Today, we reveal everything about Autism, which is a developmental disorder, whose signs are visible during childhood. Read on.

Unlike down syndrome or any other disability that is apparent, Autism is a disorder that is subtle in nature. As a result, it is harder to diagnose. It is a developmental disorder that impairs one’s ability to communicate. Those with this condition have a hard time understanding others as well as interacting with them. Autism also has an impact on one’s learning abilities. However, even though they might have trouble grasping certain concepts, they may be extremely skilled in other areas such as art, memory, math, etc.

What are the signs and symptoms of this condition? 

The signs usually show up before the age of 3. These include:

  1. A lack of eye contact
  2. Limited range of interests and excessive interest in certain topics
  3. Being extremely sensitive to sounds, touches, sights, smells, etc, that appear extremely normal to other people
  4. Repeating words, phrases, rocking back and forth
  5. Not wanting to be held or cuddled
  6. Not looking at others or listening to what they’re saying
  7. Speaking in a sing-song, robotic voice
  8. Not looking at things when someone points at them
  9. Trouble understanding speech, expressions, gestures, tone of voice.
  10. Trouble adapting to changes

To see the complete checklist of symptoms, click here.

Sometimes these symptoms are passed off as the individual being an introvert, silent, and generally slow in nature. However, it’s because of this practice that Autism goes undiagnosed until the person’s offbeat behaviour starts to gain attention.

What are the causes of Autism? 

The exact cause behind this condition is still unknown. However, it is believed that problems in the parts of the brain that interpret sensory input and process language, could be the culprit. This study suggests that Autism is caused by disruptions in the cerebral cortex when it is just in the process of constructing itself. This is the region of the brain that is responsible for brain functions such as speech, memory, perception, and consciousness.

Other Autism Spectrum Disorders 

There are other disorders that come under the spectrum of Autism but can’t really be diagnosed as that. These have similar symptoms but are not necessarily the exact condition as Autism. These include:

  • Asperger’s syndrome: People with this condition don’t have a problem with language; in fact, they tend to score in the average or above-average range in tests. But they have trouble being social and have very few interests.
  • Autistic disorder: Autistic disorder is commonly mistaken for Autism but is slightly different. In this condition, one tends to have problems with interactions, communications. This is a common disorder in children younger than 3 years.
  • Childhood disintegrative disorder:  Children with this condition develop normally till about 2 years and then begin to lose their communication and social skills.
  • Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD or atypical autism). This is a term used by doctors if your child displays some autistic behavior, like delays in social and communications skills, but doesn’t fit into another category.

Brain training technology Neurofeedback can’t eliminate Autism but can manage its symptoms. Read this story of a 14-year-old girl who suffers from Autism and couldn’t communicate at all. And now after just a few sessions, she has become interactive and is able to converse.

To learn more about Neurofeedback, visit here.