Does your little one not look back when his name is called? Is he not very interested in playing with other children? Or does he do the same thing over and over again? When you see things like this, you may feel a little worried and scared. It is very normal. Today we will talk about a topic related to such characteristics, which worries many parents. That is autism, or in medical terms, autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
What exactly is autism?
Simply put, autism is a developmental disorder that affects the way a person communicates, behaves, and interacts with others. The important thing to remember is that autism is not a disease. It cannot be cured, but with the right support and treatment, a child with the condition can live a successful, happy life.
The term "spectrum" is used because not everyone with this condition is the same. Some people have very mild symptoms, while others may have symptoms that make it difficult for them to perform daily tasks. This means that no two children with this condition are the same.
What are the causes of autism?
Scientists still haven't found a 100 percent accurate answer to this question, but it is believed that there is a major genetic link .
- Family history: If someone in the family, such as a mother, father, brother, or sister, has this condition, there is a chance that the child will also develop it. However, this is not always the case.
- Other genetic conditions: About 10% of children with autism have other genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome or fragile X syndrome.
- Parental age: Some studies have found that the older the parents are at the time of conception, the greater the risk.
- Medications during pregnancy: There is some evidence that the use of certain medications prescribed by a doctor during pregnancy, especially opioid painkillers, may also be a risk factor.
The important thing to remember is that these are just risk factors. It doesn't mean that a child will develop autism just because they have these things. It's also important to remember that there is no scientific link between vaccines and autism.
Some children start showing these symptoms within a few months of birth. Others may develop normally for the first few months or years and then start showing these symptoms. Parents often notice some changes by the age of one year, and by the age of two, about 80%-90% of parents realize that there is a problem.
How do I know if my baby has autism symptoms?
In autism, there are three main areas where differences can be seen: social relationships, communication, and behavior. Let's look at these separately.
| 1. Characteristics that can be seen in social relationships | |
|---|---|
| Not responding to name | Even at one year old, he doesn't look back when his name is called. |
| Preferring to be alone | Not wanting to talk, play, or share things with others. |
| Dislike of physical touch | Reluctance or refusal to be hugged or held by someone. |
| Poor Eye Contact | Avoiding direct eye contact when talking or at other times. |
| Difficulty understanding emotions | Inability to understand one's own and others' feelings of sadness and happiness. Reluctance to be comforted when sad. |
| 2. Characteristics that can be seen in conversation and communication | |
|---|---|
| Delay in speaking | Not speaking words that are appropriate for their age, or not speaking at all. Some children may speak for a while and then lose that ability. |
| Repetition (Echolalia) | To repeat something you hear or say over and over again, like an echo. |
| Strange voice | Speaking in a monotone, like a robot, with no emotion. |
| Speaking with pronouns switched | Things like talking about yourself as "you" instead of "I". |
| Not using gestures | Not showing something with your hand, not saying 'tata', and not understanding when others do so. |
| 3. Visible changes in behavior patterns | |
|---|---|
| Repetitive behaviors | Things like hand-flapping, rocking, and spinning around. |
| Fixations | Excessive interest in a single toy, cartoon, or topic. |
| Strict adherence to routine | Trying to do everything the same way, at the same time. Getting very upset even if something as small as a plate is changed. |
| Sensitivity | Being overly sensitive or completely indifferent to certain things, such as sounds, light, or the touch of clothing. |
| Fussy eating | Preferring to eat only a few types of food. Being very particular about the color and texture of food. |
| Impulsive and aggressive behavior | Things like doing something without thinking, hitting yourself or others, throwing things, etc. |
When should you see a doctor?
The sooner this condition is recognized, the more help you can give your child. That's why it's important to keep a close eye on your child's development. If your child isn't reaching the developmental milestones listed below, or if they start to lose some of their skills, be sure to talk to a doctor.
| Age | Things to be aware of |
|---|---|
| 6 months | If you don't laugh |
| 9 months | If facial expressions or sounds are not imitated |
| 12 months | If you don't speak in babbling |
| 14 months | If you don't make gestures like pointing or saying 'tata' |
| 16 months | If you don't speak a single word |
| 18 months | Unless you engage in make-believe play (e.g., feeding a doll) |
| 24 months | If you don't speak two-word sentences |
If you have any doubts about something like this, please don't keep it to yourself and worry. Immediately see your pediatrician or family doctor and talk about this. They will guide you exactly.
Take-Home Message
- Autism is not a disease, it is a condition related to brain development . There is no need to be afraid or ashamed of this.
- Every child is different. Therefore, the symptoms of autism can vary greatly from one child to another. Do not compare your child with another child.
- By identifying this condition early and providing the child with the necessary behavioral and speech therapy, you can greatly help them live a normal life.
- If you have even the slightest doubt about your child's development, please seek medical advice. It is the best thing you can do for yourself and your child.
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