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Shuriyeva Aislu Baurzhanovna, post-graduate, FGBOU VPO M. Akmullah Bashkir State Pedagogical University,
Ufa, Bashkortostan E-mail: [email protected] Iztleuova Samanta Shekernayevna, master of pedagogy and psychology, Teacher of chair «Pedagogy and psychology», S. Baishev Aktobe University
Autistic disorder in childhood
Abstract: The authors consider the symptoms, causes and treatment of such disease as autism in childhood. Autism is among the most common in childhood and it is determines the actuality of early diagnostic and correction of this disease.
Keywords: autism, childhood, treatment, symptoms, disorder.
The term "autism" refers to a cluster of conditions appearing early in childhood. All involve severe impairments in social interaction, communication, imaginative abilities, and rigid, repetitive behaviors. To be considered an autistic disorder, some of these impairments must be manifest before the age of three. Autism is a complex developmental disorder distinguished by difficulties with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and behavioral problems, including repetitive behaviors and narrow focus of interest [1].
Classic autism is one of several disorders categorized as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Other ASDs include As-pergersyndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder [2].
Autism usually manifests before a child is three years old and it continues throughout his/her lifetime. The degree of impairment varies from mild to severe. Autism is treatable and, with early diagnosis and treatment, autistic children have the ability to lead healthy, full lives [2].
Each child diagnosed with an autistic disorder differs from every other, and so general descriptions of autistic behavior and characteristics do not apply equally to every child. Still, the common impairments in social interaction, communication and imagination, and rigid, repetitive behaviors make it possible to recognize children with these disorders, as they differ markedly from healthy children in many ways.
Many parents of autistic children sense that something is not quite right even when their children are infants. The infants may have feeding problems, dislike being changed or bathed, or fuss over any change in routine. They may hold their bodies rigid, making it difficult for parents to cuddle them. Or, they may fail to anticipate being lifted, lying passively while the parent reaches for them, rather than holding their arms up in return. Most parents of autistic children become aware of the strangeness of these and other behaviors only gradually. Impairments in social interaction are usually among the earliest symptoms to develop. The most common social impairment is a kind of indifference to other people, or aloofness, even towards parents and close care-givers. The
baby may fail to respond to his or her name being called and may show very little facial expression unless extremely angry, upset, or happy. Babies with autism may resist being touched, and appear to be lost in their own world, far from human interaction. Between seven and 10 months of age, most infants often resist being separated from a parent or well-known caregiver, but these infants may show no disturbance when picked up by a stranger.
Other children with autism may be very passive, although less resistant to efforts by others to interact. However, they do not initiate social interaction themselves. Still others may attempt to engage with adults and peers, but in ways that strike others as inappropriate, or odd. Some individuals with autism have normal intelligence, and many have special talents in areas such as music or memory. However, individuals with autism may have other mental or emotional problems that co-exist with their autism. Some of these other disorders may include impulse control disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, mood and anxiety disorders, and mental retardation [3].
There is no commonality and specificity on the exact cause of autism, though continuous studies are carried out on the subject. Different children can suffer from autism because of reasons that are completely different. Although autism is the result of a neurologic abnormality, the cause of these problems with the nervous system is unknown in most cases. Research findings indicate a strong genetic component. Most likely, environmental, immunologic, and metabolic factors also influence the development of the disorder [4].
There is probably no single gene or genetic defect that is responsible for autism. Researchers suspect that there are a number of different genes that, when combined together, increase the risk of getting autism. In families with one child with autism, the risk of having another child with autism is low. The concordance of autism in monozygotic twins is significant. A number of studies have found that first-degree relatives of children with autism also have an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders.
Autistic disorder in childhood
• In some children, autism is linked to an underlying medical condition. Examples include metabolic disorders (untreated phenylketonuria [PKU]), congenital infections (rubella, cytomegalovirus [CMV], toxoplasmosis), genetic disorders (fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis), developmental brain abnormalities (microcephaly, macrocephaly, cerebral dysgenesis), and neurologic disorders acquired after birth (lead encephalopathy, bacterial meningitis). These medical disorders alone do not cause autism as most children with these conditions do not have autism.
• Environmental factors and exposures may interact with genetic factors to cause an increased risk of autism in some families.
• Over time, many different theories have been proposed about what causes autism. Some of these theories are no longer accepted, however.
• Emotional trauma: Some believed that emotional trauma at an early age, especially bad parenting, was to blame. This theory has been rejected.
