There are several signs to recognize autism, and these signs help in diagnosing the condition. Individuals with autism face challenges in communication and social interactions. They often find it difficult to understand what others are thinking or feeling, making it hard for them to express themselves through words, gestures, facial expressions, or touch.
People affected by autism may struggle with learning various things. For instance, they might face challenges in communication but excel in areas like art, music, and memory. This exceptional ability helps them solve problems more effectively.
Autism is increasingly being diagnosed in children today. Typically, the signs of autism manifest before the age of 3, although in some cases, they are noticeable at birth. These signs include difficulty maintaining eye contact, limited interests, excessive focus on certain topics, repetitive actions like repeating words or phrases, and rocking back and forth. They also tend to appear disconnected from what others see or hear, and may assign special meaning to things that seem ordinary to others.
Some children with autism may also experience seizures, though this doesn’t start in early childhood. The exact cause of autism remains unknown, but it may stem from issues in specific parts of the brain. Boys are four times more likely to be affected than girls. The disorder can occur in any population and may run in families. Older parents are at a higher risk of having children with autism. Pregnant women who use certain medications or chemicals, like alcohol or anti-seizure drugs, may increase the risk of autism in their children.
Can Autism Be Treated?
While there is no cure for autism, early intervention can improve outcomes. With the right support, challenges faced by children with autism can be managed and improved over time.
