It is a little known fact that the term “autism” was coined by the Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler, who used it to refer to adult schizophrenia. However, the connotations of the term were redefined in 1943 by Leo Kanner, who dissociated schizophrenia from autism and associated it with the modern understanding of the disorder. Both autism and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are medical terms used to refer to a group of complex brain disorders that result in delayed development of verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction skills.

Autistic children also often have habits that they repeat obsessively, such as rocking.

ASDs have a unique effect on everyone they are diagnosed with. The intensity of the situation can range from relatively to an extremely serious and chronic condition. People with ASD manifest different symptoms, at various stages of development with varying severity.

The different categories of ASD

Autism spectrum disorder is a broad term used to name any or all of the following three subcategories:

• Asperger syndrome: People with this condition are usually mildly autistic. These people show a strange attraction to certain patterns and habits of activity. However, they do not show any signs of linguistic or cognitive impairment.
• autistic disorder: This is also known as “classic autism.” In addition to the significant limitations experienced in the child’s ability to remember facts and figures, there are also major delays in the development of language skills. There is also a general reluctance in aspects of social interaction.
• Generalized development issue: Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS): This is also known as atypical autism. All those diagnosed with some, but not all, of the symptoms of Asperger syndrome and autism are generally included in this group. Children with PDD-NOS show mild symptoms of social reticence and stunted communication skills.

symptoms and signs of autism

Although doctors diagnose autism symptoms in a child when the child is three years old, advances in technology and medical science have led to major improvements in detection and treatment. Now pediatricians and doctors can spot the telltale signs of autism in children as young as one year old. These are some of the symptoms of autism:

• Autistic children stop responding to their names by the time they are one year old.
• At 14 months, these children stop pointing to new objects to express their interest.
• At 18 months, they stop playing, such as playing with toys and dolls.
• They generally avoid eye contact and wish to be left alone.
• Autistic children are unable to understand the moods and feelings of the people around them, or even themselves, and cannot express such emotions in clear language.
• There is a significant delay in the development of their communication skills.
• They usually show signs of echolalia, or obsessive repetition of words and phrases.
• They do not understand the questions and give pertinent answers.
• These children cannot adjust to sudden changes, such as loud sounds or bright flashes of light.
• Autistic children show tendencies toward the development of obsessive traits and habits, such as rocking, waving their arms, and spinning in circles.

Diagnosis and treatment

Since there are no comprehensive medical tests like blood tests and other tests to detect autism, the onus is on doctors, parents and caregivers to pay constant attention to the child’s activities and discover through behavioral traits if he / she could be autistic.

There are no cures for autism. However, with early intervention and effective treatment, the severity of the autistic condition can be largely counteracted. Autistic children who display symptoms of language and social impairment can be coached to develop their abilities to communicate with others and behave more presentably in a social setting. With extensive therapy and training, it is also possible to train these children to improve their cognitive abilities and their ability to retain facts and figures.

The benefits of such training are not limited solely to autistic children. Children who show signs of developmental delay up to the age of three may also benefit from these therapies.

The causes of autism and the risk factors involved

Medical science has yet to discover the definitive cause of autism. Here are some of the environmental factors and chemical influences that have been seen as possible causes of autism:

• Chromosomal interaction in an individual’s genes can result in the development of autism.
• Autism occurs in children with certain chromosomal or genetic conditions. For example, about 10% of autistic children also have fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, and other genetic disorders.
• Children whose parents or siblings are autistic are generally at risk of developing autism.
• Taking prescription drugs such as thalidomide or valporic acid during pregnancy greatly increases the chances of autism in the fetus.
• Children who are born prematurely or who have a very low birth weight are more susceptible to developing autism syndromes.
• The effect of vaccines has not yet been established. Researchers are also looking at whether conditions just before birth and after birth result in the development of autism. However, the claim of ineffective parenting skills resulting in autism is totally false.

Boys are five times more susceptible to autism than girls. With 1 in 88 children diagnosed with autism, doctors and parents need to be on constant watch as early detection and proper treatment can help save the damage this chronic condition can cause.