following diseases during pregnancy:

• rubella;
• herpes types 2,3 and 6;
• roseola;
• cytomegalovirus.

Viral infections affect the baby’s central nervous system and its activity. In children with autism spectrum disorder, there is an excess production of antibodies to the main protein - myelin.

Treatment methods for childhood autism

Unfortunately, doctors and parents today do not have methods that can completely cure childhood autism. There is no need to despair: according to modern statistics, with timely psychological and pedagogical intervention, a child will be able to realize his or her potential. There are many correctional centers that provide assistance to such children. Study information about such institutions in your city, consult with other parents of autistic people (there are many specialized forums).

Let's consider popular types of correction, rehabilitation and therapy for childhood autism.

First, let's define the categories into which treatment methods are divided:

• Biomedical correction method.
• Treatment with medications.
• Therapies that correct behavior and communication.
• Alternative and complementary medicine.

Well-known therapies that focus on communication and behavior correction.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

ABA is one of the most used types of behavioral therapy. It is based on scientific principles that allow us to formulate a child’s basic social set of knowledge and skills. The main role in the methodology is played by the motivation of children and the reward system for achievements. The child's “correct” behavior is marked with a reward - this will encourage him to demonstrate the desired behavior. Today, behavioral methods for correcting childhood autism are scientifically proven. They apply to autistic children and adults.

Early intervention for childhood autism based on behavioral therapy is the most effective method of correcting the disorder. It is very important to carefully consider the issue so as not to miss important time. Parents who pay attention to ABA are able to teach their child important skills, language use, and social interaction. In particularly successful cases, the child can learn how to ride a bicycle, how to hold a hand correctly, and so on. Behavioral therapy-based teaching methods are very useful and should be at the core of care for all patients suffering from childhood autism.

TEACCH

TEACCH is also effective in treating childhood autism. We are talking about a method called “Structured Learning”. It is based on an understanding of the details of the learning process that are characteristic of autism. Visual aids are used to successfully treat childhood autism and understand information. A large body of empirical research examining the processing patterns of autistic people has supported the TEACCH approach.

The mentioned technique is based on visual cues. They can show the child how to behave in different everyday situations - getting dressed, washing hands, brushing teeth, going for a walk, buying bread, and the like. Information is presented in an accessible form, broken down into small steps.

Speech and speech therapy

Almost all people with autism have language difficulties. Sometimes these problems are obvious. Childhood autism is characterized by almost no use of speech, no initiation of dialogue. Often the roots of the problem are not in grammar or articulation, but have to do with the “pragmatics of speech” (the use of speech to establish social contacts). Speech therapy can help many children with autism.

Ergotherapy, occupational therapy, occupational therapy

Occupational therapy or occupational therapy focuses on developing skills used in everyday life. Many autistic people have limited fine motor skills and benefit from this type of therapy. Experienced occupational therapists often have expertise in sensory integration. We are talking about an effective technology that helps autistic children overcome high sensitivity to light, sound or tactile contact.

Social Skills Therapy

Lack of communication and social skills is a serious problem in childhood autism. Many children need help developing basic skills. Example: communicating with a new acquaintance, conducting a conversation, appropriate behavior in a children's park, and so on. Therapists who teach social skills can facilitate an autistic child's social interactions with peers.

Play therapy

This may seem strange to many, but little autistic children need help not only in building social connections, but also in ordinary games. The mentioned therapy will be an excellent tool for developing communication skills and building speech. Play therapists with experience in well-known methods such as Play Project and Floortime will be especially helpful. For a positive result, it is sometimes sufficient to connect play therapy to physical, speech or occupational therapy.

Visual therapy

Many autistic people are visual thinkers. Some of them manage to interact well with communication systems that use illustrations (for example, PECS). Video games and simulations, as well as electronic communication systems, also aim to take advantage of the significant visual abilities of autistic people. You can find information about PESS and other alternative and assistive communication systems on the Internet.

Pet therapy

This type of therapy is called animal-assisted therapy. Of course, it is very effective. The main focus of pet therapy is the development of the baby’s communication skills. With close contact with animals, there is a clear improvement in the condition. Sleep improves, headaches completely disappear. Most often, horses and dogs are involved in therapy, but in some cases experts recommend communication with cats or dolphins. In general, hypotherapy, canistherapy, and dolphin therapy are treatment methods involving animals. Many parents note the effectiveness of this method itself.

Nature of occurrence

At this time, we can only speculate as to why a particular child was born with autism syndrome. However, in many cases the reasons remain unclear .

Complications during pregnancy in mothers of future autistic children are much more common.

It is believed that they do not directly cause the syndrome, but increase its risk. Therefore, if severe toxicosis, birth injuries, bleeding , this does not mean at all that a child will be born with certain diseases.

Why are autistic children born?

The exact reasons have not yet been clarified, but it is known that the biological basis is a disruption of the brain .

Newborns with autism syndrome may be born for a number of reasons :

• complications during pregnancy;
• transmission of viral diseases by a pregnant woman;
• complications during childbirth;
• heredity - the risk increases if there are relatives suffering from the syndrome;
• taking medications during pregnancy;
• negative environmental factors, alcoholism, smoking, drug addiction of the mother and father.

In families where an autistic person is born, relatives often have other symptoms and diseases - epilepsy, schizophrenia, obsessive behavior, reduced need for social contacts, mental retardation.

Causes in young children

Children with early autism syndrome often have other genetic diseases - fragile X syndrome, phenylketonuria, etc.

Disturbances may be observed in the frontal parts of the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, hippocampus, temporal lobes, and amygdala.

As a result, memory, attention, emotional self-regulation, and the ability to feel and respond to the feelings of other people suffer.

