The term “autism” refers to a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by problems with social interaction. Autism also includes unusual sensory input responses, differences in motor and sensory discrimination, and rigid repetitive behavior. There is also a large stigma associated with autism. Read on to find out more about autism. The autism spectrum affects one in every 68 children in the United States. Although the causes of autism are complicated, genetics and the symptoms of autism often run in families.
Genetic disorders associated with autism
There are several different types of genetic disorders associated with autism spectrum disorders, or ASDs. In addition to chromosomal abnormalities, genetic causes of autism spectrum disorders include copy number variations, deletions, and duplications, which can affect variable numbers of genes. Genetic research has expanded the range of ASDs in recent years, and has led to the identification of numerous new genetic syndromes. Genetic testing of ASDs is an important step in identifying the genetic causes of autism.
The occurrence of epilepsy in ASD patients varies considerably between individuals with and without ASDs. It is estimated that one in three people has epilepsy, although the exact number depends on the type of autism. Furthermore, the frequency of seizures in this population is dependent on age, and increases during the prepubertal period. Genetic profiling has revealed hundreds of rare mutations and CNVs associated with ASDs.
Treatment options
Medications are used to treat various symptoms associated with autism. Antipsychotic medications help to reduce aggressive behaviour while antidepressants treat depression. The appropriate dosage should be carefully monitored. Medication may also help alleviate hyperactivity and seizures in children. Medications should be discussed with your child’s doctor and are not meant to replace psychosocial therapy. Medications are not appropriate for every child with autism, so they should be considered after an evaluation of your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
Occupational and speech therapy are effective ways to teach children with autism how to communicate in a social setting. Occupational and speech therapy help children with autism learn how to complete everyday activities and achieve independence. Children with autism may also require specialized medical care, such as special diets or medications. In addition to these, therapists may also recommend social skills training to improve the child’s communication and interaction with others. Behavioral therapy has been linked to better long-term outcomes.
Impact of autism on social life
A common concern about the impact of autism on social life is that people with the disorder may have a difficult time communicating their wants and needs. Autism is a developmental disorder, and individuals with autism may experience delayed development of theory of mind. This may lead to difficulty predicting the behaviour of others and understanding the effects of their own behaviour. Some people on the spectrum may have difficulty understanding and responding to social cues, including eye contact. While these people may seem aloof or disinterested in conversations, this is not necessarily a sign of a disorder.
During childhood, children with autism may prefer solitude and do not form friendships easily. However, this is not true as adults should build relationships with other people. Although developing social skills can take time, people with autism should aim to establish friendships as early as possible. This is because bullying can be a common occurrence for people with autism. Developing friendships is a good way to prevent the effects of bullying. However, it is important to note that many people with autism don’t develop their social skills in a timely fashion.
Stigma
Autism and stigma are intertwined. For many autistic people, the term “autistic” has negative connotations and often results in rejection. To overcome this, some autistic individuals reclaim their language, redefining autism as their own by making it an identity-first term that they use to express themselves. The reclaiming of language creates a sense of increased power. Here are some tips on how autistic people can use language to manage stigma and achieve self-identity.
First, consider the social context of a person’s culture. Some cultures have specific taboos and stigmas that affect how people perceive certain groups. For example, African Americans are more likely to stigmatize those with autism than Caucasians, even when age and education are taken into account. This may be a reflection of cultural differences in perceptions of autism. Despite these differences, there is still some evidence that cultural contexts play a role in how people view autism.