Autism in children: causes, signs, photos, features

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Autism diagnosis given to a child is perceived by most parents as a death sentence. What is this disease? Research on childhood autism has been going on for a long time, but the pathology is still one of the most mysterious mental illnesses.

What is this?

The term "autism" means a disease, a characteristic feature of which are changes in the human psyche, its atypical behavior and inability to adapt in society. In addition, the child has a persistent violation of any interaction within society.

Autism in children is often diagnosed with a delay. This is explained by the fact that many parents who have such a baby believe that deviations in his behavior are associated with the character trait of the little man.

Indeed, sometimes the disease occurs in a fairly mild form. This greatly complicates the task of identifying the first signs of pathology and recognizing the disease, not only for parents, but also for doctors. Much more often the diagnosis of autism is established in the USA and in Europe. This is because they have excellent diagnostic criteria. They allow the doctors' commissionto make an accurate diagnosis both with a mild course of the disease, and in the case of its most complex manifestations.

Children with autism syndrome experience negative changes in the cerebral cortex. They appear immediately after the birth of the baby. However, such changes may appear much later, after several years.

The disease proceeds without periods indicating a stable remission. If a variety of psychotherapeutic techniques are used during a long course of the disease, then the behavior of an autistic child, as a rule, improves. Positive changes in the child's behavior are also noted by his parents. But, unfortunately, a specific method of treating autism in children has not yet been developed. This fact means that it is not possible to cure the disease completely.

Prevalence

Today, autism spectrum disorder, which is called ASD for short, is diagnosed in one in 88 children. This is 3% of all children. Moreover, boys are most often affected by this pathology. Girls suffer from this disease, as a rule, only in those families where relatives have many similar cases.

Most often, the most striking symptoms of autism appear by the age of three. And this is despite the fact that the disease itself begins its development even earlier. However, as a rule, it remains unrecognized until 3-5 years of age.

Causes of pathology

Why are some babies born with this disorder? Scientists have not yet received a definite answer to this question. Many experts believethat certain genes are to blame for this pathology. They disrupt the work of some departments located in the cerebral cortex. That is, in this case, the obvious cause of the disease lies in heredity.

In addition, it is believed that autism in children can also occur due to various mutations and breakdowns in the genetic apparatus of a particular person. And this, in turn, lead to such factors:

• exposure to the fetus during the mother's pregnancy of ionizing radiation;
• infection with viruses and bacteria during prenatal development;
• contact of a pregnant woman with dangerous chemical elements that can have a teratogenic effect on the unborn child;
• Chronic pathologies of the mother's NS, in which a woman has to take symptomatic psychotropic drugs for a long time.

The mutagenic effects listed above often lead to a variety of disorders that are characteristic of autism. This is confirmed by the data of American specialists. Such an impact is especially dangerous when 8-10 weeks have passed since conception. This is the period when all the most vital organs are formed in the body of the unborn child, including those areas of the cerebral cortex that will subsequently be responsible for behavior.

Gene and mutational disorders that underlie autism eventually cause specific damage to certain parts of the central nervous system. This deactivates the coordinated work of neurons,responsible for the social integration of the individual. In addition, the functions of the mirror cells of the brain change somewhat, which also leads to pathology.

Types of autism

Today, there are many different classifications of pathology. Each of them is distinguished by its variant of the course of the disease, the severity of manifestations, as well as taking into account the stage of the disease. There is still no unified classification that would be used by Russian doctors, but, as a rule, it is believed that autism happens:

1. Typical. With this form of the course of the disease, the characteristics of children with autism appear already at a very early age. Such babies are distinguished by the fact that they make poor contact even with parents and close relatives, do not want to participate in games with peers, and are more withdrawn in their behavior. Such children with autism need to improve social integration, which will require a whole range of psychotherapeutic procedures. Such patients will also need the help of a specialist who is well versed in this problem (a child psychologist).
2. Atypical. This variant of the disease is found at a later age. Usually it is detected in babies after 3-4 years. Features of children with autism of this form are expressed in the manifestation of far from all the signs inherent in the disease. Due to the fact that the atypical appearance is diagnosed late, the child is already beginning to develop more persistent symptoms that are difficult to treat.
3. Hidden. About how many babies suffer from pathology with such a diagnosis, the statistics of the data are notIt has. With this form of the disease, its main clinical symptoms appear quite rarely. These babies tend to be seen as introverts or too reserved people.

