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Autism is now called as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it is not a disease or illness it is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It’s a spectrum because different individuals show various symptoms affecting behaviours and cognitive abilities. 
Those who have ASD have difficulties with communication, social interaction, and restricted/repetitive interests and behaviours. People with ASD often show over or under-sensitivity to sounds, smells or touch. 
Does Autism affect a person lifelong?
Autism means your brain works in a different way than others, so if you are autistic then you are autistic for life. There is no cure for it. An autistic person can lead a regular life, study, and get a job, they just need help with these things. Depending on where they are on the spectrum, some individuals might not require much assistance while some can be completely non-verbal and require a lot of help.
Reach out to Skooc for a formal evaluation of your child. At Skooc we have trained specialists, child psychologists and developmental paediatricians. 
What causes Autism?
There is no clear understanding of what causes Autism. According to research, genetics and environmental factors play a role. Autism is hereditary and siblings are at risk of being diagnosed if one child is already diagnosed. 
Some risk factors for Autism
Conceiving the child after 35 years of age
Premature labour and birth
Complications during birth
Genetic conditions
Low birth weight
Having a sibling with autism
Symptoms of Autism that parents should look out for
For children under 3 years- not responding to their name, disinterest in giving, sharing or showing objects of interest, aversion to displays of affection and preference to solitary play.
For older children- difficulty in carrying out a conversation, lack of eye contact, difficulty reading and understanding body language, not responding appropriately in social situations and relationships.
Children with restricted and repetitive behaviours can become fixated on minor details, become upset by minor changes, sort or organise toys instead of playing with them, have unusual sensory activities and show consuming interest in a specific topic or object.
Sensory problems- many children with autism are unusually sensitive to sounds, lights, textures or smells. They may become overwhelmed or try to seek more sensory input
Verbal ability- some children don’t talk at all while others talk in a stilted tone, sing-song voice or high-pitched voice. In some cases, they may also repeat certain phrases without understanding the context. Children on the autistic spectrum can have other medical or mental health problems like anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Complications of Autism
Sometimes Autism is accompanied by other medical and mental conditions. 
Some of these are-
Poor sleep
GI issues
Feeding issues
Epilepsy
ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
OCD, Bipolar or Schizophrenia
How is Autism diagnosed?
Parents are very involved in their child’s development but that does not mean that any delay or difference in development will be noticeable and understandable to you. Some of the signs of autism might not be classic. 
Autism is typically diagnosed at an early age around 2-3 years of age. As the child grows the developmental delays are more noticeable. A proper diagnosis is done by a paediatrician or psychologist over time. Sometimes autism goes undiagnosed till adulthood. 
If you any signs of autism in your child it is best to seek professional help and contact Skooc to support your child better. 
Understanding treatment for Autism
Autism treatment includes behavioural intervention or therapy. Autism can present differently in every child so the plan is individualised to meet their needs. If a child is also having additional medical issues along with autism like GI issues or sleep problems then treatment will involve medications as well as behavioural therapy. 
Early treatments might involve the family as well and as the child grows the treatment plan will be modified.
The next steps
Letting go of any expectations and the mindset of “what should be†and “how it should beâ€.
As a parent, it is never easy if your child gets diagnosed on the autism spectrum, it is emotionally painful and throws you into an unknown and unexpected world. Reading books, becoming a part of support groups and talking to your paediatrician are some of the first steps. 
There are some challenges that parents of autistic children face like-
Autistic children don’t feel normal emotions- they can have different reactions or experiences as compared to normal or neurotypical people. 
Can’t empathise with others- they display empathy in different ways than neurotypical people, they can have meltdowns or shutdowns, and sometimes they are hyper-empathetic where someone else’s pain causes them physical or mental pain.
They can’t communicate well- they communicate with signs and speech and they communicate differently than their neurotypical peers.
Give yourself and your child the time and space to adjust to this new reality. Be patient, kind and loving. Understanding autism is a lifelong journey that requires support and empathy. 
Recognizing the unique strengths and challenges of individuals on the autism spectrum allows us to build bridges of understanding, ensuring that every child receives the tailored support they need to thrive.
Book an online assessment with us today.
