By definition, autism refers to a profound developmental disorder that begins in children of different ages. In this, an autistic disorder severely limits the development of the personality.
What is autism?
Different forms of autism exist, which differ from each other in the course as well as in the severity of symptoms. Early childhood autism, known as Kanner syndrome, is one of the best known forms. When autism is spoken of in everyday life, this form of autism is usually meant. In contrast, Asperger syndrome as well as atypical autism represents a milder autistic disorder. Rett syndrome is a profound developmental disorder with autistic features. However, the spectrum of possible autism disorders is very broad. However, all disorders have one thing in common, which is that certain personality traits, such as difficulty forming relationships with people, impaired language development, and limited activities and interests and a repetitive and stereotyped pattern of behavior, are common in people with autism.
Causes
To date, the underlying causes of autism are not clearly understood. However, it is considered certain that corresponding biological or genetic factors play a significant role. Thus, close relatives of autistic people in particular also frequently show autistic symptoms. Further indications of a genetic cause are provided by so-called twin studies. If one twin child shows autistic symptoms, the other twin child also develops autistic symptoms more frequently than average. In addition, healthy siblings of autistic people also often show autistic abnormalities. Compared to other children, the mental and linguistic development is usually limited. It is assumed that four to ten gene factors are involved in the development of autism. This also explains the different forms of autism. For example, in Rett syndrome, which affects only girls, it was possible to find out the genetic cause, because in girls the gene MeCP2 on the X chromosome is altered.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
The spectrum of autism is broad; not all affected individuals are entirely trapped in their own world. While some autistic individuals are merely shy of contact and therefore have difficulty interacting with those around them, others stand out because of their stereotyped behaviors, do not speak, and are dependent on support or even care throughout their lives. Autistic disorder does not necessarily indicate mental impairment. The spectrum ranges from high-grade mental deficiency to an extremely pronounced partial performance strength, also called insular giftedness. The best known is the so-called photographic memory. Nevertheless, many autistic people have striking similarities. Due to their different sensory perception, they usually experience their environment as unstructured chaos. Loud noises, bright light or spontaneous hugs can trigger fear reactions and lead to a flight reflex. As a rule, autistic people confine themselves to a single area of interest, preferring uniform, repetitive processes. This is also reflected in speech, which is usually limited to the mechanical repetition of words and phrases. Due to his inability to understand the facial expressions and body language of other people, an autistic person remains oblivious to the feelings of even the closest family members. Thus, many affected individuals find it impossible to cope in a larger group and to respond appropriately to its demands.
Diagnosis and course
Making an autism diagnosis is not easy, because not every baby who is not interested in his environment is also immediately autistic. Even some children in kindergarten or school want to be by themselves without autism being immediately present. For example, anxiety disorders can also be the cause of such behavior. If there is a suspicion, a child and adolescent psychiatrist will usually ask the parents about the typical behavior of the child. Furthermore, there are prefabricated questionnaires for diagnosis. Careful observation of the child is also useful in making a diagnosis. All this together helps the doctor to get a very comprehensive picture. Other disorders, such as psychoses or intelligence deficits, should also be ruled out.Examinations in the areas of perception, motor skills, social behavior, intelligence and language can provide more precise information about the child’s weaknesses and strengths. Autism manifests itself through different stages, but not all autistic individuals may have the same onset. For example, Kanner syndrome begins in infancy, and in Asberger syndrome, symptoms do not appear until the child is in kindergarten or elementary school. Between the 6th month of life and the 4th year of life, Rett syndrome begins, with symptoms of a severe developmental disorder appearing here. There is no uniform course of autism. In addition, it always depends on which form of autism is present and how pronounced it is. For example, people with Asperger’s syndrome are often able to organize their everyday life in adulthood and even have a job. In contrast, people with Rett syndrome need tremendous support in managing their lives. In addition, there is a progressive course with Rett syndrome and affected people become increasingly in need of care throughout their lives. Often autistic people with retarded mental development live in a social institution.
When should you see a doctor?
