What Causes Regression In Autism
Regression in autism is caused by something that hasnt been found in studies yet.
Although there are potential influences such as epilepsy, early childhood immunizations, and epileptiform EEGs.
There are still minimal causal and correlational relationships when it comes to this kind of trait in this kind of psychological disorder.
Rarely Shares Enjoyment With You
Babies readily share enjoyment with you by smiling or laughing and looking at you.
Some children with autism smile to show theyre happy but dont their enjoyment.
Others show little facial expression or have flat affect and rarely smile so you may not know when theyre happy.
If your baby rarely shares enjoyment with you, especially when youre available to interact, this can be an early sign of autism.
Heightened Sensitivity Or Sensory Aversion
Autism can cause a childs senses to be touchy. A child may enjoy rubbing smooth or soft surfaces, or he may smell everything, Pandey says. But he may not like to be held or cuddled. Everyday sounds might be really hard for them, she says of children with autism. She mentions toilet flushes and vacuum cleaners as common irritants. They might hold their hands up to their ears, she says. A child with autism may also be very sensitive to bright light, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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Early Signs Of Autism All Parents Should Know
For the best outcomes in treating Autism Spectrum Disorder, early diagnosis and intervention are absolutely critical for improving a child’s odds of developing important cognitive skills and functioning at a high level later in life.
“It’s clear that the earlier you start, the better the long-term outcomes are,” Dr. Paul Wang, head of medical research for the autism science and advocacy organization Autism Speaks, told The Huffington Post. “You really want to get these kids an intervention as soon as possible.”
But the disorder, which almost always begins to appear when the child is between 12 and 18 months old, can present itself in many different ways. This can make it difficult for parents to identify. In fact, roughly half of parents are unfamiliar with the early signs of autism, according to Wang.
“Parents can start picking up on differences as early as six months,” Wang said. “Not every child is going to have differences that parents or anyone can pick up, but some will and it can start that early.”
Parents can start picking up on differences as early as six months.
The neurodevelopmental disorder — which is becoming an increasingly common diagnosis among American children — is characterized by differences in social behaviors, communication and perception. Typical red flags range from delays in speaking to unusual sensory behaviors.
As the video’s narrator concludes, “Early intervention can make a lifetime of difference.”
Story continues below video.
What Is Regressive Autism In Affected Children
This kind of autism in affected children occurs when the child is showing signs of healthy development until the child starts to show signs that he or she is going back to a regressive state or something that associates with behaviours that are only done by done children who are at a younger age than the child. In this case, this is a setback in the childs development which can baffle parents.
This kind of autism is prominent in children within the ages of 15 and 30 months.
The lack of the appropriate skills can work slowly in this kind of autism.
This kind of autism is typically followed by a stagnant period of an increased progression of the appropriate skills in the childs age.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition issued by the American Psychiatric Association described autism as any type of this psychological disorder that has the signs of regression, including childhood disintegrative disorder which is another kind of psychological disorder.
Children with this kind of autism should be checked immediately to get treated early.
There will be the necessary therapies that will be prescribed to the affected child so that he or she can be back in his or her journey in development.
There will also be tips given to the parents since children with this kind of psychological disorder should be treated with the note in mind that they have this kind of autism to make treatment effective.
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Prenatal Factors That May Contribute To Autism
Taking antidepressants during pregnancy, especially in the first 3 months.
Nutritional deficiencies early in pregnancy, particularly not getting enough folic acid.
The age of the mother and father
Complications at or shortly after birth, including very low birth weight and neonatal anemia
Maternal infections during pregnancy.
Exposure to chemical pollutants, such as metals and pesticides, while pregnant.
More research on these prenatal risk factors is needed, but if youre pregnant or trying to conceive, it cant hurt to take steps now to reduce your babys risk of autism.
Reducing the risk of autism: Tips for expectant mothers
Take a multivitamin. Taking 400 micrograms of folic acid daily helps prevent birth defects such as spina bifida. Its not clear whether this will also help reduce risk of autism, but taking the vitamins cant hurt.
Ask about SSRIs. Women who are taking an SSRI should talk with a clinician about all the risks and benefits of these drugs. Untreated depression in a mother can also affect her childs well-being later on, so this is not a simple decision to make.
Practice prenatal care. Eating nutritious food, trying to avoid infections, and seeing a clinician for regular check-ups can increase the chances of giving birth to a healthy child.
Source: Harvard Health Publications
Early Signs Of Autism In Babies Aged 0
Shortly after they are born, babies begin to smile and coo at people around them. By the time they turn 2 months old, they are able to pay attention to faces.
