Factors That Trigger Autism

Known as a disorder related to brain development, autism impacts the way a person perceives, communicates and socializes. Along with interaction
and communication issues, autism includes restricted or repetitive patterns of activities. The word ‘spectrum’ in autism spectrum disorder refers to the
wide range of symptoms and severity found in a person with autism.

What causes autism spectrum disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder arises in the early childhood stage. Children with the autism, at times, develop normally till 12 to 18 months after birth and
then go through a regression period anytime during 18 and 24 months of age. They begin exhibiting symptoms of autism which calls for an intensive
and early treatment. Although there is no complete cure for autism, a consultation with the doctors can help the person to gain essential skills.  

The queries asked by parent and caregiver are “what causes autism, its symptoms and treatment/therapies options?’ Due to the complexity of the
disorder, autism spectrum disorder does not arise because of a single known cause.

So, what causes autism spectrum disorder? Genetics and environmental factors play a role in the onset of the disorder.

Genetics: Several genes are involved in causing autism spectrum disorder. A genetic disorder like fragile X syndrome or Rett syndrome and genetic
changes increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder in children. Genetic mutations are either inherited or occur spontaneously.

Environmental factors:  Infection during pregnancy, premature birth, complications during pregnancy, excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs by
expectant mothers, and exposure to toxic or chemicals are some of the factors that trigger autism in children. Viral infection or air pollutants also play
a role in triggering autism spectrum disorder.

Symptoms

Each child with autism has a unique pattern of behavior, from low functioning to high functioning and varying according to severity. 

Signs of autism are visible in some children during early infancy. Symptoms such as lack of response (when called), reduced eye contact, and inability to
attain the motor milestone. They may develop normally during the first few months after birth, then by the age of 2 years, they become aggressive, withdrawn,
and lose some of the skills (language, recognition) which they acquired.  

As they grow, children with autism spectrum disorder experience difficulty learning, trouble communicating and adjusting to social situations. They also find
difficulty in buttoning their shirt, tying shoelaces, brushing teeth, using the bathroom when the need arises, etc.

In each child, severity can be determined on the level of impairments and their impact on his/her function.

Some Of The Noticeable Early Signs Of Autism In Children

Autism is a neurological disorder which sets in due to various reasons such as genetic mutilation and environmental factor. Thus, a child is tormented
with the disorder during the gestation period or as soon as he is born. Although the early signs of autism in kids are visible between 3 to 6 months,
they do not get diagnosed they are much older.  

It is important for parents and caregivers to pay close attention to a child’s behavior to detect if he/she displays any signs of autism. If parental instinct
convey that some there is a delay or a miss in reaching the milestone by your child, it is the right to trust and seek an expert opinion.
Remember, early intervention is beneficial.

 Babies

Some of the early signs of autism in kids and babies to look out for:
1. Lack of eye contact

Babies who develop autism showed the absence of maintaining eye contact people between 2 and 6 months of age.

2. They do not respond or  attempt an interaction

Babies usually respond to slight sounds. Babies with autism look at people but fail to respond to their name or display facial expressions.
This can indicate the possibility of autism.

3. No babbles or cooing sound

A baby often babbles or make pleasant sounds around the age of 6 months. However, babies with autism do not babble when pleased

Toddlers

1. Do not socialize

Children with autism prefer to be alone. They do not play or share their things with others. 

2. Inability to communicate

One of the early signs of autism in children with autism is a lack of communication skill.  They fail to communicate using sound, words or gesture.
They also lack interest in activities.

3. Repetitive behavior

Children with autism tend to be repetitive in their action or movements, such as flapping hands, rocking or twirling. They may also become
very obsessive with these behaviors.

4. Absence of gesture

Children often point towards objects that attracts them or gesture to indicate interest. But a child with autism does not show any interest in objects.

Not every child with autism have the same symptoms. Early diagnosis and on-time therapy interventions can help him/her to obtain some
of the essential skills needed for living.

The type of treatment a child receives for autism depends on the skills he/she needs to acquire. Different types of therapies such as
speech therapy, applied behavior analysis, occupational therapy, sensory integration therapy, etc.  help in reducing the symptoms of
autism and to improve his/her communication and learning skills.