• Vaccines: Although the mercury preservative used in some vaccines is known to be neurotoxic, the most recent research on this subject does not suggest a specific link between vaccines and autism. Except for some influenza (flu) multidose preparations, thimerosal was removed from or reduced in all vaccines routinely recommended for children 5 years of age [4].
A child suffering from autism is likely to have problems in three important areas of development, which include behavior, language and social interaction. However, it is important to realize that autism symptoms are varied and two children who have the same diagnosis may exhibit signs and symptoms that are completely different. One of the main autism symptoms in children is the complete inability to interact or communicate with other people [5].
Many parents notice the symptoms of autism in toddlers and infants, but some children seem absolutely normal for the first two years. However, they may seem withdrawn or aggressive, as time goes by. Some toddlers and children also lose the language skills they may seem to have acquired recently. Though autism symptoms vary in each child, some of the common signs noticed in children include [6]:
Behavioral
• Unusual sensitivity to light, touch and sound, but being oblivious to pain.
• Fascination with certain parts of an object, like the wheels of a toy car.
• Constant movement.
• Getting very disturbed with changes in routines and rituals.
• Performing actions that are repetitive, like flapping hands, spinning or rocking.
Language
• Repeating words or phrases verbatim, without showing any understanding.
• Inability to begin a conversation or even keep one going.
• Speaking with a rhythm or tone that is abnormal.
• Avoiding eye contact when making requests.
• Losing the ability to say sentences or even words learned in the past.
Social
• Failure to respond to their name.
• Being unaware of other's feelings.
• Poor eye contact.
• Resistance towards cuddling or being held by someone.
• Showing a preference for being alone.
Since every child is different, the severity of these symptoms may also vary from one child to the other. As the child moves towards adolescence, the symptoms may undergo a change. In cases of mild autism, teens show less marked behavioral disturbances. They may also seem to become more engaged with others. As they grow older, such people may be able to lead a near normal life. However, this is not the case with everyone; behavioral problems could worsen in many children as they approach adolescence.
Because the symptoms of autism can vary greatly from one person to the next, there is not a single treatment that works for every person. A spectrum of interventions including behavioral and educational training, diet and nutrition, alternative medicine and therapies, and medication should be utilized and fine — turned to treat the individual. The most strongly recommended treatment option is behavioral and educational training. Early intervention and treatment is key to helping autistic children grow into productive adults.
Several educational and behavioral treatments are:
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA);
• speech therapy;
• occupational therapy, including sensory integration therapy;
• social skills therapy, including play therapy.
Typically, behavioral techniques are used to help the child
respond and decrease symptoms. This might include positive reinforcement to boost language and social skills. This training includes structured, skill — oriented instruction designed to improve social and language abilities. Training needs to begin as early as possible, since early intervention appears to positive influence brain development.
Most autistic children respond to intervention at home as well as at school. Most autistic children respond to intervention at home as well as at school. As autistic children grow and move to different phrases of childhood and adolescence, parents in collaboration with educators and physicians need to adapt the treatment to best suit the needs of their autistic child [7].
Autism is treatable but not curable. With appropriate treatments adjusted to suit the autistic child as he/she grows up, the symptoms of autism improve. Today, parents and caregivers are focused on providing the best therapies possible in order for autistic children to develop to their highest potential. Because the incidence of autism seems to be increasing at a rapid rate worldwide, enough so that the CDC has voiced
concern about its prevalence, there is more awareness of au- have a normal life expectancy and with proper intervention tism and more ongoing research efforts. People with autism they can lead full lives.
References:
1. Nader R., et al. Expression of pain in children with autism//Clinical Journal of Pain. - March-April 2004. - 20, no. 2: 88-97.
2. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-V). - American Psychiatric Association. - Washington, 2013. - 947 p.
3. Powers Michael, Psy. D., ed. Children with autism: a parent's guide. 2nd edition. - Bethesda, MD.: Woodbine House, 2000.
4. Muhle R., et al. The genetics of autism//Journal of Pediatrics. - May 2004. - 113, no. 5: 472-486.
5. Tuchman Roberto and Rapin Isabelle, eds. Autism: A Neurological Disorder of Early Brain Development. - London: MacKeith Press for the International Child Neurology Association, 2006.
6. Brock Stephen E., Jimerson Shane R. and Hansen Robin L. Identifying, Assessing, and Treating autism at school. - New York: Springer, 2006.
7. Lewis W. Play and language in children with autism//Autism. - December 2003. - 7, no. 4: 391-399.
