What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition that affects social interaction, communication, interests, and behavior. It is termed a "spectrum" because it encompasses a range of symptoms and skills, varying greatly among individuals.
Social Interaction Challenges: Difficulty making eye contact, understanding social cues, or forming peer relationships.
Communication Difficulties: Delayed speech and language skills, repetitive language, or challenges in sustaining conversations.
Repetitive Behaviors: Engaging in repetitive actions such as hand-flapping, rocking, or arranging objects in a particular order.
Restricted Interests: Intense focus on specific topics or objects, often to the exclusion of other activities.
Sensory Sensitivities: Unusual responses to sensory stimuli such as light, sound, textures, or tastes.
Limited Babbling: Lack of or reduced babbling by 12 months.
No Gestures: Absence of gestures like pointing or waving by 12 months.
Non-Responsive to Name: Not responding to their name by 12 months.
Poor Eye Contact: Limited eye contact and facial expressions.
Delayed Speech: No single words by 16 months or two-word phrases by 24 months.
Language Development: Delays in speech development and difficulties in using language to express needs.
Pragmatic Language: Challenges in understanding and using language in social contexts.
Non-Verbal Communication: Limited use of gestures, facial expressions, and body language.
Repetitive Movements: Actions like hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning.
Fixated Interests: Obsessive interests in specific topics or objects.
Routine Adherence: Insistence on sameness and distress when routines are disrupted.
Hyper-Sensitivity: Overreaction to stimuli such as bright lights, loud sounds, or certain textures.
Hypo-Sensitivity: Underreaction to sensory input, leading to seeking behaviors like touching objects or making noises.
Education: Informing families about ASD, its symptoms, and the importance of early intervention.
Resources: Connecting families with support groups, therapy options, and educational services.
Emotional Support: Offering empathy and understanding to parents and caregivers navigating an ASD diagnosis.
Screening: Conduct developmental screenings and refer to specialists for further evaluation.
Care Coordination: Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including pediatricians, speech therapists, and occupational therapists.
Individualized Care Plans: Develop and implement care plans tailored to the child's needs and strengths.
