Neurology, Addiction and Psychiatry Conference

Autism, also referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the child's ability to undertake any form of reciprocal social communication and social interaction and has a tendency to develop restrictive/repetitive behaviors. The term ""spectrum"" shows the wide range of symptoms, skills, and degrees of disability that people with autism might experience. Most children with autism will have intellectual and/or developmental disabilities that are always moderate, severe, or profound in nature, but some children will have remarkable capabilities in specific areas. Autism usually makes its first appearance in the early years of life, but early detection and treatment are the cornerstones to improving outcome.

The signs of autism vary among different people; however, they fall into one of the following two categories: difficulties with social communication and repetitive behaviors or restricted interests. Some children with autism have difficulties in making eye contact, adopting social cues, or developing normal language abilities. They might also behave in ritualistic manners, be over-sensitive to the surroundings, such as light or noise or certain textures and concentrative intensely on the focus of interest. Many people with autism also have other conditions with comorbidities, such as anxiety, ADHD, or sensory processing disorder.

The diagnosis of autism requires a series of evaluations by healthcare providers, possibly through developmental screenings, behavioral observations, and advice from psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and pediatricians. There is no single test used to diagnose the risk of having autism. Early detection by attending developmental check-ups will be followed by appropriate early intervention. Commonly, early interventions include behavioral therapies, speech therapy, and occupational therapy aimed at enhancing communication and social skills and at helping with daily living functions.

Whereas treatment for autism varies based on the individual's specifics and strengths, it is usually individualized. The most commonly used therapy is Applied Behavior Analysis because it concentrates on having an increase in positive behaviors that need to be reinforced and reduction of harmful ones. Speech therapy addresses communication skill improvements, occupational therapy involves sensor processing problems, and the improvement of other daily living skills. In addition, some individuals may need medication to control associated problems like anxiety or irritability.

Currently, there are continuing research in efforts to identify whether the environment or genetics has a greater influence on autism. There is still research into the role that genetics plays in the development of a child's brain as well as possible prenatal factors which may predispose the fetus to autism. Currently, one of the researches being conducted involves developing better diagnostic tools and novel therapies for aid towards those suffering from autism throughout their lives.

In this process of broadening our knowledge of autism, we lay emphasis on neurodiversity-a philosophy that points out an important difference between autism and other conditions: differences between autism and other conditions exist only in degree, not in kind, and should be valued as adding unique strengths and capacities to the lives of people with autism. Awareness, acceptance, and early intervention are the key at all times to provide the best possible outcome for individuals with autism and enable them to realize their full potential.