What Is Autism? What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. They include autistic disorder, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome. ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art.

·         Autism appears to have its roots in very early brain development. However, the most obvious signs of autism and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between 2 and 3 years of age. Autism Speaks continues to fund research on effective methods for earlier diagnosis, as early intervention with proven behavioral therapies can improve outcomes. Increasing autism awareness is a key aspect of this work and one in which our families and volunteers play an invaluable role.

(The following red flags may indicate a child is at risk for atypical development, and is in need of an immediate evaluation.)

In clinical terms, there are a few “absolute indicators,” often referred to as “red flags,” that indicate that a child should be evaluated. For a parent, these are the “red flags” that your child should be screened to ensure that he/she is on the right developmental path. If your baby shows any of these signs, please ask your pediatrician or family practitioner for an immediate evaluation: 

·         No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter

·         No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions by nine months or thereafter

·         No babbling by 12 months

·         No back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reaching, or waving by 12 months

·         No words by 16 months

·         No two-word meaningful phrases (without imitating or repeating) by 24 months

·         Any loss of speech or babbling or social skills at any age

What Causes Autism?

Not long ago, the answer to this question would have been “we have no idea.” Research is now delivering the answers. First and foremost, we now know that there is no one cause of autism just as there is no one type of autism. Over the last five years, scientists have identified a number of rare gene changes, or mutations, associated with autism. A small number of these are sufficient to cause autism by themselves. Most cases of autism, however, appear to be caused by a combination of autism risk genes and environmental factors influencing early brain development.

In the presence of a genetic predisposition to autism, a number of nongenetic, or “environmental,” stresses appear to further increase a child’s risk. The clearest evidence of these autism risk factors involves events before and during birth. They include advanced parental age at time of conception (both mom and dad), maternal illness during pregnancy and certain difficulties during birth, particularly those involving periods of oxygen deprivation to the baby’s brain. It is important to keep in mind that these factors, by themselves, do not cause autism. Rather, in combination with genetic risk factors, they appear to modestly increase risk.

A small but growing body of research suggests that autism risk is less among children whose mothers took prenatal vitamins (containing folic acid) in the months before and after conception.

Increasingly, researchers are looking at the role of the immune system in autism. Autism Speaks is working to increase awareness and investigation of these and other issues, where further research has the potential to improve the lives of those who struggle with autism.

How Homeopathy can help in autism?

Homeopathy according to WHO( world health organisation) is a second largest system of medicine across the world after conventional allopathic medicine.Homeopathy  works by   stimulating the body’s innate healing powers to combat different disease  conditions like autism where conventional medicine has nothing specific to offer. Homeopathy can stimulate the child’s self-healing powers which helps in improving the overall health & wellbeing of children affected with autism. Homeopathy takes into account overall mental,physical,social,intellectuall aspects  of disease to select a drug suitable to each individual patient & hence promoting  innate vitality or natural healing power of body & leading to overall ,holistic health irrespective of name of disease.Consult your nearest classical homeopath who analyses your child systematically taking into account all his symptoms,past history,family history,child’s behaviour,food habits,sleep,appetite etc. to select an individalised homeopathic medicine which deeply harmonises the vital dynamics of body.

By-

DR.M.RIZWAN ALI,
CONSULTANT HOMEOPATH,GULBARGA,KARNATAKA,INDIA
CONTACT- 9731771088,9886900246
website- www.drmrizwanali.weebly.com

ABOUT AUTHOR:

DR.RIZWAN ALI is a classical homeopath who has been trained under eminent homeopaths of international repute.He has deeply embibed the art & science of homeopathy into his life & thinking by constant efforts to improvise,correct,update & refine himself to adopt to the pre-requisites  & demands of this sceince to be a wise,conscientious,skilled  & a true practitioner of homeopathy.