That symptoms from the autism spectrum disorder are in the room, parents or educators often suspect in the early years in kindergarten. However, it also happens that school children, adolescents and even adults with conspicuous behavior repeatedly have problems and cause offense, but a diagnosis has never been made. The earlier a specialist diagnosis is made in connection with autism, the sooner supportive therapies can also begin. These can bring good symptom control and thus greater participation in social life for many patients with autism spectrum disorder. In cases of suspected autism, a visit to the doctor is advisable in the area of kindergarten, when suffering pressure arises. Many symptoms that point to an autism disorder are still very unspecific, especially in young children. However, if school is approaching and problematic social situations occur repeatedly, a comprehensive diagnosis is indicated. This can also not “cure” autism, but through behavioral therapy and, if necessary, support in everyday life by, for example, integration assistants bring significant benefits for those affected.
Treatment and therapy
The therapy of autism depends on the affected person, the individual limitations as well as the strengths. A cure for autism is not possible and will limit the affected person in social life for a lifetime. The therapy pursues the goals of help and support as well as to reduce the repetitive stereotypical behaviors. This is attempted by educators, psychiatrists and psychologists using various methods. Furthermore, the caring family of the affected person should also be supported by various state institutions. A reliable and effective drug therapy for the treatment of autism does not exist until today. However, neuroleptics or benzodiazepines can be used to help limit severe states of tension or self-injurious behavior. Some autistics suffer from epileptic seizures, which can also be treated with medication.
Outlook and prognosis
Many factors play a role in the outlook and prognosis for autism spectrum disorders. For example, the degree of the disorder, possible intelligence reduction or increase, integration into the environment, and concomitant diseases must be considered. In children, the full-blown behavioral disorder is usually reached during the kindergarten or preschool years. During the first years of school, the problems may subside. Autism is associated with permanent positive behavioral change in about half of those affected during adolescence and adulthood. In the other half, the disorder stagnates or even worsens. On the whole, disorders from the autism spectrum do not offer any prospect of a cure. However, improvement is possible in most cases if supportive therapy is started early enough. The aim of this therapy is to help those affected to learn independence within the scope of their possibilities and to open up ways of communication and self-realization. Such therapy should be started in early childhood.The prognosis for significant improvement in condition is significantly better for autistics without intelligence impairment and people with Asperger syndrome than for severely impaired autistics. It should also be noted that many autistic individuals are at higher risk for accidents and self-injury, which often results in immediate physical integrity being linked to quality of care.
Aftercare
Follow-up care in the classic sense cannot be provided for autism because it is a congenital neurodiversity and consequently cannot be cured. However, since it is possible to learn how to deal with the disability in therapies, supportive services to maintain the status quo after the end of therapy are advisable in most cases. This support usually takes the form of assisted living – either on an outpatient basis by a caregiver who accompanies the autistic person with shopping, trips to the authorities and visits to the doctor, or in the form of inpatient placement in a care facility. Which support service is the right one depends greatly on the individual client. Some autistic people need their personal space and autonomy and are therefore unsuitable for residential groups in which they share premises with other autistic people. On the contrary, other autistics are dependent on very intensive care, which an outpatient care service cannot provide. Personal attachment to a caregiver can also be a deciding factor. In this case, it is recommended to hire a caregiver through the personal budget. Particularly dependent and easily overwhelmed autistic persons are also given a legal guardian who can handle important matters such as visits to the authorities on behalf of the patient.
What you can do yourself
Those who suffer from the disorder autism usually perceive everyday life differently than healthy people. Since autistic people prefer a thoroughly structured daily routine, regular routines should be part of the daily routine. The sequence of activities should be determined in advance so that unforeseen events can be avoided. The routine in the daily routine represents a personal security for the affected person and contributes to a more pleasant experience of life. Most autistic people reject closeness and physical contact, so they should also be given enough time and space for personal downtime. Autism is usually accompanied by insecurity towards life. In order to stabilize personal insecurity, one should always affirm the actions of autistic children and adults. Autistic people should work in jobs that fit the person’s special abilities. Those who suffer from autism often have to deal with sensory overload. To minimize this, it is important for those affected to recognize their own needs and set boundaries. Often, artistic activity has a positive influence on autistic people. In music or art, those affected can express themselves and develop their sensory perception. Massage therapy can provide relaxation and help sufferers feel themselves better.
