AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER is a condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication. The disorder also includes limited and repetitive patterns of behaviour. The term "spectrum" in autism spectrum disorder refers to the wide range of symptoms and severity.

Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is described as a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first 2 years of life.

Autism spectrum disorder includes conditions that were previously considered separate Autism, Asperger's syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and an unspecified form of pervasive developmental disorder. 

 

HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Treatment for ASD should begin as soon as possible after diagnosis. Early treatment for ASD is important as proper care and services can reduce individuals’ difficulties while helping them build on their strengths and learn new skills.

The homoeopathic approach to treat ASD incorporates the detailed study of the patient including family history, personal history, impaired functions in terms of behaviour, social skills, communication, speech trauma etc.

There are encouraging results in autistic children treated with homoeopathy. Early the treatment starts, better are the results.

The homoeopathic approach to handling chronic disorders being totalistic and aiming at treating the genetic tendencies with well strategic management offers; effective treatment for autism and related disorders.

KNOW YOUR DISEASE

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Scientists believe there are multiple causes of ASD that act together to change the most common ways people develop. People with ASD may behave, communicate, interact, and learn in ways that are different from most other people. There is often nothing about how they look that sets them apart from other people.  The abilities of people with ASD can vary significantly. For example, some people with ASD may have advanced conversation skills whereas others may be nonverbal. Some people with ASD need a lot of help in their daily lives; others can work and live with little to no support.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ASD

Not all people with ASD will have all common behaviour’s, but most will have several of the behaviour’s listed below.

Social Communication / Interaction Behaviour’s may include.

• Making little or inconsistent eye contact.
• Appearing not to look at or listen to people who are talking.
• Infrequently sharing interest, emotion, or enjoyment of objects or activities (including infrequent pointing at or showing things to others).
• Not responding or being slow to respond to one’s name or to other verbal bids for attention.
• Having difficulties with the back and forth of conversation.
• Often talking at length about a favourite subject without noticing that others are not interested or without giving others a chance to respond.
• Displaying facial expressions, movements, and gestures that do not match what is being said.
• Having an unusual tone of voice that may sound sing-song or flat and robot-like.
• Having trouble understanding another person’s point of view or being unable to predict or understand other people’s actions.
• Difficulties adjusting behaviour’s to social situations.
• Difficulties sharing in imaginative play or in making friends.

Restrictive / Repetitive behaviour’s may include.

• Repeating certain behaviour’s or having unusual behaviour’s, such as repeating words or phrases (a behaviour called echolalia)
• Having a lasting intense interest in specific topics, such as numbers, details, or facts
• Showing overly focused interests, such as with moving objects or parts of objects
• Becoming upset by slight changes in a routine and having difficulty with transitions
• Being more sensitive or less sensitive than other people to sensory input, such as light, sound, clothing, or temperature

People with ASD may also experience sleep problems and irritability.

People on the autism spectrum also may have many strengths, including:

• Being able to learn things in detail and remember information for long periods of time.
• Being strong visual and auditory learners.
• Excelling in math, science, music, or art.

CAUSES OF ASD

Researchers don’t know the primary causes of ASD, but studies suggest that a person’s genes can act together with aspects of their environment to affect development in ways that lead to ASD. Some factors that are associated with an increased likelihood of developing ASD include:

• Having a sibling with ASD
• Having older parents
• Having certain genetic conditions (such as Down syndrome or Fragile X syndrome)
• Having a very low birth weight

COMPLICATIONS OF ASD

Problems with social interactions, communication and behaviour can lead to.

• Problems in school and with successful learning
• Employment problems
• Inability to live independently
• Social isolation
• Stress within the family
• Victimization and being bullied

What can be done to raise a child with ASD?

Raising a child with autism spectrum disorder can be physically exhausting and emotionally draining. These suggestions may help.

• Find a team of trusted professionals. A team, coordinated by your doctor, may include social workers, teachers, therapists, and a case manager or service coordinator. These professionals can help identify and evaluate the resources in your area and explain financial services and state and federal programs for children and adults with disabilities.
• Learn about the disorder. There are many myths and misconceptions about autism spectrum disorder. Learning the truth can help you better understand your child and his or her attempts to communicate.
• Take time for yourself and other family members. Caring for a child with autism spectrum disorder can put stress on your personal relationships and your family. To avoid burnout, take time out to relax, exercise or enjoy your favourite activities. Try to schedule one-on-one time with your other children and plan date nights with your spouse or partner — even if it's just watching a movie together after the children go to bed.
• Seek out other families of children with autism spectrum disorder. Other families struggling with the challenges of autism spectrum disorder may have useful advice. Some communities have support groups for parents and siblings of children with the disorder.

CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT OF ASD

People with ASD may face a wide range of issues, which means that there is no single best treatment for ASD. Working closely with a health care provider is an important part of finding the right combination of treatment and services.

MEDICATION

A health care provider may prescribe medication to treat specific symptoms. With medication, a person with ASD may have fewer problems with:

• Irritability
• Aggression
• Repetitive behaviour
• Hyperactivity
• Attention problems
• Anxiety and depression

THERAPIES AVAILABLE FOR TREATING ASD

Behavioural, psychological, and educational interventions are available for treating ASD. People with ASD may be referred to the health care specialists who specializes in providing behavioural, psychological, educational, or skill-building interventions. These programs are often highly structured and intensive, and they may involve caregivers, siblings, and other family members. These programs may help people with ASD:

• Learn social, communication, and language skills
• Reduce behaviour’s that interfere with daily functioning
• Increase or build upon strengths
• Learn life skills for living independently

ROLE OF DIET IN ASD

There's no evidence that special diets are an effective treatment for autism spectrum disorder. And for growing children, restrictive diets can lead to nutritional deficiencies. If you decide to pursue a restrictive diet, work with a registered dietitian to create an appropriate meal plan for your child.