What is autism? With its development, a person begins to have problems with adaptation in society, speech and psychological health. If you diagnose autism in a child of 3 years (symptoms will be noticeable already at this age), then there is a chance that in the future the baby will not have problems in communication and training.
In Russia there are not many opportunities for correcting the behavior of a child, so timely treatment is the task of parents. You need to pay attention to how the child behaves at an early age, perhaps if he has this disease, it will be possible to avoid its development. In the article, we will tell what kind of disease is autism. Symptoms, causes and treatment will be given below.
About the disease
In the last century, the described disease was quite rare. However, 1 child among 88 children is already suffering, while 50 years ago these statistics were more positive - 1 in 10 thousand children. It should be noted that boys are more susceptible to this disease than girls. Most autism studies are done in the USA. In Russia, there are no official data on the number of autistic children: such a calculation is not carried out. Although in reality there are no fewer of them in the state than in the same America, where they deal with the disease and look for ways to eliminate it.
Why more and more children suffer from autism is unknown. Doctors can only say that, probably, the disease is caused not by one factor, but by a combination. Among the possible causes of various forms of autism are mutations in genes, damage to the central nervous system, problems with brain development, hormonal disruptions, viral infections, mercury poisoning, a large number of antibiotics, and chemical intoxication.
However, doctors did not fully figure out which of the listed causes really lead to the disease. But it is 100% clear that hereditary predisposition leads to autism. Moreover, during pregnancy, the development of the brain of the child can be affected by infection or severe stress, which ultimately leads to the formation of the described disease.
Light form
How does autism manifest in a 3-year-old child? Symptoms are directly dependent on the form of the disease.
A mild form is the problem in which, in the case of proper and timely treatment, maximum adaptation in society can be achieved. Such children most often graduate from high school without any special problems. It is not so difficult for them to find a job and fulfill themselves. However, how to determine that the form of the disease is mild?
There are criteria that affect the severity of the disease. It is about behavior, the ability to communicate and interact with other people (strangers).
Mild forms include atypical autism without additional diseases, in particular mental retardation, Asperger's syndrome and highly functional autism.
Heavy form
Unlike mild autism, in 3-year-old children, a severe form of the disease manifests itself in very noticeable problems: a person practically does not talk, does not pay attention to people, his behavior may be disturbed. Such children need to be treated, conduct special educational programs, try to correct behavior, and then carry out rehabilitation. Sometimes even the most serious methods of therapy are not enough for a child to have a successful and fulfilling life. Such people get disability.
To determine autism in children 3 years old, the doctor selects the test in accordance with the complaints. According to the results of diagnosis, atypical autism with the development of mental retardation, Rett syndrome, Geller’s syndrome, as well as hyperactive disorder that develops in parallel with mental retardation can be detected. It is these diagnoses that are considered severe forms of autism.
Signs and symptoms of autism in children
In order to understand in time that the child has problems, it is necessary to observe his behavior from an early age. This should be done by parents. It is not necessary to wait until the child reaches the age of 3 years. Signs of autism in children, the very first, appear as early as a year and a half and 2 years of age.
Autism is a disease that has common symptoms. Let's look at the most common:
- Speech. Speech disturbance to one degree or another occurs in all forms of the disease. Speech may develop with a delay or may not develop at all. An autistic child does not want to walk for up to a year, he constantly pronounces the same sounds, words, as a result, by 2 years, the vocabulary is about 15-20 words. If you do not start treatment, then by the age of 3 the child will begin to have problems with pronunciation of these words. However, people with autism are quite creative, so they can come up with their own words, and they also have a good memory, they are able to reproduce words and phrases they have ever heard, like parrots. Such people talk about themselves in the third person. They do not use names or pronouns.
- Emotional contact. The child has no desire to contact with someone, including parents. They do not look in the eye, do not want to hold their hands, practically do not smile. They do not like either emotional contact or physical contact. Such children are like blind and deaf people, since they do not notice that someone is talking to them, in addition, among all those around them, autistic people are unlikely to single out their parents.
- Socialization. If the child is in some company, then he may feel discomfort and other unpleasant sensations. When an autist grows up, he feels anxiety in society. If someone addresses the child and he notices it, then probably he will hide somewhere. Such children do not play with others and have no friends. Autistic people prefer to be alone, as at an older age it helps to worry less because of an inability to make contact.