Children with autism syndrome practically do not let anyone into their inner world. It is very difficult to establish communication links with such a child.

Specific perception of the world

In order to identify and begin to treat autism in a timely manner, the causes of occurrence in children, the signs (see photo below) of the pathology must be known to all parents. Experts believe that the disease leads to the lack of the ability of the baby to connect all the details to create a single image.

For example, such a child perceives a person only as a set of body parts that are not connected with each other. In addition, the study of the behavioral characteristics of children with autism reveals the fact that babies are not able to distinguish between animate and inanimate objects. At the same time, any external influences, such as sound, light and touch, provoke an uncomfortable state in them. The child strives with all his might to go into his inner world, not paying attention to what surrounds him.

Signs of pathology

How to recognize autism in a child? To do this, you need to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of the disease. Early childhood autism is a condition that sometimes manifests itself as early as 1-2 years of age. Moreover, the manifestation of pathology can be indicated by its three main signs observed in different patients to one degree or another. Amongthem:

• violations in social interaction;
• inability to communicate;
• stereotypical behavior.

Let's take a closer look at each of these symptoms.

Impaired social interactions

The first signs of autism in children at 2 years old can sometimes already be noted by parents. They manifest as symptoms in various forms of interaction. With the mildest of them, there is a violation of eye-to-eye contact, and with severe it is completely absent. A child who is not capable of perceiving a holistic image of a person does not even try to talk to him. Even when viewing photos or videos, it becomes obvious that the facial expressions of a baby with autism do not respond to changes in the current situation. He does not smile even when someone tries to make him laugh, and, on the contrary, laughs from a reason that others do not understand.

Children with early childhood autism are distinguished by a mask-like face, on which grimaces periodically appear. The baby uses gestures only to indicate his needs.

He althy children show interest in a new object already up to a year. They laugh and point fingers at him, showing their joy. Autism in a child under one year old can be suspected when the baby behaves in a wrong way. Parents should be aware of this fact. Signs of autism in children under one year old are also manifested by the fact that the crumbs use a certain gesture if they want to get something. At the same time, sick kids do not seek to attract the attention of their parents and include them in their game.

A person with autism is not capable of understanding other people's emotions. A similar symptom can also be traced from a very early age. If an ordinary child easily determines the mood of other people, then they are scared, cheerful or upset, then an autistic person is simply not capable of this.

Violation of social interaction is also expressed in the lack of interest in communicating with peers. This is also one of the signs of autism. Children at 1.5 years old or a little later will certainly have a desire for company. They love to play and meet their peers. If a child who has reached the age of 2 does not try to participate in games, while plunging into his own world, then this should also alert parents. For those fathers and mothers who want to recognize an autistic baby, it is enough just to watch a group of children. A sick child will always be alone. He will not pay any attention to his peers or will perceive them as inanimate objects.

A sign of autism in children at the age of 3 is the difficulty of participating in games where it is necessary to use the imagination. At this age, kids are happy to fantasize. At the same time, they even invent for themselves and then perform various social roles. Otherwise, sick children behave. Autistic kids at the age of three cannot understand what a social role is, and also do not perceive the toys they have as whole objects. For example, such children spin the wheel of a car for hours or repeat other simple actions.

Such a child also does not seek to communicate with parents. Previously, it was believed that these children are not able to emotionally attach to loved ones. However, to date, scientists have proven that the child shows anxiety at the moment when his mother leaves. In the presence of family members, the baby does not look so obsessed. If we consider 4-year-old children, then the main sign of autism in them is the lack of reaction to the departure of their parents. The baby has anxiety, but he does not even try to return his father and mother.

Disruption of communication

Autism in children at the age of 5 is expressed in speech delay. It can also be completely absent, which is called "mutism". The further development of children with autism will depend on the type of pathology. With its severe form, the child will indicate his needs with certain unambiguous words. For example, "eat", "sleep", etc. The speech of children with autism in this case may not develop at all or be incoherent, not aimed at understanding others. A sick baby is able to repeat the same phrase for several hours in a row, which makes no sense.

When studying the behavioral characteristics of children with autism, it becomes obvious that they always talk about themselves in the third person. How to treat such manifestations, is it possible to eliminate them? Everything will depend on the degree of the disease and the qualifications of the psychotherapist.

