It is a genetic disorder where in there will be impaired social interaction due to lack of information processing in the brain. It occurs in 5 out of 10000 children. The symptoms appear within 3 years of one’s life. It is 2 to 4 times more common in boys than in girls. There would not be mental retardation and if present only some degree of retardation is seen. The guardians suffer emotionally due to handling the person with autism. Social interaction becomes difficult.
WHAT IS AUTISM?
Autism is a disorder in which a young child cannot develop normal social relationship, uses language abnormally or not at all behaves in compulsive and ritualistic ways and may fail to develop normal intelligence.
CAUSES OF AUTISM
Not yet known but researches have found a link with family history.
Certain genetic problems where in fragile X syndrome seen.
Pregnant woman avoiding diet containing folic acid and late pregnancies can give birth to a baby with autism.
SYMPTOMS OF AUTISM:
Social relationship: Infant avoids eye contact and does not cuddle.
They won’t have close personal relationship.
Does not bother about others feelings and even they doesn’t express anything.
LANGUAGE SKILLS IN AUTISM:
- About 50% of them never learn to speak.
- Uses words in unusual way.
- Often they repeat the spoken words.
- They can reverse the words which are spoken and speaks in unusual tone and rhythm.
- They don’t understand simple questions.
BEHAVIOR IN AUSTISM:
Very resistant to changes like new food, toys, clothing etc, and are excessively attached to particular inanimate objects.
They repeat certain actions and this can lead to harming themselves.
Irritated to sounds and light.
INTELLIGENCE IN AUTISM:
Some degree of mental retardation is seen, IQ will be less than 70.
Some children will have advanced skills where some produce them well and some does not.
TREATMENT OF AUTISM IN AYURVEDA:
Stabilizing and balancing body and mind and making them improve normal daily routines and activities. Certain specialized treatment modalities like tala podichil,murdha thaila which nourishes and rejuvenates the brain cells offer a promising future for those who are suffering from autism.