- Aggression. This is an important sign of autism. People suffering from it can harm themselves and others, while any situation that upset the baby can cause aggression. In 30% of all cases of negative outbreaks, child aggression is directed at him.
- Interest in toys. He is not there. A child with autism does not know how to play with cars, dolls and other devices. Such children are not able to come up with something, since their abstract thinking is practically not developed. For example, if you ask a child to make you tea in a toy bowl, then he will not interfere with the air or, if there is no spoon, he will not be able to notice it. Such children can reproduce only those actions that were previously seen, heard. Many autists can use toys outside the box. For example, spin the wheels of a car for several hours. Some sick children may recognize only one toy and use it only.
- Change. The behavior of autistic children is stereotyped, they do not like any changes. For a long time they can repeat the same thing, do the same thing. They like a clear schedule and compliance with the rules. If something does not happen the way the child is used to, for example, you have to move to another apartment, or someone puts the toys in the drawer incorrectly, then the child will behave aggressively, cry and be very upset.
All cases of the disease are different, because each person is individual. Someone has all of these problems, and someone differs from other children only a little. With mild forms of the disease, the child will be able to graduate from school, graduate, find work, and even start a family. Such cases of successful behavior correction are observed in Western countries, where a lot of attention is paid to autism.
In some children, autism can manifest itself not only in problems with behavior, but also with the body. For example, babies may have weakened immunity, problems with the pancreas and with sensory perception. Convulsions may occur, and bacteria and yeast can multiply in the gastrointestinal tract.
Diagnosis of autism in children
Many parents who notice problems with their child may have a question about how to determine autism. In order for a doctor to allow the development of this problem in a child, there must be at least three problems: communication difficulties, stereotyped behavior and lack of desire for communication. As mentioned above, all symptoms appear up to 3 years in most cases. In order to make an accurate diagnosis, the child is taken to a neuropsychologist who conducts the appropriate tests.
The doctor does not constantly monitor the child. This is done by the parents, and then they tell the doctor. When talking with parents, the doctor can use generally accepted tests, which allow you to find out the condition of the child. We are talking about the "Assessment scale for childhood autism," the "Observation scale for diagnosing autism," and so on. Such tests are enough to establish a diagnosis. And then the question is already raised whether autism in a child of 3 years can be cured. And it all depends on what form and symptomatology of the problem.
Diagnostic problems
Unfortunately, in order to find a doctor in Russia, you will have to work hard, because in our country there are few specialists who are trained to treat the corresponding disease. It often happens that the pediatrician does not notice anything strange in the child, and the parents do not tell the really important symptoms. Ideally, if there is a suspicion of autism, you need to go through a medical commission, where a neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist and an autism spectrum doctor should be present. A teacher from the kindergarten, which the child attends, is also invited.
Another feature of Russian medicine is the confusion in diagnoses. Some cases of autism are not so advanced that doctors can, without hesitation, make the correct diagnosis. This problem is serious enough, since autism should not be treated in the same way as mental retardation or schizophrenia, the symptoms of which are often similar to those of a 3-year-old child.
Parents should take this issue as seriously as possible, since if you do not start treating the child since childhood, then the chance that he will have a normal social life becomes less and less every year.
Treatment and correction of autism in children
All methods and rehabilitation programs are developed in America. Regardless of what signs of autism are present in children of 3 years old, all ways to eliminate the disease are based on active communication and games. If the form is easy, then parents with a serious attitude to the issue with a high probability will succeed in making the child a social person. In severe forms of the disease, problems may appear, but this is due to the development of mental retardation and other side diseases. In Russia, there are few doctors who are specifically involved in the treatment of autistic children. But you still need to find a psychiatrist. Choose a kindergarten and school carefully. With children, behavior correction should be carried out absolutely everywhere: at the doctor's office, at home, in all places the child visits. Parents need to show love and care.
To reduce the manifestations of autism in children 3 years old, you must follow the recommendations:
- The child needs to be taught the necessary skills for later life. For example, to teach yourself to brush your teeth, you should often repeat this with him and with him. Even if the child has already learned this, regular “lessons” should be given regularly.
- The daily routine of the child should be clear. He himself will not violate it, and therefore parents must also abide by it. You must not break the rules, otherwise the child will show aggression. Attempts to change the environment or habits of the baby will also lead to his rebellion.
