The Diagnosis of Autism Among Children During 12 Months to 5 Years of Age
Dr. Niru Prasad is a pediatrician practicing in Bloomfield Hills, MI. Dr. Prasad is a doctor who specializes in the health care of children. As a pedicatrician, Dr. Prasad diagnoses and treats infections, injuries, diseases and other disorders in children. Pediatricians typically work with infants, children, teenagers and... more
By Dr. Niru Prasad M.D.
The term ASD is a developmental disability caused by differences in brain function.
These children often have problems with social communication and interaction, as well as restricted behaviors or interests. These Children can also have difficulty focusing, delayed learning, or paying attention to parents/caretakers at home and school.
What are the causes of autism?
Scientists on research have proved the fact that genes are contributory factors and more than 100 genes on different chromosomes with their abnormality are causing autism to mild, moderate or severe stages hence called the Autism Spectrum Disorder.
What are the risk factors?
The current available researches prove the fact that certain chromosomes or genetic conditions predisposes to developing the disease at an early age.
There is evidence to suggest that genetics play a significant role and male children are more affected presumably from the genes passed from father. John Hopkins University researchers have found a link between chemical marks on the sperm of a father in a 3 year old child.
The inheritance pattern is unknown however incidental finding of a autistic child may happen in normal parents as well.
What are the main causes of autism?
There are many different factors such as environmental, biologic and genetics. Other risk factors include a sibling with autism, older parents, and certain genetic conditions such as Down Syndrome and Tourette's Syndrome.(Autism- National institute of environmental health sciences) Further more complicated pregnancies, premature birth, low birth weight, and maternal history of diabetes, high blood pressure during pregnancy, high level of depression or stress, further leads to autism in a born child.
(psychcentral.com) The behavioral symptoms of autism spectrum disorder may show in babies as early as 12 to 18 months of age. (National institute of child health and human development.gov)
Following are the signs of autism in babies
Limited eye contact, repetitive movements of the whole body, no response to hearing their name and limited or no response to loud sound, delayed or infrequent babbling.
These babies are well developed, have normal physical appearance and are cute.
The older kids have delayed cognitive or learning skills, hyperactive, impulsive, and inattentive. (www.healthline.com) A baby who doesn't like to be held, cuddled, and is constantly crying may be a sign of autism.
Autism spectrum disorders are classified as minor, moderate, or severe depending on the genetic chromosome involvement. There have been several retrospective studies done on a large population of Italian patients with epilepsy and autism to study if there is correlation between genetic, metabolic, or cerebral lesions and autism. There has been no definitive decision made except the fact that some children with epilepsy might develop autism spectrum as they grow. (Italian Journal of Pediatrics - published Nov 14, 2019).
What are the diagnostic tools for autism?
Two of the leading diagnostic tools to screen and diagnose are DSM-5 and M-chat which is a modified checklist for autism in childrens. Role of pediatrician in diagnosing autism. Any child with suggestive symptoms of delayed speech or hearing should be referred to developmental behavioral pediatrician who does routine regular check up and immunizations. Further legislation and the committee on childrens according to the academy of pediatric with disabilities have described the current tools according to age as a method of diagnosing. Role of social worker and behavioral therapist diagnosis and further management.
The social workers along with pediatricians engage themselves in research, practice, education and support the families and communities. (the national institute of health) The behavioral management therapy tries to reinforce behavior according to age and reduce the unwanted behaviors following the guideline of academy of pediatrics and psychology. Role of a psychologist is important since they can assess areas of concern and strength and recommend treatment accordingly. Several studies have established that intensive and long term therapy improves the outcome of many autistic children.
What are 3 tools to diagnose autism in children
The following are the diagnostic tools:
1) Autism diagnostic interview-revised (adi-r)
2) Autism diagnostic observation Schedule-Generic(ados-G)
3) Childhood autism rating scales
4) Gilliam autism rating scale-(second edition gars-2 biblio www.nichd.nih.gov)
Applied behavior analysis has 4 components
1) Children's behavior is consistent with laws of learning derived from behavior as reported from other sources,
2) Autistic children have many separate behavior issues best described as development delays (pudmed.com)
The social workers also organize group therapies with parents, caretakers, and school teachers.
In summary, the types of treatments include behavioral, developmental, education, social relations, pharmacological, psychological, and complementary alternatives. The aim of current treatments is to reduce symptoms that interfere with daily functioning and quality of life. The treatment plan involves many professionals furthermore treatments aim to better education.
The author has written this script from her own cumulative experiences from working in pediatric and emergency medicine for over 40 years and had no fund or grant to any research. Our readers are always advised to follow up their autistic children by pediatricians.
