Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. With the May 2013 publication of the DSM-5 diagnostic manual, all autism disorders were merged into one umbrella diagnosis of ASD. Previously, they were recognized as distinct subtypes, including autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome.
ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art.
Autism appears to have its roots in very early brain development. However, the most obvious signs of autism and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between 2 and 3 years of age. Autism Speaks continues to fund research on effective methods for earlier diagnosis, as early intervention with proven behavioral therapies can improve outcomes. Increasing autism awareness is a key aspect of this work and one in which our families and volunteers play an invaluable role.
One of the most important things you can
do as a parent or caregiver is to learn the early signs of autism and
become familiar with the typical developmental milestones that your
child should be reaching.
The following "red flags" may indicate your child is at
risk for an autism spectrum disorder. If your child exhibits any of the
following, please don’t delay in asking your pediatrician or family
doctor for an evaluation:- No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter
- No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions by nine months
- No babbling by 12 months
- No back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving by 12 months
- No words by 16 months
- No meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating) by 24 months
- Any loss of speech, babbling or social skills at any age
Not long ago, the answer to this question would have been “we have no idea.” Research is now delivering the answers. First and foremost, we now know that there is no one cause of autism just as there is no one type of autism. Over the last five years, scientists have identified a number of rare gene changes, or mutations, associated with autism. A small number of these are sufficient to cause autism by themselves. Most cases of autism, however, appear to be caused by a combination of autism risk genes and environmental factors influencing early brain development.
In the presence of a genetic predisposition to autism, a number of nongenetic, or “environmental,” stresses appear to further increase a child’s risk. The clearest evidence of these autism risk factors involves events before and during birth. They include advanced parental age at time of conception (both mom and dad), maternal illness during pregnancy and certain difficulties during birth, particularly those involving periods of oxygen deprivation to the baby’s brain. It is important to keep in mind that these factors, by themselves, do not cause autism. Rather, in combination with genetic risk factors, they appear to modestly increase risk.
A growing body of research suggests that a woman can reduce her risk of having a child with autism by taking prenatal vitamins containing folic acid and/or eating a diet rich in folic acid (at least 600 mcg a day) during the months before and after conception.
Increasingly, researchers are looking at the role of the immune system in autism. Autism Speaks is working to increase awareness and investigation of these and other issues, where further research has the potential to improve the lives of those who struggle with autism.
What Does it Mean to Be “On the Spectrum”?
Each individual with autism is unique. Many of those on the autism spectrum have exceptional abilities in visual skills, music and academic skills. About 40 percent have intellectual disability (IQ less than 70), and many have normal to above average intelligence. Indeed, many persons on the spectrum take deserved pride in their distinctive abilities and “atypical” ways of viewing the world. Others with autism have significant disability and are unable to live independently. About 25 percent of individuals with ASD are nonverbal but can learn to communicate using other means. Autism Speaks’ mission is to improve the lives of all those on the autism spectrum. For some, this means the development and delivery of more effective treatments that can address significant challenges in communication and physical health. For others, it means increasing acceptance, respect and support.
Good Resource from : http://www.autismspeaks.org
Beberapa hal yang dapat dilakukan orangtua dari anak yang menderita autis antara lain :
1. Mendaftarkan pada sekolah khusus autis atau tempat terapi yang menerapkan metode ABA
2. Diet ketat bagi anak autis. bisa dilihat : www.gfcfdiet.com , http://legacy.autism.com/treatable/adams_biomed_summary.pdf
3. Konsultasi dengan pakar autisme
4. Musik memberi pengaruh yang bagus untuk anak autis, anda boleh mengikut sertakan anak anda ke tempat kursus musik khusus anak autis.
5. Jika anak anda hiperaktif, bisa mengajaknya untuk belajar renang.
6. Terapi lumba lumba
7. Memperdengarkan CD gelombang otak khusus anak autis
8. Menggunakan alat bantu komunikasi berupa PECS Card bisa diambil dari : www.autiplan.com
9. Menerapkan metode seperti di tempat terapi di rumah.
10. Memberikan vitamin dan obat khusus untuk menunjang kemajuan dan perkembangan anak autis. www.nordicnaturals.com (di indonesia juga sudah ada yang mengimportnya)
11. Perhatikan dan awasi selalu anak anda, terutama saat berpergian keluar rumah.
12. Berikan mainan yang bisa merangsang perkembangannya.
13. Jangan biarkan anak anda menonton TV berlama lama karena hal itu memberikan efek buruk
padanya.
Teruslah berusaha dan jangan pernah menyerah. Bergabunglah dengan komunitas komunitas yang berhubungan dengan autisme agar mendapatkan banyak informasi (www.childrensdisabilities.info , www.autismfamilyonline.com ) di Indonesia pun ada beberapa perkumpulan dari orangtua yang anaknya mengidap autis, silahkan digoogling.
Banyak situs yang membahas tentang autisme : www.autism-insar.org , www.autism.com , www.wrightslaw.com , www.autism-society.org , www.teacch.com, www.autismtreatmentcenter.org , http://education.uscb.edu/autism/index.html , www.lovaas.com , www.icdl.com , www.rdiconnect.com , www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/autism/apqi.htm
Semoga informasi diatas berguna.
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