- Try to communicate with your child more often. Spend a lot of time with him. If the baby does not respond, then do not be offended. Repeat the sentences, his name. No need to scream, scold or punish. If autism was detected at an early age, you can often pick it up. At this age, he will not strongly protest, and by the age of 3 he will get used to emotional contact with his parents. If the case is severe, then instead of speaking, you can use cards.
- An autistic child cannot be tired. You need to take a break between games or activities. At the same time, leave him alone at such moments. Exercise with your child to strengthen his physical fitness.
- Do not suppress the initiative. No need to rush or force to do something. You need to have great patience to raise a child. An autist should perceive a house as a place where he is comfortable and calm. The same should apply to parents. An important task of mom and dad is to make sure that the baby is not afraid of them and notices them.
- The child should be taken out more often, be sure to take him to kindergarten and school. At first, the baby will resist, but after some time he will still understand that he can talk with others, play with them, and this is also exciting.
Autism drug treatment and nutrition
When the doctor conducted an autism test in children of 3 years old, interviewed parents and made a diagnosis, treatment should be started urgently.
Autism is rarely treated with drugs, because drugs will not help. They can be used in the case when some symptoms become too dangerous, for example, the child begins to show aggression towards someone, but it does not work out to calm him down. The same applies to motor activity, depression and some obsessive desires. In such cases, doctors prefer to prescribe psychostimulants. The dosage is selected depending on the degree of autism, but you need to understand that in many cases it is better to try to do without such drugs. They can make the situation worse.
Medications are also prescribed for a lack of vitamins, problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
The symptoms of autism can be alleviated with a special diet. To date, many studies confirm that the disease is associated with metabolic disorders. In these children, hypersensitivity to cereal proteins (gluten) and milk (casein) was detected, therefore, with autism, a gluten-free and case-free diet is recommended. You also need to completely get rid of those foods that contain chemicals: dyes, preservatives. Give your child less sweet. The diet should contain an increased amount of protein. In addition, it is worth giving more water to drink.
Remember that you do not need to force a child to eat something specific. If he refuses, then offer something else.
Regardless of the diet, autists can have problems with vitamins. Often these people have a severe deficiency of most nutrients. There are also problems with the production of certain hormones and enzymes. Even with normal nutrition, the body can have a large concentration of heavy metals.
In each individual case of the disease, it is necessary to select a specific behavioral and drug treatment. Before drinking any medicine, you need to 100% confirm the diagnosis. The doctor should also ask what kind of disease is autism. Symptoms on which treatment depends, manifestations - a specialist should pay attention to all this. So talk with him, maybe the chosen doctor is not the best candidate for treating your child.
When taking medications, you need to regularly monitor whether they are effective or not, since not all children need the same medicine.
Features of communication with autistic people
If your child is an autist or you are familiar with this disease, it is important to be able to talk with them. You must understand why you should do this and not otherwise. It is enough to adhere to simple rules of communication:
- Suggestions. They should be concise and clear. Then it will be easier for the child to understand what you are saying and what you want. It is easier for them to perceive letters, therefore it is possible to communicate with a pen and paper.
- Although these children have problems with abstract thinking, imaginative is present in them. Therefore, so that the child quickly understands you, draw a diagram or drawing.
- The symptoms of autism in a 3-year-old child are described above, one of which is communication problems and difficulties in making proposals. So give your child time to think. No need to push, scream. You should not ask several questions at once. If the child feels calm in a conversation with you, then communication will develop as well as possible. Be patient.
- In no case do not be offended by silence.
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- Attention to such children should be moderate, but do not let the child feel unnecessary. Find a way of care that is convenient for you and will not annoy the baby.
- For the child to talk with you exactly, choose the time and place that will be comfortable. Then the baby is likely to be able to support the conversation.
- Autistic children do not understand hints, jokes, irony, metaphors. Therefore, your task is to speak directly and clearly.
Conclusion
The publication describes the causes of autism in children, symptoms, treatment methods. Unfortunately, at the moment there are quite a few cases of the development of this disease, so it is important to know how to work with a child and what to do if you find yourself in this situation.
Your main task is to talk more, pay attention to the child, and understand when he is already tired of society. Do not forget to leave the child alone for a while, in between classes. These are the features of autism, even if the child adapts to society, he will still want to spend time alone in adulthood.