April 2nd is Autism awareness day.A person once said“some people with Autism may not be able to speak or answer to their name, but they can still hear your words and feel your kindness.” Approximately thirty percent of people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder never learn to speak more than a few words.Fortunately in today’s society, new technologies have made it possible for these individuals to communicate and socialize with others. Hello everyone,April 2nd is known also as Autism awareness day.
Autism is also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ‘Spectrum’ refers to the wide range of characteristics, skills and abilities that different people with Autism have. No two people are affected by Autism in exactly the same way. Every person experiences Autism differently and has different support needs. Although the core characteristics of Autism can cause a range of challenges, it is important to recognise that they can also result in unique skills and capabilities. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention.
Researchers say that epigenetics may be a critical answer to our questions. “Epigenetics is the mechanisms that turn individual genes on and off in a cell”.Our epigenetic genes form together into a cluster during a woman’s pregnancy that forms the baby. When these certain genes switch on and off, this causes some cells to become heart cells while others become brain cells essentially mixing up the organization of the genes. The cause for this mix match may be the result of certain substances the mother exposed the child to during pregnancy. The most vulnerable time for environmental influences to affect the child while in the womb occurs the first couple weeks after birth.
Autism is not a disease, but a developmental disorder of brain function. People with classical autism show three types of symptoms: impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication and imagination, and unusual or severely limited activities and interests. Symptoms of autism usually appear during the first three years of childhood and continue throughout life. Although there is no cure, appropriate management may foster relatively normal development and reduce undesirable behaviors.
They appear unaware of others’ feelings toward them and of the negative impact of their behavior on other people. Many children with autism engage in repetitive movements such as rocking and hair twirling, or in self-injurious behavior such as biting or head-banging. They also tend to start speaking later than other children and may refer to themselves by name instead of “I,” or “me.” Some speak in a sing-song voice about a narrow range of favorite topics, with little regard for the interests of the person to whom they are speaking. People with autism often have abnormal responses to sounds, touch, or other sensory stimulation. Many show reduced sensitivity to pain. They also may be extraordinarily sensitive to other sensations. These unusual sensitivities may contribute to behavioral symptoms such as resistance to being cuddled or hugged.
Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a growing patient population with 1 in 68 children being diagnosed with ASD. It is observed at a higher rate among boys, with 1 in 42 boys being identified as having ASD. This is a ratio of 1 female for every 4 males diagnosed with autism.
Autism and Adhd (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)are on the contrary not the same. A child with autism may find it hard to express their emotions, and they may not use the common cues of conversation like gestures or eye contact. A child with ADHD, on the other hand, may talk non-stop, always interrupting and not really noticing how their words affect others.
At the end of the day,it does not matter who or how it is but all human beings are equal in the eyes of one person above us.Thank you
By: Abel Joseph Thekkethala ✍
