Detect Autism At An Early Stage

Every child develops or grows at different paces. But starts doing specific skills around the same time. For example – Skills like languages, walking, crawling, running etc. Children have difficulties doing these.So they end up socially isolating themselves. In order to care for them it’s better to detect autism at an early stage.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a disability that consist of having difficulties with speech, communication and interaction. These difficulties also include a certain repetitive behaviour. For example a child will want to use the same cup everyday. Or bang their heads non-stop. This usually develops in early childhood and may cause problems at work and school. It is usually diagnosed in males more than females.

Types of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autistic disorder

This is known as classic autism. This is the one anyone thinks of when told about autism. In other words, a person with autistic disorder, has difficulties with communicating and being social. In addition, they also have unusual behavior and intellectual disability.

Asperger’s syndrome

Children with Asperger’s syndrome have milder symptoms of autistic disorder. They have social challenges and unusual behavior. Moreover, they have no problems with languages.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified (PDDS-NOS)

This type of autism can also be known as atypical autism or PDDS-NOS. It has a mixture of both autistic disorder and Asperger’s syndrome. So, they can go on with their everyday life and only have difficulties with social life and communication.

All children have their own unique spectrum off symptoms. And how severe it is. So it can range from mild to severe disability.

What causes Autism Spectrum Disorder?

To clarify, there is no exact cause of autism. It is still very unclear on what causes autism but research suggest it could develop from genetic, non-genetic and environmental effects. Below are the effects;

• Prenatal environment
• Genes
• Fragile x syndrome
• Downs syndrome
• Genetic mutation
• Rett syndrome
• Premature babies (before 24 weeks)
• Low birth weight
• Family member with autism
• Older parents

Autism Spectrum Disorder symptoms

Symptoms of autism can usually be seen or detected properly at the age of 2 years.So, children will show unique patterns of behavior. Therefore, they end up with difficulties in social interaction and communication.

Social interaction and communication:

• Poor eye contact.
• Slow to respond to their name.
• Unable to interpret other peoples gestures or facial expressions.
• Robot like tone.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Aggressive behaviour.
• Really sensitive or not sensitive at all.
• Cannot focus.
• Problems understanding languages.
• Not interested in making friends and wants to be alone at all times.

Repetitive patterns of behaviour:

• Fixating on activity or object
• Spinning
• Lining up toys repetitive
• Specific knowledge( knowing every word in a movie or book)
• Rocking
• Flapping their hands
• Activities that may harm them such as head banging

How to detect Autism Spectrum Disorder early

Autism starts from early childhood.So, you start to notice the symptoms and signs properly at around 2 years of age. However at an early stage it can be detected when they’re still babies.

Below are a few symptoms of autism in babies.In that case, if you find out your baby has autism at an early stage its better and easier to prepare for and start treatment.

Symptoms:

• Poor visual tracking
• Can’t focus
• Doesn’t show concern
• No social smiling
• Doesn’t interpret parent expression

Diagnosis

There is no medical test to diagnose autism but there are other ways that a specialist can do this. The specialists that diagnose your child are, child psychiatrists, audiologists, special education teachers etc.  Below is the ways in which they diagnose them: amazing

• Take a genetic test to see if they have x syndrome, downs syndrome or rett syndrome
• Observe their behaviour and ask parents about their social skills.
• Do language, hearing and speech test.

Treatment

Autism doesn’t have a cure. However, do not worry, detecting it at an early stage and having early treatment can help the child. Also, treatment helps improve the way the child functions, it reduces the symptoms and supports their development and learning.

Even though there is no medication for autism. However they may be given antidepressants and antipsychotics to control severe behavioral problems and anxiety.

Is there an Autism center in Rwanda?

Yes, In Rwanda if a child has autism or has symptoms of autism they should be taken to an institution in Gisozi. Consequently, here the specialists treat the children and help their brain develop and function better. So you don’t have to worry if you know someone with autism.

About Autisme Rwanda

The institution is “Autisme Rwanda” . And founded in 2014 by Rosine Kamagaju. It is home to 36 autistic children between the ages of 2 – 15 years. Rosine says it’s not only about the expenses but love and patience is required to help them.

Conclusion

Some autistic children get expelled and suspended from schools. Others mistreated at home and other places. Its so sad they get called dumb and slow but this is something they can’t help. Some parents and teachers don’t know anything about autism. In that case should know autistic children need special care and everyone else needs to be educated on this too.

Call +250782414220 or email rosineduquesne@gmail.com if in need.