Autism or Autistic Spectrum Disorder (TEA) is characterized as a behavioral syndrome that compromises development throughout life.
The main changes identified are deficits in the areas of communication and socialization, restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities.
With the right treatment, the autistic person can have a normal life, depending on the level of severity of the disorder. Typically, signs of autism can be identified before 36 months of age.
During childhood, this disorder is often called childhood autism, a behavioral syndrome that predominates in boys and causes children to have different behavioral reactions. The main symptom of childhood autism is isolation.
The causes of autism are still unknown, but several studies suggest that the cause may vary between factors. genetics or something of an external nature, such as complications during pregnancy or the sequelae of an infection caused by a virus.
Types of Autism
The diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder is classified into three main types.
classic autism
Although the commitment can vary a lot, when framed in this level of autism, the person can be turned inwards.
Absence of eye contact, difficulty in understanding and major mental disturbances may occur.
High Performance Autism
This degree of autism was previously called Asperger's syndrome.
The symptoms are similar to other types of autism, but in very small proportions. High-performing autistics can be verbal and also intelligent to the point of being mistaken for geniuses.
Global Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
Also represented by the acronym (DGD-SOE), Global Development Disorder Not Otherwise Specified is difficult diagnosis since it does not have enough symptoms to be included in one of the categories of the disorder.
Despite this, carriers are classified within the autism spectrum.
Characteristics of Autism
There are various degrees of autism, with different levels of severity, the most striking characteristics among patients being:
- Difficulty in establishing social interactions,
- Compulsive interest in something,
- Presence of repetitive behaviors.
In fact, the difficulty establishing social interactions it is also due to the fact that the autistic person has difficulties in understanding and applying social norms, which are normally learned through observation and intuition.
Autistic people can still have sensory disturbances, which make them have a different perception of the world around them. It is common, for example, high auditory sensitivity. This makes them annoyed with noises that would not disturb a person who is not autistic.
It is noteworthy that autism does not mean "lack of intelligence", since there are autistic people at all levels of IQ (high, medium and low).
The main barrier faced by the autistic person is the difficulty in communicating and expressing their distinct way of interpreting the world around them.
Autism Symptoms
Symptoms of autism often vary according to the severity of the disorder.
However, difficulty in establishing social contacts and repetitive behaviors are the most common symptoms at all stages of the disease.
In general, the autistic person may have the symptoms below
- Aggressive behavior.
- Lack of eye contact with other people.
- Irritability.
- Repetition of words (without there being a meaning).
- Involuntary imitation of movements.
- Hyperactivity.
- Learning difficulty.
- Difficulty in dealing with changes (of plans, home, schedules, school, etc.).
- Delay in speaking ability.
- Manifestation of extreme emotions (on occasions where they shouldn't happen).
- Loss of speech.
- Lack of attention.
- Intense interest in specific things.
- Depression.
- Lack of empathy.
- Anxiety.
- Custom to walk on tiptoe.
- Tics and nervous manias.
Symptoms can vary according to the level of autism, that is, it is not necessary for a person to have all the symptoms to be considered autistic.
Autism degrees
According to the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) of the Association American Psychiatry, there are no subtypes of autism, but different levels or degrees of disorder.
These grades are defined according to the abilities and abilities of the autistic person.
mild autism
Also called mild autism and level 1 autism, is considered a subtle type of autism, diagnosed from the observation of some details about the individual's behavior.
See some examples.
- Makes little eye contact with others.
- It does not continue the dialogues.
- Does not know how to communicate by gestures.
- Has difficulty accepting rules right away.
- It's antisocial.
- Does not usually respond when called by name, among other characteristics.
In mild autism, the person does not have motor or language difficulties, as happens in some more severe degrees of this disorder.
If there is a suspicion that the child has mild autism, parents or guardians should see a psychologist or pediatrician for tests.
The sooner the diagnosis is made, the better the patient's response to treatment and the greater the possibilities of helping him to have quality of life.
Many people associate mild autism with Asperger's syndrome, mainly due to the great similarity between the symptoms found in both.
The difference lies in the fact that Asperger Syndrome does not affect a person's language and cognitive aspects.
In addition, people with Asperger Syndrome usually have a highly developed memorization skill.
See the meaning of syndrome.
moderate autism
Also called moderate degree autism and level 2 autism, the main symptoms of moderate autism are communication disorders and language impairment.
Moderate autism is a compromise where the autistic person is not as independent as in mild autism, but does not need as much support as in severe autism.
The level two autistic person has some behavioral inflexibility and little initiative in social interaction.
severe autism
Also called severe autism or level 3 autism, severe autism usually presents non-verbalization and marked dependence as main symptoms.
Non-verbal communication is also quite impaired.
The autistic person presents a great level of stress and great difficulty in dealing with routine changes.
In addition, level 3 autistic people often have repetitive behaviors.
See the meaning of disorder.
Treatments for Autism
O autism has no cure. The child with autism will become an adult with autism.
However, there are several treatments that help to minimize the symptoms of people who have this disorder.
The child with autism must be accompanied by a speech therapist that will help you develop your verbal and nonverbal language.
THE occupational or behavioral therapy it is also important to help the autistic person develop a better response to sensory stimuli.
There is no medication for autism and no general treatment, as different techniques are applied according to the severity of the disease.
O constant psychological monitoring done by qualified professionals is essential for the application of any type of therapy.
Autism and education
Due to the difficulties that autistic people present with regard to cognition and socialization, the role of educators becomes essential to help in the treatment of children with autism.
Psychologists advise some activities aimed at teaching autistic people, especially those that involve visual stimulation and the reproduction of certain situations to exemplify concepts, by example.
Curiosity
In 2017, a law was enacted in Brazil establishing the inclusion of the symbol referring to autism on priority service boards in private and public establishments.
The law was published in the Official Gazette in May 2017 and establishments that fail to comply with it are subject to fines and sanctions.
Priority in care was already a right of autistic people. The insertion of the symbol came as a form of awareness.
The puzzle ribbon is the worldwide symbol of autism awareness.