Signs of autism in children are abnormal speech. Such a child, answering a question, sometimes repeats a phrase in part orfully. He can speak either loudly or too quietly due to the wrong intonation. In addition, a sick baby sometimes does not react in any way to his own name.

Another sign of early autism is the lack of a period when the child asks parents a lot of questions. Autistic people have little interest in the world around them. If questions do arise, they are very monotonous and have no practical value.

Stereotypical behavior

One of the main signs indicating the presence of an autism spectrum disorder is the child's obsession with one lesson. For many hours, such a child can, for example, build a tower or sort the details of a designer by color. It is very difficult for parents to stop such activities.

Specialists also confirm the fact that autistic children feel comfortable only in the environment they are used to. Even the slightest changes, which are sometimes expressed in a rearrangement in the room, in a change in the menu or route, provoke aggression in them or a clear withdrawal into themselves.

Autistic people tend to self-stimulate. They are able to repeat movements that are meaningless to others many times. This is how stereotypy comes into play. The child repeats those movements that he often uses in an unusual environment. For example, he may clap his hands, shake his head, or snap his fingers.

Manifestation of pathology up to a year

Help for children with autism can only be provided when the parents have sounded the alarm and addressed in time with theirchild for specialist advice. However, for this they must know the main symptoms of the disease, which have some differences depending on the age of the small patient. In the vast majority of cases, childhood autism is diagnosed when the baby is 2-3 years old. The fact is that it is during this period that parents and close people can judge the atypical behavior of the child.

But in children under 1 year old, the signs of autism are still very blurred. And most often it happens that parents perceive them incorrectly. How, in this case, deviations in the state of he alth can be detected? Parents can test their children for autism. But dads and moms should remember that it’s still not worth interpreting the results on your own. An accurate and final diagnosis can only be made by a specialist who will carefully work with the child.

Signs of autism in children under 1 year old, which should alert parents, are as follows:

• the child never looks into the eyes, and his gaze is always "empty";
• lack of baby's need for close contact with mother;
• the child does not have a concentration of gaze on a person close to him, but at the same time he is able to detain him on any other objects;
• baby makes monotonous repetitive movements;
• the child is developmentally delayed in terms of the ability to hold his head and sit independently;
• the baby has impaired muscle tone.

When conducting a more serious diagnosis of pathology in infants 6-9 monthsan increase in the volume of the brain and cerebrospinal fluid, atypical for this age, is detected.

Besides, up to a year of their life, sick children do not show any reaction to visual stimulus or loud noise. Often they become overly attached to one or two objects with which they can spend most of the day. They don't need outsiders to play games. They feel great in their own world. If someone makes attempts to invade their game, then this often ends in aggression or hysteria.

Children with autism almost never call adults for help. If they need an item, they will try to take it themselves.

As for newborns and babies, they are distinguished by the absence of certain emotions on their faces. These kids seem a little renounced. Often, when parents try to make their child smile, he simply does not change facial expressions, perceiving the efforts of loved ones too coldly.

Such children are very fond of looking at various objects. Their gaze rests on an object for a very long time.

Up to three years

Signs of autism in children at 2-3 years old can be determined by the closeness of the baby, who does not show emotions in any way. He practically does not know how to speak at this age, and his babble is something illegible. The child constantly averts his gaze to the side. Making eye contact with him is simply impossible.

If the baby can say his name, then he does it in the third person. Such a child often walks on tiptoe. The altered gait isclear sign of autism. Some children may jump up and down while moving. This symptom is very common. Attempts by parents to make a remark to their baby do not cause him any emotions. For quite a long time, the child walks as he wants.

Sitting on a chair, he prefers to swing on it. It is useless to comment on this to parents. The child will not respond to them in any way. This is not at all a desire to show your character. This is nothing more than a violation of the perception of one's behavior. In fact, the baby simply does not see and does not notice that he is doing wrong.

Out has strange hobbies and interests. For example, it can turn water or light on and off.

Baby has no reaction to falling and no tears for physical pain.

At the age of 3 years, signs of limitation of personal space begin to appear to the greatest extent. During walks on the street, sick children categorically do not want to play in the same sandbox with their peers. They don't let anyone touch all the toys and objects they brought from home.

Kids at this age do not want to share something personal, trying to get away from what provokes such situations. From the outside, sometimes it seems that such a child is just “on his mind.”

