Autism Treatment

Autism Developmental Disorders (ADDs) are most often characterized by problems with social communication. Prior to the most recent edition of the DSM-5, ASDs were identified as either autism, Asperger Syndrome or pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified (usually abbreviated as PDD-NOS). Now autism is diagnosed on the basis of the severity of symptoms. People with autism can have both verbal and non verbal communication difficulties often coupled with repetitive type behaviors. Children start displaying autistic symptoms when they are very young but currently cannot be accurately diagnosed until they are 2-3 years of age. Often, it is not until the child is confronted with increasingly challenging social situations that parents notice that there is something wrong. Autism affects how information is processed in the brain although researches are yet to determine exactly how the mechanisms are affected.

Treatment of autism may include a combination of counseling, directions, or advices to parents or guardians of patients to a decision or particular course of action. Autism may require several psychological and behavioral treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, counselling, education and school-based therapies, behavioral management therapy, ABA therapy, Nutritional therapy, Medication, Physical therapy, social skills training, speech-language therapy, and occupational therapy.

ABA therapy and PRT

Intervention programs such as ABA therapy and PRT have been shown to improve the outcomes of people who suffer autism. ABA/PRT is a type of behavior modification and this type of modification is helpful in improving many areas of development through play. During therapeutic sessions, adult-child interaction is developed through play and everyday skills are taught using this motivational interaction. Social stories can be developed to help patients of autism to understand feelings, points of views and ideas of others, and these stories can also help patients in understanding and cope with their own feelings.

Occupational therapy

With the help of occupational therapy, patients can be trained to live independently in many aspects such as bathing and buttoning a shirt. Occupational therapy helps in improvement of daily life tasks. Autistic children cannot do some things easily or they choose difficult way to do these tasks. They need assistance to improve their daily tasks which include following tasks:

·         Dressing

·         Eating

·         Grooming

·         Playing

·         Motor skills

·         Learning

With the help of physical therapy, patients of autism are asked to do exercise and other physical movements, so that it would be easy for them to control body movements.

Psychological treatment programs can help improve the life a patient increasing the chances of them going on the lead an independent life. Adults with autism, with support of counseling are capable of learning new skills and can start learning new things easily and developing normally with proper care. Most of the times, a number of treatment strategies are used to help patient living a better life, and it has also to be considered that autism may also require lifelong treatment.

Counselling

In patient counseling, behavior modification can also be considered. This modification can help patients to control various repetitive, inappropriate and aggressive behaviors, so that the patient could live healthily in his or her society. This type of modification is based on the process of rewarded behavior as it has been found the rewards could help patients in repeating those tasks as compared to tasks that are ignored.

Diet and nutrition

Why is Autism increasing? Autism is the most common disability in areas like UK and Australia. Till now exact cause of autism is not clear. However, some general causes are proposed by researchers that why Autism is increasing. They have been continuously studying the “gene” that may be the cause of Autism because they think that environment and genes are the main causes of this increasing disease. Gene study tells that every child who is autistic will definitely have a relation or ancestor who faced autism. This shows the genetic linkage of Autism. The diet that we use nowadays lack nutrients and is derived from volcanic soil which is deficient of minerals. Furthermore the use of pesticides and artificial fertilisers that helps in more production of crops, which are nutrient-free and cannot produce immunity in new generations. Our environment is full of pollution in which food processing techniques demolish vitamins and nutrition of foods, such as cereals etc. Such nutrition deficiencies in our food and in our genes cause autism to increase when they interact.

Food and nutrition is not same in all children. Every child has a different digestive system, however some steps may help:

·         Try to avoid artificial sweeteners, preservations, flavourings, artificial dyes and colours.

·         Use supplements. They are useful for treatment. Supplements such as multivitamins, omega 3, minerals, calcium, and vitamin D and B6, magnesium, dimethyl glycine (helpful for language improvement), and glutathione.

·         Avoid foods which contain gluten like rye, wheat, barley, oats and spelt. These foods contain gluten in high amount which can cause abdomen problems, which might not be suitable for autistic child.

ADHD symptoms and treatment options

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the condition, mostly found in boys, characterized by behavioral and learning disorders. Nearly 1 in 10 children are affected with the problem of ADHD. These problems not only affect the children but also affect the people in the family and friends, i.e. affected children are also difficult to treat with.

Most important symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Other symptoms are usually related to these major problems. It is possible that problems of inattention may not be apparent until the child enters into the most challenging phase of his or her life such as the time of going to schools. Adults may show the problems of inattention during work or in social situations. Sometimes, patients of ADHD produce work that clearly shows carelessness. Patients of ADHD are also easily distracted by the external stimuli and other interrupting tasks. They also find it difficult to complete their schoolwork or other related tasks that require attention and concentration.

