Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong condition that usually begins from childhood. It affects how you learn, communicate, and interact with others. Different people experience this condition differently. Despite being a lifelong disorder, you can properly manage your symptoms with talk therapy or behavioural therapies and live a productive life.

People experience autism differently. Some people may find it difficult to hold daily conversations, while others may have no problem holding conversations. The symptoms of autism usually begin from childhood (sometimes as early as less than a year old). Symptoms include:

• Social challenges. You may notice that you find it difficult to maintain eye contact. You prefer to stay alone in your world or find it difficult to express how you feel. Understanding other people’s expressions, such as jokes or sarcasm and feelings, may also be difficult for you. If you notice that a child does not respond to their name by the age of 9 months or does not like to play with others, they may have autism.
• Repetitive behaviour. Having a routine is good, but being obsessed about a routine in such a way that a change makes you very upset is not good. If you have autism, you may notice that you must follow only a type of routine or repeat your words over and over.
• Delayed milestones. Milestones are like achievements your baby gains as they grow older. Your baby is expected to be able to do certain things at a certain age. For example, your baby should have sat without support by six months or taken their first step by year one. If you have autism, these milestones may be delayed. 
• Physical challenges. You may also notice some physical symptoms such as epilepsy, abdominal pain or difficulty passing stools.

There are no known causes of autism. However, research shows that genetic changes may play a role in autism.

The following may increase your chances of having autism:

• Family history. If you have a sibling or family member with autism, it can also increase your chance of having the condition.
• Premature babies. Children born before their due date have a higher chance of autism than those born at their due date.
• Old parents. Children born to parents 35 years or older have a higher chance of autism.
• Gene changes. Researchers have linked some changes in our genes with an increased risk of autism.

You need to visit your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you notice the following: 

• If you notice you or a loved one, find it difficult to make eye contact with others.
• When you or a loved one get outraged when you have to change a routine.
• If you notice a delay in your child's milestone or they lose the milestones they had already gained. For example, if they could call da-da but no longer say anything.
• When you or a loved one enjoy being alone and avoiding playing with other people.

Currently, there are no ways to prevent autism. No cause of this condition has been found yet.

Self-care tips

Below are some tips to help with some of your symptoms.

• Take some time to relax and meditate. This helps you keep a positive outlook on life and reduces your stress.
• Do the things that make you happy. Doing this will keep your energy up and improve your interactions with other people.
• Try not to get overwhelmed with too many tasks. Doing so can drain your energy and make you unproductive.

Treatment options

• Different people experience autism in different ways. Therefore, your healthcare provider will create a plan that works best for you.
• Your healthcare provider will recommend behavioural therapy and may include speech and motion therapy. These require you to work collaboratively with your healthcare provider. Cooperating will help you get results more quickly and will ensure the effect lasts longer.
• You may need to do talk therapy to relieve some symptoms. Your healthcare provider may recommend medicines to help with your mood and some other difficulties. These medicines do not substitute for your behavioural therapy.

Autism is a long-term condition. However, you can notice the symptoms early in childhood and start treatment. Early treatment reduces the impact of the condition on everyday life and can reduce symptom severity too.