Neurological conditions

Autism (ASD)

Autism or spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain.
People with ASD may behave, communicate, interact, and learn in ways that are different from most other people. The abilities of people with ASD can vary significantly. For example, some people with ASD may have advanced conversation skills whereas others may be nonverbal.

ASD begins before the age of 3 years and can last throughout a person's life, although symptoms may improve over time. Some children show ASD symptoms within the first 12 months of life. In others, symptoms may not show up until 24 months of age or later, As children with ASD become adolescents and young adults, they may have difficulties developing and maintaining friendships, communicating with peers and adults, or understanding what behaviors are expected in school or on the job
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Symptoms

People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention (It is important to note that some people without ASD might also have some of these symptoms.)

Some Examples of social communication and social interaction characteristics related to ASD can include

~ Avoids or does not keep eye contact
~ Does not respond to name by 9 months of age
~ Does not show facial expressions like happy, sad, angry, and surprised by 9 months of age
~ Does not play simple interactive games like pat-a-cake by 12 months of age
~ Uses few or no gestures by 12 months of age (for example, does not wave goodbye)
~ Does not pretend to be something else, like a teacher or superhero, during play by 48 months of age
~ Does not sing, dance, or act for you by 60 months of age

People with asd have behaviors or interests that can seem unusual. Some examples of repetitive or restricted behaviours and or interests can include
~ lines up toys or other objects and gets upset when order is changed

~Repeats words or phrases over and over (called echolalia)

~Plays with toys the same way every time
Is focused on parts of objects (for example, wheels)

~Gets upset by minor changes

~Has obsessive interests

~Must follow certain routines

~Flaps hands, rocks body, or spins self in circles

~Has unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel

Most people with asd have other related characteristics such as

~ Delayed language skills

~Delayed movement skills

~Delayed cognitive or learning skills

~Hyperactive, impulsive, and/or inattentive behavior

~Epilepsy or seizure disorder

~Unusual eating and sleeping habits

~Gastrointestinal issues (for example, constipation)

~Unusual mood or emotional reactions

~Anxiety, stress, or excessive worry

~Lack of fear or more fear than expected

It is important to note that people with asd may not have all or any of the behaviours listed here
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Meltdowns

Meltdowns happen when autistic children and teenagers feel completely overwhelmed, lose control of their behaviour, and find it very hard to calm themselves. Meltdowns are a sign of distress.

Meltdowns might include behaviour like rocking, crying, hitting or withdrawing.

Meltdowns can make it hard for autistic children and teenagers to take part in everyday activities.

To avoid meltdowns people with asd may need support to learn...

~what situations they find difficult

~what being overwhelmed feels like

~what to do in these situations

They could make a list of situations they find difficult such as...
sudden loud noises like announcements on the train, or noise and jostling in changing rooms.

Meltdowns can also be triggered by a build-up of many small but distressing events.

Some signs that a person with asd could be nearing a meltdown is

~being irritable (which can include shouting or physical aggression)

~fidgeting or stimming more (repetitive movements or noises)

~getting frustrated over small things.

Meltdowns are a sign of distress Meltdowns might include behaviour like rocking, crying, hitting or withdrawing.

If a meltdown happens Guide them to a safe quiet place, if possible. Give them space, don't touch them, and keep other people away

Strategies for calming a meltdown can include..

~distraction
~diversion
~helping the person use calming strategies such as fiddle toys or listening to music
~removing any potential triggers
~staying calm yourself.
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Treatment
Autism can NOT be cured but the symptoms can be helped with things like behavior therapy, speech-language therapy, play-based therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and nutritional therapy. But keep in mind that the routine is important and the program should be designed in a way that can be sustained
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Living with...

Living with autism can be difficult, especially in a world that is not always accommodating to differences. People with autism often have social and communication difficulties, and may struggle with sensory issues, Each individual with autism experiences it a bit differently, but in general it can be difficult to navigate a world not built for them. Social interactions can be challenging as well as regulating and expressing emotions. They may also have intense interests, which are often not supported by the world around them. However, individuals with autism also have many strengths. They may be highly skilled in certain areas, such as memorization, pattern recognition, or math. They may also have great attention to detail and an affinity for routine. Many individuals with autism also have a strong moral compass and are kind, caring, and compassionate but it c