Here's What Every Parent Must Know About Autism
Priya is a working mother with a 10-year-old son. She faces almost every challenge that an urban parent with a nuclear family does. However, she faces one more challenge too; her son is autistic. It took Priya almost two years to come to terms with her son’s autism treatment and the fact that his development and growth differed from other children. Like many other autism parents, she wished that there was more awareness and knowledge spread about this condition.
What is Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder – in short, autism – is a condition that affects a person’s normal ability to communicate with and understand others. Autism affects different aspects of behaviour and the term ‘autism spectrum’ helps incorporate the wide range of autism related disabilities. An autistic child usually has problems with social skills, has difficulty making eye contact, is unable to gauge appropriate responses, and exhibits robotic, repetitive behaviour.
Contrary to popular perception, children with autism do not have a low IQ. Autism is generally seen to affect boys more than girls. If a child has autism, parents need to seek professional help for autism treatment. Autism can often cause a child to express themselves in aggressive ways in which they may hurt themselves and those around them.
Symptoms of Autism
The symptoms of autism generally start to show prominently by the age of 3 years.The intensity of symptoms varies between children. Here are some of the commonly observed behaviour patterns:
- Appear indifferent to surroundings.
- Activity levels fluctuate drastically. From being hyperactive they can change to suddenly inactive.
- Prefer to avoid physical contact. Autistic children do not enjoy being hugged.
- Gets fixated on a particular object and keeps engaging with it in repetitive motions.
- Avoids eye contact.
- Lacks understanding of social skills and avoids mingling with children of his / her age.
- Cannot talk normally and tend to keep repeating incoherent phrases over and over.
- Autistic babies do not babble and are unable to speak single words even at almost 2 years of age.
- Do not recognise apparently dangerous situations such as the edge of the stairs or fire.
- Uninterested in toys unlike other children.
Causes of Autism
Medical research is still unable to pinpoint a single definite cause of autism. However, studies point towards the role of genes in the development of this condition. Autism does tend to run in families. Certain studies have also pointed to cases where children born with autism had mothers who suffered from rubella (German measles) at some point in their life.
Diagnosis of Autism
Autism is generally diagnosed when the child is around 3 years of age as this is when the symptoms become apparent. Diagnosis involves a physical examination, an evaluation of family medical history, and a basic communication skills test for children. Post diagnosis, autism treatment methods are prescribed depending on the severity and progression of the condition.
An Emotionally Trying Time
Parents of children with autism often experience frustration at their circumstances and even go through depression. They sometimes blame themselves for their child’s condition. Being a parent with an autistic child is indeed a stressful experience. The important thing is to remember that your feelings are normal and come to terms with them as such. You must never blame yourself or your child for what is going on.
Fortunately, these days there are many support groups where parents with autistic children can come together and share their worries and experiences. These support groups also help vent your feelings of anger or helplessness, both of which are normal. Your child’s counsellor or doctor will be able to help put you in touch with a support group in your area.
Autism Treatment: Healing with Homeopathy
Homeopathic medicine helps comfortably manage neuropsychological dysfunction in children. Homeopathic autism treatment has shown successful rates of improvement in behavioural problems, communication difficulty, reduction of repetitive behaviour, and lowered levels of hyperactivity. Homeopathic treatment also includes behaviour therapy sessions, physical therapy, and play therapy, and communication therapy as part of the treatment process to ensure all round effectiveness.
Homeopathic medicine is natural and free from side-effects. Thus, many parents prefer homeopathy as opposed to conventional medication. The treatment process should be comfortable for both parent and child and homeopathy takes this important aspect into consideration. Autism is a serious condition which demands constant care in order to be successfully managed for life. Do speak with a homeopathic doctor today for holistic healing for your loved ones.