Some babies have fine motor skills. If they take small objects from the floor or from the table, they do it very clumsily. Also, they are not able to squeeze their hands well. Helping children with autism to correct such a defect will requirespecial classes aimed at improving this skill. If such a correction is not carried out, then in the future the child may develop a violation of gesticulation and writing.

At this age, autistic children are very fond of playing with switches or taps. They just love to repeatedly open and then close the doors. However, any movements of the same type will evoke positive emotions in this child. He will do this until his parents stop him. Performing such actions, the baby himself does not notice that he is doing the same thing many times.

The food preferences of autistic kids are also unusual. They always eat only what they like. Because of this, others sometimes mistakenly consider such children to be too spoiled. However, this is a huge misconception.

A child with autism, until the age of three, does not see any differences between his behavior and the behavior of others. Its only purpose is to protect its personal internal space from external interference. In his childish thinking, the formation of peculiar early fears takes place. Parents must understand them so that the child begins to contact a little at least with dad and mom. After all, for such a baby it is very important that loved ones understand his inner world.

At 3 years old, children with autism may show their early attempts at contact with interlocutors. However, if they start laughing at them, they will quickly withdraw into themselves. Also, there should not be in the life of kids-outs andconflicts with peers. Otherwise, they will completely withdraw into themselves.

During a walk with such a baby, he needs to show various objects of the world around him. This approach will allow you to somewhat bring the baby out of his closed state.

Period 3-6 years

At this age, there is a peak incidence of ASD. Children go to kindergarten, where their violations of social adaptation are most noticeable. Toddlers suffering from autism clearly do not express any enthusiasm for the morning trips to preschool. It would be better for them to stay at home and not leave their usual safe home.

Autistic children hardly get to know their peers. At best, they may have only one acquaintance. He becomes the best friend for such a child. An autistic patient simply will not allow a large number of people to their inner world. Most often, he will try to withdraw in order to avoid traumatic situations.

Child tries to give an explanation for his trips to kindergarten. To do this, he comes up with a story in which he plays the main role. Nevertheless, such trips do not give the baby pleasure. He cannot get along with his peers and does not listen to the teacher.

In his personal locker things are always stacked in order. After all, such children cannot stand scattered objects and chaos. Any violation of the orderly structure causes them aggressive behavior or a fit of apathy. If you try to force such a child to meet new children, then this cancause him great stress.

Children with autism should by no means be scolded for the same type of actions they perform over a significant period of time. To such a child, you just need to pick up the “key”.

It is not uncommon for kindergarten teachers to be unable to cope with a special child. They perceive all the unusual traits of his character and behavior as nothing more than excessive pampering. In this case, it is necessary to connect a specialist psychologist who will work with the child in preschool every day.

6 years and older

In Russia, children with autism become students in ordinary schools. There are no special educational programs for them either. These students often do very well. They have a penchant for a variety of disciplines. Many guys are even able to show the highest level of proficiency in one or another subject, on which they, as a rule, focus. Other disciplines that do not find a response in the soul of such a student will be mastered mediocrely. This is due to poor concentration of attention of such patients. That is why they simply cannot pay attention to several objects at once.

Often, in the case of early diagnosis of pathology and the absence of problems with fine motor skills in a child, children-outs reveal brilliant abilities for creativity or music. Toddlers spend hours playing various musical instruments and sometimes even compose pieces themselves.

In school years, as well as in kindergarten, patients with ASDchildren tend to lead a secluded life. They have a small circle of friends, rarely attend entertainment events that gather a large number of spectators. Being at home is always more comfortable for them.

Children's pickiness to food does not change either. Such children eat only those foods that they fell in love with at an early age. At the same time, students strictly adhere to the diet, eating only according to their own schedule. Meals are necessarily accompanied by a certain ritual. Most often, they eat only from their usual plates and prefer to avoid dishes of a new color. Such a child lays cutlery on the table in a certain sequence.

Children with autism are able to do well in school. At the same time, they will definitely have excellent knowledge in one of the disciplines. Only 30% of the time they fail to keep up with the school curriculum and bring home bad grades. As a rule, this group includes those guys who were diagnosed very late, because of which a timely and good rehabilitation program was not carried out, which would reduce the adverse signs of pathology and improve the social adaptation of the individual.