As a result of less concentration, they frequently move from one uncompleted task to another. Patients of ADHD are disorganized in their work habits and they may show the problem of forgetfulness. Patients of ADHD also show the problem of hyperactivity such as the excessive running or climbing or frequent walking or running. They find it difficult to play or work quietly and they talk excessively. Treatment for ADHD mostly consists of changes in lifestyles but also consists of neurofeedback therapy.

This method of treatment is found to be efficacious and can be used as the primary treatment of ADHD. It is efficacious method in case of inattention and impulsivity in patients. It is found to be as efficient as the use of stimulants in relieving 70% to 80% of children with ADHD. It is also considered as the safe method having no adverse side effects. Lifestyle changes and proper use of nutrition could also help in the treatment of ADHD. Some of the proteins and enzymes can also help in relieving some of the problems of ADHD such as the ability to talk, planning ahead and abstract thinking.

Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and its causes of increase

Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) causes the patient to face major problems of inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity. As these types of disorders are found in different age groups, so their symptoms depending upon specific age group and gender are somehow different from one another. Its symptoms also depend upon the intensity of this disorder. Some major symptoms of ADHD include:

1. Patients with ADHD act without thinking, are hyperactive, and have difficulty in focusing.
2. They suffer with some other disorders like Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders and Learning Disabilities.
3. Forgetting things in daily activities like toys, homework etc.
4. Mood swings, patients cannot control their anger, worry, terror, or panic.
5. Diversion from things, as the person losses the tendency to pay attention.
6. Kids with ADHD cannot perform tasks which require mental exertion.
7. They have problems in teamwork and they cannot even play.
8. Some children may clear listening problems.
9. Such Patients feel frustrated by all these problems, and have low self-esteem.
10. Other symptoms are fast heartbeat, sweating, stomach pains, and in critical conditions even diarrhea.

There is good news that the challenges of attention deficit hyper-activity disorder are punch able. You can learn the symptoms, which will help you to manage ADHD in adults and kids as well. It’s certainly not too late; a patient can even turn some of his weaknesses into strengths to fight with ADHD.

1.       Treatment for ADHD should start with everyday life. Nutritional changes and supplementation of proper nutrients to the patient are essential.

2.       Neurotherapy treatment can be used to relieve brainwave electrical activity.

3.       Children may be medicated using psychostimulant medications for ADHD in the short term to allow them to function effectively. Medication can help minimize symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention in suffering children and adults. However medicine treatment has some side effects also. Medical treatment for ADHD starts with Adderall (amphetamine) ,Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), Concerta, Daytrana, or Metadate (methylphenidate).

The frequency of ADHD has reached 1 in 10 and is continuously rising with great ratio. The question, “why ADHD is increasing” is of great interest for almost all researchers? There are hundreds of labs in different countries which are performing various researches to sort out the reasons of ADHD. Some of the reason found after researches are discussed here:

Some researchers have linked ADHD with early television watching. Kids below 2 years old should not face any type of screens (TV, computers or video games) and children of age 2 years or more should also be limited to watch display screens 1 to 2 hours per day. Otherwise these screens become the cause of ADHD among kids.

One main factor is food deficient of proper nutrients and this is considered as the major cause that why ADHD is increasing. “Western style” foods consist of too many additives, preservatives and colourings lacking proper nutrients. In 2008, the European Union permitted to put caution on foods containing harmful additives. Some studies also tell that premature birth leads to later ADHD in a child.

Autism, related causes and diagnosis

What is Autism?

Autism is a lifetime intellectual disorder that affects the way person communicates to other people. It may also effects visual and hearing senses causing many other physical issues. People with Autism Spectrum Disorders, can have similar difficulties but many different symptoms which makes every presentation unique. Some have problems with speech but can understand conversation, while other sufferers not only have difficulty understanding conversation, but don’t understand the basic concept of reciprocal conversation. Whilst many people with autism are able to live independently there are others who rely completely on other people for even the most basic daily needs. 

Causes of autism:

Current estimates of the number of people suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorders in U.K, Scotland, Wales, England, and Northern Ireland is thought to be one in a hundred. The exact cause of autism is still unknown although it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental.  Autism effects the early development of the brain. Excessive neuronal growth is thought to lead to a misfiring and lack of communication between brain structures. However, although this process is occurring very early in life, most symptoms don’t become obvious until age 3.

Diagnosis of Autism:

Parents are often the first people to recognize that something is ‘not quite right’ with their child’s behaviour. However, the behaviours need to be present for at least six months before diagnosis can be made. Early indication of autism may include some of the following symptoms:

·         Very little direct eye contact.

·         Little or no response to his/her name being said repeatedly

·         No childish and joyful expressions by six months.

·         No sharing of facial expressions and sounds.

·         Difficulty in imitating or repeating words by even 2 years.

·         Many communication and social issues in adult age.