If the child has autism spectrum disorder, this may not be the case. If a child doesnt smile, or smile as big, and is not showing any warm expression, it may be a sign of autism spectrum disorder.
The following signs can also be seen by the time the baby turns 3 months old:
- Doesnt respond to loud noises,
- Doesnt grasp objects,
- Doesnt follow objects with their eyes,
- Doesnt babble,
- Doesnt point to things,
- Doesnt respond to their names,
- Cant stand when supported,
- Doesnt babble
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Early Signs Of Autism
Patricia Evans, M.D., Ph.D., a professor of Pediatrics, Neurology and Psychiatry director of the Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Residency and clinical programs at University of Texas Southwestern School of Medicine and clinical co-director for the Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities at Childrens Health, says parents can be on the lookout for signs of an autism spectrum disorder.
Autistic behaviors and symptoms may fall into categories such as:
What Are Some Common Signs Of Asd
Even as infants, children with ASD may seem different, especially when compared to other children their own age. They may become overly focused on certain objects, rarely make eye contact, and fail to engage in typical babbling with their parents. In other cases, children may develop normally until the second or even third year of life, but then start to withdraw and become indifferent to social engagement.
The severity of ASD can vary greatly and is based on the degree to which social communication, insistence of sameness of activities and surroundings, and repetitive patterns of behavior affect the daily functioning of the individual.
Social impairment and communication difficultiesMany people with ASD find social interactions difficult. The mutual give-and-take nature of typical communication and interaction is often particularly challenging. Children with ASD may fail to respond to their names, avoid eye contact with other people, and only interact with others to achieve specific goals. Often children with ASD do not understand how to play or engage with other children and may prefer to be alone. People with ASD may find it difficult to understand other peoples feelings or talk about their own feelings.
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Signs Of Autism In Infants
Its important to note that every baby is unique and their symptoms or development may be different than whats listed here below. Its always best to consult your pediatrician or find a pediatric specialist in development to discuss any abnormal or odd habits that your baby is showing that could be signs of autism in infants.
Autism And Assistive Technology
Technology has recently given some children with severe autism ways to communicate. Assistive technology is any product, item, or piece of equipment that is used by a person with a disability to perform tasks, improve functional capabilities, and become more independent. The assistive technology may be a computer tablet, a computer, or even a phone app with programs especially designed to engage children with autism. For students with severe communication difficulties, a device with a speech-generating app or a speech generating device may be highly effective.
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What To Do If Youre Worried
If your child is developmentally delayed, or if youve observed other red flags for autism, schedule an appointment with your pediatrician right away. In fact, its a good idea to have your child screened by a doctor even if he or she is hitting the developmental milestones on schedule. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children receive routine developmental screenings, as well as specific screenings for autism at 9, 18, and 30 months of age.
Schedule an autism screening. A number of specialized screening tools have been developed to identify children at risk for autism. Most of these screening tools are quick and straightforward, consisting of yes-or-no questions or a checklist of symptoms. Your pediatrician should also get your feedback regarding your childs behavior.
Development Of Infants With Early Signs Of Autism
While your baby is growing up, you may wonder if they are developing as they should. There are certain developmental milestones children hit as they grow up.
It is important to keep an eye out for these so that you can see if your child is behind on their development.
- smile at people
- try to look at their parents
- coo
- turn their head towards sound
If you notice that your baby is not engaging in such activities, you may want to get your child tested for ASD.
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Screening Tools For Assessing Possible Regressive Asd In Children
If you are a parent or a carer for a child with this autism, you need to consider this tool in assessing this autism in affected children:
Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-up for affected children
This test is a parent-support screening test used to evaluate the behaviours of affected children if it is in line with this autism.
This test is used for affected children in the ages of 16 to 30 months of age effectively.
This test will identify if the child needs to be further assessed for the suspicion of this autism in the child where there will be more tools that will be used to evaluate the child.
This test is highly prescribed to these affected children by the American Academy of Pediatrics for screening children for possible ASD or other forms of this psychological disorder.
As mentioned before, this test is administered through two stages. The following are these stages of this test:
- Developmental Screening
This is a short test used to identify if the affected child is learning the fundamental skills needed in his or her age of development.
This is where the physician will be asking the parents about their childs behaviours and if there are developmental delays that are present such as being unable to speak clearly or walk properly.
This short test is suitable for children who are in the ages of 9-months old, 18-months old, and 24- or 30-months old.
- Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation for affected children
When To Seek Medical Advice
Early intervention is very important in children with autism spectrum disorder. Services such as speech therapy and behavioral and skills training are more effective if begun when a child is young.
For this reason, it is helpful to receive a diagnosis as early as possible. However, many children remain undiagnosed until they are in school. Some people are not diagnosed until they are adults.
If you suspect someone has autism, including yourself, contact a medical professional as soon as possible.
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Social Communication And Interaction Skills
Social communication and interaction skills can be challenging for people with ASD.
Examples of social communication and social interaction characteristics related to ASD can include:
- Avoids or does not keep eye contact
- Does not respond to name by 9 months of age
- Does not show facial expressions like happy, sad, angry, and surprised by 9 months of age
- Does not play simple interactive games like pat-a-cake by 12 months of age
- Uses few or no gestures by 12 months of age
- Does not share interests with others
- Does not point or look at what you point to by 18 months of age
- Does not notice when others are hurt or sad by 24 months of age
- Does not pretend in play
- Shows little interest in peers
- Has trouble understanding other peoples feelings or talking about own feelings at 36 months of age or older
- Does not play games with turn taking by 60 months of age
Challenging Behaviors In Autism
People with autism spectrum disorder may exhibit behaviors which put themselves at risk, cause difficulties for people around them or which are not socially acceptable.
Around 50 percent of people with autism engage in behavior that can cause themselves harm when they feel frustrated, overwhelmed or unwell. Such behaviors can include:
- Banging their head on walls or other objects
- Hitting themselves, e.g. hitting their head with their hands
- Poking themselves in the eye
- Pulling their hair
- Biting themselves
- Smearing feces
A person with autism who feels frustrated, overwhelmed or feeling unwell may also display physically aggressive behavior. This can include:
- Throwing objects
- Hitting, slapping or biting other people
- Pulling other peopleââ¬â¢s hair
Some people with autism eat objects that are not edible, or keep the objects in their mouth, a behavior known as pica. It is the most common eating disorder found in people with autism spectrum disorder. People may eat anything, including dirt or soap.
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What Is A Spectrum Disorder
Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that people can experience a wide range of symptoms and of varying severities. For example, a person with autism who is towards the high functioning range of the spectrum will have a good grasp of language, but a person towards the low functioning range of the spectrum may not speak at all.
As such, it is important to note that a person with autism spectrum disorder will not display all symptoms and symptoms will vary in severity. However, a person with ASD will display several of these behaviors and signs.
Unresponsive To His Or Her Name
By 12 months of age, most children will look up or respond when someone calls them by name. If a child does not, that may be indicative of autism, the CDC says. These kids may also seem not to hear their parents or other people, or they may struggle to understand or follow simple commands or instructions.
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How To Treat Regressive Autism In Affected Children
Psychologists and child specialists have suggested that educational and behavioural therapies will be the ones treating this kind of autism in affected children.
These kinds of therapies will be used as well by parents and caregivers once trained and they can work with their affected children themselves.
The following are these psychological interventions used to treat children with this kind of autism:
- Applied Behavioral Analysis for children with this form of autism
This is where the therapist will be working with the affected children in a face-to-face format for 20 to 40 hours per week.
These sessions may begin with the child learning some structured drills such as pointing to an object that the therapist is looking for.
This is then followed by the child learning some basic skills that are appropriate for his or her age.
This kind of behavioural intervention is very effective in its usage amongst children with this kind of autism.
The American Medical Association and the US Surgeon General have also suggested this kind of behavioural intervention to children with other forms of autism.
- Speech Therapy
Since children with this kind of autism will be having complications with speaking, it is only appropriate for them to undergo speech therapy.
This kind of therapy will be teaching the child sign language and a picture exchange communication system which is also recommended as a tool in building speech in children with this kind of autism.
- Sensory Integration
What Role Do Genes Play
Twin and family studies strongly suggest that some people have a genetic predisposition to autism. Identical twin studies show that if one twin is affected, then the other will be affected between 36 to 95 percent of the time. There are a number of studies in progress to determine the specific genetic factors associated with the development of ASD. In families with one child with ASD, the risk of having a second child with the disorder also increases. Many of the genes found to be associated with autism are involved in the function of the chemical connections between brain neurons . Researchers are looking for clues about which genes contribute to increased susceptibility. In some cases, parents and other relatives of a child with ASD show mild impairments in social communication skills or engage in repetitive behaviors. Evidence also suggests that emotional disorders such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia occur more frequently than average in the families of people with ASD.
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