Did you know? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disease in which children have social and communication skills deficits, which can be both real and fake, caused by different factors. Doctors reveal the differences and treatment methods, adjust behavior, and add skills necessary for your child’s life.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disease with disabilities in social and communication skills, along with behavioral disorders. Children will repeat certain behaviors, have specific interests, dislike change, and may have more or less sensory sensitivity than normal. The origin of the word ‘Spectrum’ comes from the differences in various symptoms, which each child will have different symptoms and severity. สมัครสมาชิก UFABET วันนี้ รับเครดิตฟรีทุกวัน The severity of symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Some children with autism have delayed language and communication development from the first year of life, and in some groups, there may not be any obvious abnormalities, but developmental regression is found when they are around 1 to 2 years old. In this group, in addition to autism, which must be treated together with autistic behavior modification, further evaluation may be required to find the cause of neurological diseases as well.
If parents suspect that their child has autism, they should see a doctor to assess the symptoms and plan appropriate treatment.
What is the difference between true autism and pseudo autism?
- Autism spectrum disorder is a condition caused by abnormal brain function, which causes children to have abnormal development and can be treated to reduce symptoms, but it depends on the severity of each person’s disease.
- Pseudo-autism is often caused by improper upbringing and lack of interaction with others, such as:
- When caregivers do not play appropriately with their children
- Leaving children alone for long periods of time or using electronic media continuously for long periods of time can cause children to gradually develop symptoms similar to autism, such as not turning around when called, not making eye contact, talking less, being very private, etc.
Pseudo autism is not caused by a congenital disorder like autism spectrum disorder and can be cured if given proper treatment and the child is closely cared for.
Autism spectrum diagnosis
The doctor will assess the development and behavior by asking the parents for information on past development and upbringing, along with assessing the development and behavior through interactions with the child, making a diagnosis and planning treatment together with the parents.
In cases where children have regressive development in terms of development and social skills, are suspected of having epilepsy, or have neurological disabilities, the doctor will consult with a pediatric neurologist to find additional causes that may be related to neurological diseases.
Why is there a need for behavior modification in autistic children?
Autistic behavior modification is a method that helps children to be able to socialize and live as close to normal as possible. This is because autistic children have problems with communication, behavior, and socializing. If children do not receive appropriate treatment and behavior modification, it may result in children not being able to learn and socialize according to their age, not being able to help themselves, or living alone in the future.
How can autism spectrum disorder be treated?
Autism spectrum disorder is a condition that can be treated to improve symptoms. It focuses on changing behavior and improving skills that are lacking.
Enhancing skills for autistic children
- Speaking practice
- Developmental stimulation training
- Occupational therapy training, such as training in hand muscle skills, writing, reading, and physical movement.
- Sensory training, because autistic children have sensory deficits that are more sensitive or slower than normal.
- Social skills training such as communication, group play, playing with friends, sharing, and waiting.
- Therapeutic day dare to prepare for social/school readiness by training in self-help, social skills and all-round development.
- During school age, we must coordinate with the school to take care of autistic children by organizing appropriate teaching and learning and taking care of social interaction with friends.
Behavior modification for autistic children
To help autistic children live more normally in society, there are many techniques used to adjust behavior. Doctors, along with a team of psychologists and speech therapists, will assess, train and give advice appropriate to each individual case. Popular techniques include ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) and DIR (Developmental Individual Difference, Relationship-based) or Floor Time.
Use of medication
Drugs are used to help reduce inappropriate behaviors in autistic children, such as mood swings, hyperactivity, attention deficit, attachment, or self-harm and other behaviors.
Frequently asked questions about autistic behavior modification
At what age should autism behavioral treatment begin?
Normally, children should undergo a detailed developmental assessment at 9 months, 18 months, and 24-36 months of age. If the developmental assessment reveals that the child has delayed development or is at risk of abnormal development, treatment can be received immediately. The sooner treatment is received, the greater the chance that the child will develop similarly to normal children.
Which children are at risk of being autistic and need to undergo autistic behavior modification?
Symptoms that indicate a risk of being in the autism spectrum are as follows:
- The baby is 12 months old but still does not make sounds, does not make natural sounds, does not look at the face or turn when called, does not point to indicate needs.
- A baby who is 18 months old and still doesn’t speak or says a single meaningful word, doesn’t try to communicate, and doesn’t follow commands.
- No imitation or role-playing.
- Not interested in playing with others, prefers to play alone.
- They are interested in playing with toys repeatedly, such as spinning toys, sorting things, looking at lights, and these preferences for children with autism can be difficult to change. These repetitive behaviors will always be practiced.
- There is a regression in speech and social skills, for example, development is normal until age 1, but at age 2, development stops and the development and behaviors regress back to that of a young child.
In addition, if someone in the family, whether it is a parent, relative or older sibling, has autism, the child has a higher risk of being autistic due to genetic abnormalities.
Indicates whether or not autistic behavior can be improved and how long it will take.
Generally, after receiving appropriate treatment, children will develop better. However, this depends on the severity of the disease, which is different for each person. The duration of training and the progress of training also depend on the severity of the disease. However, if the defect is detected and treated at a young age, there will be a greater chance of development.
Autism spectrum disorder can be treated to improve symptoms. Training to stimulate development and adjust behavior will help patients learn and live their daily lives closer to normal, reduce dependence on people around them, and help themselves more. At the Child Development and Behavioral Center and the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Center, Samitivej Children’s Hospital, there is a team of pediatricians specializing in development and behavior, child and adolescent psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, speech therapists, developmental psychologists, and clinical psychologists to provide care to children who need special assistance, such as autistic children, children with developmental delays, and groups of symptoms caused by genetic defects, such as Down syndrome, and others, as well as children with emotional and learning problems, so that children can develop better and grow appropriately for their age, both physically and mentally.