AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a group of complex neurodevelopment disorders characterized by repetitive and characteristic patterns of behavior and difficulties with social communication and interaction. The symptoms are present from early childhood and affect daily functioning. Autism is known as a “spectrum” disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience.

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 DIFFICULTIES

• 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 do not understand how to play or engage with other children and may prefer to be alone.

• They have delayed speech and language skills, may repeat phrases, and give unrelated answers to questions.

• In addition, people with ASD can have a hard time using and understanding non-verbal cues such as gestures, body language, or tone of voice.

REPETITIVE BEHAVIORS

· They engage in repetitive movements or unusual behaviors such as flapping their arms, rocking from side to side, or twirling.

· Having a lasting intense interest in certain topics, such as numbers, details, or facts.

· Having overly focused interests, such as with moving objects or parts of objects.

DIAGNOSIS

A diagnosis of autistic disorder is made when there are impairments in communication and reciprocal social interaction with the presence of restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviors or interests, prior to the age of 3 years. The diagnosis is challenging in children at the both ends of the spectrum. Children with severe autistic symptoms may be hard to differentiate from those with isolated severe intellectual disability, while those with mild symptoms may be misdiagnosed as having a language disorder or a social anxiety.

Holistic approach of homoeopathy helps in improving autistic behaviors through classical treatment and in turn enhances the quality of life .