Autism
Introduction
Autism is a condition characterized by difficulties in repetitive habits, social skills, and visual communication. Autism is caused by a wide range of factors, including environmental and genetic factors (Sharma, Xenia Gonda, and Frank, 103). Behavioral and speech therapy has a significant impact on the early treatment of autism. Education may also be essential in the development of audio, sensory, and education skills.
Studies found that genetic factors were the cause in 80% of the patients, while the rest were due to environmental factors. Autistic condition is a genetic disorder that does not necessarily follow the Mendelian theory. Different aspects of autistic disorders can be caused by genes related to specific brain areas (Sandin, 1183). Studies have shown that in families with an autistic child, the chances of the repeat are relatively high at 3-8% (Sharma, Xenia Gonda, and Frank, 102). Despite autism having a high hereditary rate, how the heredity impacts are unknown.
The role that the environment plays in the occurrence of autism cannot be underestimated. It is just as essential to understanding environmental factors as it may help in treating and managing the condition (Sharma, Xenia Gonda, and Frank, 100). The increase in autism cases has also been said to be due to toxins that we consume from the surroundings. Exposure to chemicals such as valproic acid and thalidomide during pregnancy increases the risk of autism.
Maternal nutrition may also predispose newborns to autism. A frequently poorly balanced diet by the mother may raise the risk of autism, although this may be resolved with calcium additives (Sharma, Xenia Gonda, and Frank, 100). Pregnant women are advised to maintain the required levels of calcium for neurodevelopment. Studies have also shown that mothers with infections are more predisposed to having autistic children than those without infections.
Speech-language and behavioral therapy are some of the interventions for autism. The behavioral intervention is quite effective in kids who often act up. It is also essential in developing social skills among autistic children (Sharma, Xenia Gonda, and Frank, 102). The downside to the use of behavioral intervention is that not all children act the same, and hence one intervention may be useful in one case and not as helpful in another (Lord et al., 509). Behavioral interventions include the Applied Behavior Analysis technique, which requires a therapist to separate skills into specific parts and, through repetition, enable autistic children to learn the details one by one.
Presently, there no approved drugs for autistic children, and most prescriptions minimally help one or two symptoms. Autistic children are prescribed antipsychotic medications, which aim to reduce aggression and irritability (Sharma, Xenia Gonda, and Frank, 100). Antidepressants are sometimes also specified, and they help manage their moods (Lord et al., 10). Stimulants are introduced to help with the inattention and acting up episodes. Although these drugs are arguably effective, they may also cause severe side effects such as diarrhea, weight gain, rashes, and fatigue.
There have been upcoming interventions that aim to help those with autism. One of those is the development of the drug, Balovaptans, which prevents forming a molecule that binds social skills to the brain receptors (Lord et al., 10). Although the drug is still under research, the current findings are promising (Sharma, Xenia Gonda, and Frank, 100). Nutritional therapy can also assist with the treatment of some symptoms, such as stunted growth.
Autism is a severe condition that is hard to treat. However, through various ways such as behavioral and speech therapy, drug therapy, and nutritional remedies, autism can be reduced. The management of autism requires planning and assistance from professionals such as dietary experts.
Works cited
Lord, Catherine, et al. “Autism spectrum disorder.” Nature reviews Disease primers 6.1 (2020): 1-23. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-019-0138-4
Lord, Catherine, et al. “Autism spectrum disorder.” The Lancet 392.10146 (2018): 508-
Sandin, Sven, et al. “The heritability of autism spectrum disorder.” Jama 318.12 (2017): 1182-1184. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.12141
Sharma, Samata R., Xenia Gonda, and Frank I. Tarazi. “Autism spectrum disorder: classification, diagnosis, and therapy.” Pharmacology & therapeutics 190 (2018): 91-104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.05.007