Interest in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has grown due to their recent and dr

Question

Interest in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has grown due to their recent and dramatic increase in prevalence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 1 in 88 children meet criteria for an ASD classification (Baio, 2012). Potential risk factors for an ASD stem from a variety of complex genetic and environmental factors.

Identify and describe an environmental factor previously identified as a potential risk factor for an ASD. Describe what public health measures could help identify those at risk, plan health programs, and implement preventative measures.

Explanation / Answer

Autism spectrum disorders [ASD] is the name given to a group of disorders in which the main problem is that the person has difficulty in communicating with others. They show limited interest in any activity and are unable to function properly in school, at work or with others in the society at large. Such symptoms are generally recognised early in life and can range from mild to severe impairment. It is interesting to note that although ASD is a mental health disorder and can affect a person in many ways, but children showing symptoms of ASD are of above average intelligence. Many a times , they excell in maths, science, arts etc.

Although, ASD can affect any child , but certain situations have been marked by doctors where a child faces a higher risk of suffering from ASD. The conditions are--

* Having a sibling or any other close family member with ASD.

* Were born immature or before the full gestation period and at a low birth weight.

* The mother suffered with some severe illness, that required medication, during pregnancy

Diagnosing ASD in adults is not very easy as it may overlap with othe mental health conditions like schizophrenia etc. In children , it can be diagnosed early. It is a two stage process :

  Stage I-- The child should receive well-child-check-ups with a specialist paediatrician as early as between the age of 18 to 24 months .

Parents should not hesitate to discuss any concern or unusual behaviour that they observe in their child. Doctors , usually combine these informations with their own observation and if the child shows any developmental problem , then they refer for stage two evaluation.

Stage II -- Now a thorough investigation will have to be performed by trained health professionals and a wide range of specialists who are specialised in diagnosing ASD. This team will include a specialised paediatrician, a child psychologist and also a speech-language pathologist [ a proffessional who is trained in communication difficulties].

Since ASD is a complex disorder that might occur with other illnesses and learning disorders, so a comprehensive physical and mental evaluation is required. This may include- * Intelligence or thinking skills

*Language and communication abilities

* Development of common skills like eating, dressing , toileting etc.

* Blood tests

* Hearing tests etc.

The outcome of the evaluation leads to help plan for treatment.

In older children, symptoms of ASD are noticed in school. By the time an individual has grown into an adult, ASD is already been diagnosed.

What are the risk factors ?

  While the exact cause of ASD is not known but research suggests that genes and environment play an important role. As mentioned earlier, having a sibling with ASD is a high risk factor. About 20% of children with ASD have certain genetic conditions. These may be Down's syndrome, tuberose sclerosis, fragile X syndrome , to name a few.  Boys are more likely to be diagnosed with ASD than girls .[ perhaps this has something to do with the fragile X syndrome]

In recent years, the number of children diagnosed with ASD has increased. Doctors say that this could be due to two reasons-- 1] The guidelines for diagnosing ASD have changed ,and

2] More parents are reporting such symptoms in their children [ which were ignored or taken lightly earlier]

Are there any treatment or therapies for ASD ?

There is no single 'best' treatment for individuals diagnosed with ASD because it includes a very wide range of issues facing those 'on the spectrum'. But still there is hope.

Early treatment of ASD and proper care can reduce the affected person's difficulty. They can be trained to learn new skills and make the most of their strengths. There are many treatment options, social services program and other resources that can help. To help such people, the society can play a great role. One can help those with ASD by such measures as-- * keeping a track or record of conversations, meetings or day to day activity of the person.

* record doctor's reports and evaluations. This may help to know the strength or skill area of the person.

* contact the local health department , school or autism advocacy groups to learn about their special program. Sharing information and experiences with such groups can help individuals as well as parents reduce stress and make decisions when needed.

While there is no specific medication to 'cure' ASD, doctors do prescribe some medicines to deal with irritability, aggression, hyperactivity, attention problem or anxiety and depression.

ASD is a condition that a person and the caregivers have to live with. The firs step to its treatment would be acceptance. It is very difficult for parents to accept the fact that their their child could be born with any such abnormality. So, acceptance is the first step towards treatment. After this there are many ways by which one can cope and live with this condition. And who knows, we might be nurturing a future star in the child. Everyone is born special and so are the persons with ASD. It is true that life is not easy for them and the people around them but it is in our hands to make the best out of any situation over which we have no control.

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