The teratogenic theory assumes that the child’s body is affected by exogenous factors - exposure to an environment that has a negative impact on the fetus.

These may include food with dangerous additives, intake of harmful substances - nicotine, alcohol, medications, as well as exposure to city air, living near industrial enterprises. Toxicosis and fetal hypoxia are also risk factors.

Other theories suggest a failure of the immune system, fungal infections, or the age of the parents.

Some authors point to vaccination against various diseases, but the connection between autism and vaccinations has not been proven.

Differentiate between childhood autism:

• endogenous-hereditary;
• exogenous-organic;
• psychogenic;
• unknown etiology.

The pathogenetic approach divides autism into:

• hereditary-constitutional;
• hereditary procedural;
• acquired postnatal.

What is sublimation in psychology? Find out about this from our article.

What happens to teenagers?

The development of autism occurs in different ways.

With proper therapy, the course of the disease can be smoothed out , and the child can learn to live in society.

In a teenager, autism does not disappear on its own if the diagnosis was made at an early age.

With a malignant course , it can develop into schizophrenia, and social maladjustment increases. With wavy, periodic exacerbations occur. Regression of symptoms and improvement of the condition may also occur.

Adolescents may develop atypical autism , which does not appear at an early age, but at any age.

During the period of growing up, hormonal levels change, this affects all systems of the body, including brain activity.

The social environment , past illnesses, and chronic stress, for example, rejection by classmates, also have a great influence. All these factors can trigger the onset of autism or its exacerbation.

Acquired from adults

The main cause of autism in adults is genetic predisposition and later development of the disease.

factors can trigger the onset of the disease :

• changes in the usual way of life - change of job, place of residence, circle of friends;
• chronic stress when living in a big city;
• tension arising due to the fact that the intellectual abilities of an individual do not meet the requirements that are placed on him;
• excess information;
• constant failures in the personal and professional spheres, which leads to changes in the psyche and brain function;
• hormonal disorders.

A person who is predisposed to developing autism is already different in childhood.

He is more withdrawn, has problems with communication, lacks spiritual attachment, does not form personal relationships, the presence of other people in his life does not matter, and is sometimes perceived as a negative factor.

He shows indifference and sometimes anger towards his own children. Attachment to children is not true, but an imposed stereotype of social behavior.

What is Asperger's syndrome in simple words? Find out the answer right now.

What is the main problem for children with autism and their parents?

Director of the Foundation for Promoting Solving the Problem of Autism in Russia “Vykhod” Avdotya Smirnova connects the severity of the problem of autism in Russia with the fact that doctors have little knowledge about diagnosis and treatment methods, and in society there are many myths about people with this disorder - for example, autism is mistakenly considered a disease , they are afraid of its manifestations and do not know how to behave. The expert's words are quoted by Interfax.

Meanwhile, autistic children often want to communicate, but do not know how to start a conversation. Moreover, many of them have high intelligence and do not have developmental disabilities, and sometimes are significantly ahead of their peers.

“Today our situation is terrible. These children are kicked out of playgrounds, although they want to be friends. It is impossible to cut these children's hair because no barber is warned how to do it. It is impossible to bring them to the dentist, it is impossible to go with them to a cafe - because they will be kicked out: either by the staff or by the visitors themselves,” said Smirnova.

At the same time, she emphasized that, with information about autism, many problems could be avoided. So, in cafes you can turn down the music, in cinemas you can leave a few overhead lights on during screenings, and in museums you can set special hours when there are not so many visitors.

She also noted that, growing up, autistic people, due to the peculiarities of their perception, can become an easy target for criminals and scammers, since they are often too trusting or cannot stand up for themselves. “There is a misconception that autistic people are dangerous to society. On the contrary: society is dangerous for autistic people,” the expert notes.

Is prevention possible?

As such, there is no prevention of autism, because this disease “emerges” while the baby is in the womb. To minimize the risk of developing ASD, the expectant mother needs to protect herself from diseases during pregnancy, and also refuse to eat foods containing GMOs, gluten, and industrial household chemicals (preference should be given only to safe detergents or those made independently, for example, dishes you can wash it with soda, and your head with egg) and from the use of cosmetics.

Also, a young mother and baby after birth should drink only purified water, without heavy metals.

Some studies have shown that the risk of having a child with autism increases if the expectant mother has amalgam fillings, which consist of 50% mercury. Yes, mercury is a substance that, if it reaches the fetus, can serve as an impetus for the development of ASD in the baby in the future.

Another unique prevention of autism is the earliest possible recognition of the symptoms of the disease and the beginning of treatment, because in this case it is considered “the sooner the better,” and this is due to the patterns of brain development.

Lifelong self-isolation

The mother of a child with autism addressed people through social networks on April 2, 2021: “Self-isolation regime. For most of us it started quite recently. And it turned out that it was difficult, for some it was very difficult, for others it was unbearable. And some of us have been in this mode since birth, always. Because autism is such a thing. Autistic people themselves and those around them are isolated. And you have the power to slightly weaken the regime of our children and us. Today is autism awareness day. And today you have the opportunity to feel like you are autistic. In self-isolation. But the regime will be lifted, you will return to society again, to your usual activities, or to a new job, life will tell. Either way, your isolation will end. And ours will remain with us. And our children will remain in the most severe isolation. Feel what it's like and let our children come to you. No need to open your arms wide. Just open the door a little, allow your children to study next to ours, let our strange children into cafes, shops, playgrounds, don’t point fingers at them and don’t lock them up in quarantine. They don't have coronavirus. They are not dangerous. They are in isolation. It’s very hard because now you know it, right?”