Children with Autism: Where Every Day is an Adventure!

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is used to describe people who have trouble with social communication, repetitive behaviors, minimal interests, and sensory behaviors that start early in life. About 1% of people worldwide have autism, but the rates are higher in wealthy countries. However, most people with ASD will not work full-time or live independently.

ASD is a medical condition that affects a child’s nervous system, growth, and development. Parents usually notice signs of ASD in their child’s first three years.

For example, some children with ASD seem to live in their own world. They may not be interested in other children and may lack social awareness. A child with ASD might follow strict routines and show typical behaviors but often has trouble speaking with others. They might start talking later than other children or be nonverbal and may avoid eye contact.

Experts don’t know exactly what causes ASD. It might be related to certain genes, brain structure issues, or brain chemicals. Researchers know that parenting style does not cause ASD, and it is not linked to vaccines.

Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children

Children with ASD often have problems with communication skills and dealing with other people. They might repeat certain behaviors and not respond well to changes in their daily activities. They often have different ways of learning, paying attention, and dealing with the world around them. Typically, the signs and symptoms of ASD begin during early childhood and last throughout life.

ASD includes several symptoms. Therefore, one examination cannot tell much about the child’s condition. It is best to have your child examined by a team of doctors who specialize in autism and may look at the following broad areas:

1.Communications 2.Language 3.Motor skills
4.Speech 5.Success in school 6.Thinking

Having a child with autism can cause anxiety for the child’s parents. But, if your child has autism, there are many treatments and services they need. The sooner they can get treatment, the more it will help the child.

Types of ASD

ASD includes conditions that were once seen as separate, like autism, Asperger’s syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder.

Asperger’s Syndrome (Mildest form of autism)

Asperger’s syndrome is a type of autism where people usually have normal or high intelligence and no major delays in language. However, they struggle with social interactions and understanding non-verbal cues. They might have repetitive behaviors or very focused interests. For example, someone with Asperger’s might be extremely interested in a specific topic and excel in tasks related to that interest. They often find social situations awkward, have difficulty making eye contact, and prefer routines. Despite these challenges, many people with Asperger’s can live independently with the right support

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)

Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) is a rare condition where a child develops normally for at least two years and then suddenly loses previously acquired skills. This usually happens between ages 3 and 4. A child with CDD might lose their ability to speak, interact socially, use motor skills, or control their bladder or bowel. The sudden and severe regression can be very distressing for both the child and their family. Continuous support is essential to help manage the significant impact on the child’s communication and daily activities.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)

Pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) was a term used for individuals who showed some symptoms of autism but did not fully meet the criteria for specific disorders like autism or Asperger’s. Symptoms varied widely but generally included difficulties in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. The severity of these symptoms could range from mild to severe, making it challenging to create specific treatment plans. Each person with PDD-NOS needed personalized interventions based on their unique needs.

Rett Syndrome

Rett Syndrome used to be part of the autism spectrum, but it is no longer classified as such. However, many of the symptoms of Rett Syndrome are very similar to autism. Among those are difficulty communicating, seizures, irritability, and abnormal hand/eye movements. Rett Syndrome is known to be a genetic disorder, and it mainly affects girls.

Functional Levels of Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is categorized into three levels based on the severity of symptoms and the amount of support an individual requires. These levels help clinicians and caregivers understand the needs of the person with ASD and provide appropriate interventions and supports. The levels are defined as follows

How is Autism Treated?

Autism spectrum disorder has no available cure, but several treatments can be used to minimize the effects of the disorder and enable improvement in living. Also, this disorder manifests in different ways making it very hard to have an across-the-board approach to the treatment. ASD interventions seek to alleviate the impact of symptoms in the lives of the affected individuals and manage their behavior through individualized interventions.

Some of common therapies are ABA for enhancing social and communication skills, speech therapy, Occupational therapy for practical day to day life skills, Social skills training. There are other methods like the Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based Model (DIR/Floortime), sensory integration therapy, special education programs to manage or resolve some difficulties. Pharmacological intervention can help address symptoms such as anxiety and hyperactivity; besides, dietary and family therapy are helpful too. Some examples include the PLAY Project that aims at helping parents learn to play with their child in a form of therapy, and TEACCH that incorporates the use of visual instruments for teaching. As such, the integration of these treatments form an efficient working model that can be used in the development and optimal functioning of the child.

About the PLAY Project

PLAY (Play and Linguistics for Autistic Youngsters) Project is a programme carried out for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It fosters interpersonal skills development as well as the parent-child physical contact and affection. Play Project is another interventionist approach based on developmental, individual difference, relationship-based (DIR) theory of Stanley Greenspan and has ideas such as Floortime. In the PLAY Project, parents are educated and supervised by experts in the field so that they constantly care for the child diagnosed with ASD.. This means formerly, a professional wasn’t supposed to be at home most of the time. The term used is a lesson, demonstration, and coaching for parents to apply while training their child on social and emotional development. The sample research idea, the PLAY Project, is aimed at enhancing social reciprocity and development in children with ASD.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a widely used treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that focuses on improving specific behaviors such as social skills, communication, academics, and adaptive learning skills. Techniques within ABA include Discrete Trial Training (DTT), which breaks skills into small components with step-by-step teaching; Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), targeting key developmental areas like motivation; Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) for young children to build foundational skills; Verbal Behavior Intervention (VBI), emphasizing language functions; Natural Environment Training (NET), using real-life settings to reinforce behavior; and Social Skills Groups, which teach appropriate peer interactions through role-playing and direct instruction. These personalized techniques aim to enhance independence and reduce behaviors that interfere with learning and social engagement.

Children with autism can receive SSI benefits.

Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) benefits are different than Social Security Disability (“SSD”) benefits. SSI benefits are a “supplement” to SSD benefits, paid to you if your monthly SSD benefit is a low amount of money or if you have never worked.

To learn more about children’s SSI benefits use this link: https://cannondisability.com/need-to-apply-for-disability-benefits/chidrens-disability-benefits/.