Autism in Children: Early Signs, Causes & Diagnosis

Recently, autism spectrum disorder is considered one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, often diagnosed during childhood, affecting males at a higher rate than females, with an increasing incidence worldwide each year.

A child with autism differs in how they communicate with others, express their feelings, and build relationships. Children with autism are born with a brain disorder that leads to specific symptoms, and some children may exhibit similar characteristics due to what is known as "environmental deprivation."

What is "environmental deprivation"?

This term refers to an environment that does not provide the child with sufficient linguistic and cognitive interaction or necessary social experiences, negatively affecting the development of their language and social skills. This often results from family members being preoccupied with the child, reducing their opportunities for interaction, expression, and relationship building. This condition may lead to delays in the child's language and cognitive development despite having intact sensory, motor, and neurological abilities (Ghada, 2021).

Therefore, early diagnosis is essential for appropriate intervention, as some symptoms of "environmental deprivation" overlap with symptoms of autism and other cognitive disorders.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism is a developmental disorder that begins to manifest during the first three years of a child's life, resulting from a neurological disorder affecting brain functions. The term "autism spectrum disorders" encompasses several conditions such as:

1. Autism disorder

2. Asperger's syndrome

3. Rett syndrome

4. Childhood disintegrative disorder

5. Unspecified developmental disorders (Lama, 2013).

Symptoms of autism usually appear after one and a half to two years of age, including:

- Gradual loss of language skills.

- Difficulty forming social relationships.

- Attention and concentration problems, sometimes associated with hyperactivity.

- Discomfort with minor changes in routine.

- Limited eye contact.

- Engaging in repetitive movements such as hand-flapping or walking on tiptoes.

What are the causes of autism?

Autism is attributed to several factors, including:

- Genetic disorders

- Environmental factors

- Complications during birth, such as oxygen deprivation or premature birth.

Can autism spectrum disorder be treated?

There is no definitive cure for autism; however, early therapeutic intervention is key to success for affected children.

Treatment methods include:

- Behavior modification: Aims to address undesirable traits and enhance language skills.

- Educational and instructional therapy.

- Medication when necessary.

Early monitoring, gathering information, and consulting a specialist help in diagnosing autism, allowing parents to take steps to support their children's growth and development.

If you are concerned about some symptoms you may notice in your child, you can consult one of the psychiatrists in the "Estenarh" app, which provides a selection of health practitioners accredited by the Ministry of Health, with the option to communicate via text, voice calls, or video. Download the app now and benefit from a discount on the first consultation.