·         It is difficult for some patients to make relations and new friends.

If parents are confused about the diagnosis then they may take their child to a Psychologist. A diagnosis will not be made unless three professionals agree that the child is autistic. Typically this will include a Psychologist, a Paediatrician and a speech therapist. Although there is no blood screening currently available to test for the presence of autism, psychologists are able to use screening tools such as the M-CHAT (Modified Checklist of Autism in Toddlers) to determine the likelihood that your child has autism. If you are in any doubt, please contact the Behavioural Neurotherapy Clinic in Doncaster. This clinic specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of autism and can help formulate a treatment plan for your child. 

Autism and Its Common Symptoms

Autism is described in the DSM-V as a psychiatric problem, in which the patient has communication disorders and short attention span. The Autistic person has a reduced ability to interact meaningfully with others. This condition is usually present from early childhood and is also characterised by difficulties in using language and understanding the intent of others. Autism Symptoms may vary from one person to another but there are some basic symptoms that are usually present that can help in Autism Diagnosis. These symptoms can be placed under following categories:  

Social connections and relations

·  Verbal and nonverbal interactions

·  Stereo typical play and/or reduced interest in interactive play activities

· Symptoms in social connections and relations may include notable difficulties in nonverbal interactions and communication skills as for example in making good eye-to-eye contact.

The child with Autism may be unable to make friends and may have no ability to share interests or enjoyments with others. They lack empathy as they often found it difficult to understand the feelings of other people; and that may include recognising emotional upset, pain or sorrow in others. Verbal and nonverbal interactions may include slow learning or lack of learning capabilities. It has been found that nearly 40% of autistic patients never speak. Children with Autism may find it difficult if not impossible to start a meaningful conversation or continue a conversation with others. They often make repetitive use of language, i.e. they may repeat a previously heard word or phrase, again and again (a condition known as echolalia). 

Sometimes, it is difficult for children with Autism to understand other’s perspectives. For example they might not understand when another person is joking, as they take their words literally, and may not understand the hidden meanings and metaphors. Partial interest in activities or other playing activities may include an excessive focus on some part of a toy, such as spinning the wheels on a car, without using the car as a vehicle.

Usually, older children and adults with Autism are overly preoccupied with specific topics such as video games, license plates or trading cards. 

They prefer set routines, for example a child may be very upset if the route to school is changed or if his breakfast food or bedtime routine is changed. Many people with Autism also have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) but in ADHD symptoms the problem of social relationships is less serious as compared to Autism.

Sometimes, an autistic person may be able to memorise facts, lists and dates more efficiently than others. They may also have unusual sensory perceptions, for example, some may consider light touch as problematic and disturbing while othere find a strong embrace as calming to their senses. Some may appear insensitive to pain and some may have strong preferences for specific foods. Sleep problems are also present in about 40%-70% of people with Autism.

Patient Counseling for Autism Disease

Autism Developmental Disorders (ADDs) are most often characterized by problems with social communication. Prior to the most recent edition of the DSM-5, ASDs were identified as either autism, Asperger Syndrome or pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified (usually abbreviated as PDD-NOS). Now autism is diagnosed on the basis of the severity of symptoms. People with autism can have both verbal and non verbal communication difficulties often coupled with repetitive type behaviors. Children start displaying autistic symptoms when they are very young but currently cannot be accurately diagnosed until they are 2-3 years of age. Often, it is not until the child is confronted with increasingly challenging social situations that parents notice that there is something wrong. Autism affects how information is processed in the brain although researches are yet to determine exactly how the mechanisms are affected. Intervention programs such as ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy and PRT (Pivotal Response therapy) have been shown to improve the outcomes of people who suffer autism. Psychological treatment programs can help improve the life a patient increasing the chances of them leading an independent life. Adults who suffer autism can, with the support of counseling, learn new skills. Treatment strategies include a combination of counseling directions and support services for carers. The disorder is often treated using multiple psychological and behavioral treatments including cognitive behavioral therapy, school-based therapies, behavioral management therapy, nutritional therapy, medication, physical therapy, social skills training, and speech-language therapy. Occupational therapy can assist in increasing the independence of patients through teaching basic living skills eg. bathing and buttoning up a shirt. Physical therapy exercises help patients to control body movements. Behavior modification is an effective form of patient counseling. This treatment can help patients to control various repetitive, inappropriate and aggressive behaviors, allowing them to display more normal social behavior. Behavior modification is based on rewarding correct behavior and ignoring bad behavior. This is the basis of ABA therapy. It is important to introduce an aspect of play therapy in session with children. Play therapy assists in the emotional development of the child and improves the adult-child interaction. Through the use of social stories, children with autism can develop their emotional understanding of other people’s feelings and perspectives. These stories will often help in understanding and coping with their own feelings too. http://www.autism-adhd.org.au