{"id":6559,"date":"2025-01-24T00:43:46","date_gmt":"2025-01-24T00:43:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getmeds.ph\/blog\/?p=6559"},"modified":"2025-02-01T07:22:30","modified_gmt":"2025-02-01T07:22:30","slug":"understanding-autism-types-symptoms-management","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/getmeds.ph\/blog\/understanding-autism-types-symptoms-management\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Autism: 4 Types, Symptoms, and Management"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_17 counter-hierarchy counter-decimal ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/getmeds.ph\/blog\/understanding-autism-types-symptoms-management\/#What_is_autism\" title=\"What is autism?\">What is autism?<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/getmeds.ph\/blog\/understanding-autism-types-symptoms-management\/#What_are_the_types_of_autism\" title=\"What are the types of autism?\">What are the types of autism?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_autism\"><\/span><b>What is autism?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or simply Autism, is a developmental disorder that covers a broad range of conditions characterized by difficulties with social skills, repetitive behavior, speech, and nonverbal communication as explained by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autismspeaks.org\/what-autism\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Autism Speaks<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It also pertains to the difference in which your child thinks in comparison to his peers, a quality that highly impacts the way they behave and how they interact with other people.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_types_of_autism\"><\/span><b>What are the types of autism?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/brain\/autism\/autism-spectrum-disorders\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WebMD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> identifies four types of the autism spectrum disorders:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Asperger&#8217;s syndrome<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: In modern times, Asperger\u2019s syndrome is also referred to as high-functioning autism and is on the milder end of the spectrum. People with this disorder are recognized as intelligent and can handle activities done in daily life, such as eating and taking care of themselves without help from anyone else. They can also converse and talk about topics that interest them, though still find difficulty in socializing.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Characterized as more severe than Asperger\u2019s syndrome yet not as severe than Autistic disorder \u2014 it stands in the middle of the two aforementioned types.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Autistic disorder<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Has the same symptoms as Asperger\u2019s syndrome and PDD-NOS, but at an intense level.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Childhood disintegrative disorder<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Develops in children who first grew up normally but then later on loses many social, language, and mental skills. This usually happens between the ages of 2 and 4, with children with this type even developing a seizure disorder.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Does autism have any accompanying conditions?<\/b><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When a person has autism, it\u2019s most likely that they have co-occurring conditions that affect their physical and mental well-being. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/articles\/autism\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cleveland Clinic<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> shares the following disorders that may also occur with people who have autism:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Attention-deficit\/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A neurodevelopmental disorder that is commonly found and studied in children. Those with ADHD have trouble with inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Avoidant\/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A condition that prompts you to limit your food intake. ARFID is driven by fear of food and the consequences of eating, such as choking. It is not due to a\u00a0 negative self-image or a desire to change your body weight.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Obsessive-compulsive Personality disorder (OCPD)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:\u00a0 A condition that causes people to have an immense fixation with perfectionism, organization and control. Those with this condition have unshakeable beliefs, tied with the desire to always be in control of other people, situations, and themselves.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Schizophrenia spectrum disorder<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A condition that involves hallucination and delusions, brought by a disconnection to reality.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Oppositional defiant disorder<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A condition found in children that shows uncooperative, defiant and angry behavior toward people in authority.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Intellectual disabilities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A condition that limits intelligence to the point that a person is unable to perform daily tasks. Hence, this leads to them having difficulties in living alone or having independent lives for that matter.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sleep disorders<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: These are conditions that disrupt the quality, amount, and timing of sleep you\u2019re able to get at night.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bipolar disorder<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This is a chronic mood disorder that leads a person to have intense changes in mood, energy levels, and behavior.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Depressive disorder<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This is a well-known mental condition that gives a feeling of sadness that doesn\u2019t go away, shifting the way a person thinks, sleeps, eats, and acts.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Epilepsy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This is a chronic brain disease that causes seizures. This is due to neurons sending wrong signals to the brain which then triggers a seizure.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Digestive issues<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Includes constipation, diarrhea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), etc.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>What causes autism?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to an article published in the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/28331572\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Library of Medicine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, autism is caused by two primary factors:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Genetic influences<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: There are several studies that support the notion that autism runs in the family. They explain how certain genes or genome changes can influence the development of autism within a child.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Environmental influences<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Includes pregnancy, labor and delivery related matters. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niehs.nih.gov\/health\/topics\/conditions\/autism\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> also enumerates these factors specifically: pregnancy for women who are older than 35, prenatal exposure to air pollution or certain pesticides, maternal obesity, diabetes, immune system disorders, extreme prematurity or very low birth weight, and any birth difficulty that leads to periods of oxygen deprivation to the baby\u2019s brain.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Misconceptions about autism<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are a lot of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/autism-myths-and-misconceptions\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">myths and misconceptions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that surround autism. Majority of these misconceptions center around the causes of autism, the nature of this disorder, and the generalization of people with autism.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important to be informed of these misjudgments in order not to have the same opinion about it as well. Hence, keep in mind of the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Autism is NOT a disease<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: It is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person&#8217;s brain processes, learns, and communicates<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Autism is NOT a mental illness<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Although it\u2019s a condition that affects the brain, it doesn\u2019t mean that it\u2019s a mental illness. It\u2019s a developmental disability that influences how one sees the world and interacts with others<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>There is NO autism epidemic<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: As autism is not a disease, there would be no such thing as an autism epidemic. Despite cases rising, it\u2019s only brought by advanced medical knowledge that enables physicians to spot autistic traits in people.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Autism is NOT only for boys<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Despite research proving that autism mostly affects boys, it doesn\u2019t mean that girls are excluded from being diagnosed with the condition. Recent studies claim that signs of autism manifest differently in girls and that\u2019s why some may be undiagnosed<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Vaccines do NOT cause autism<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: There is no connection between vaccines and autism<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bad parenting does NOT cause autism<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Though parenting doesn\u2019t cause autism, it can significantly impact a child\u2019s social and emotional growth<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Autism in the Philippines<\/b><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pna.gov.ph\/articles\/1198232\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1 out of every 100 Filipinos<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has autism spectrum disorder, with only 10% of those being diagnosed. This is brought by lack of early diagnosis and intervention, enabling autism to develop further without management or guidance on how to handle it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not to mention that prejudice and mistaken ideas result in people being discriminatory towards individuals with autism, thus rendering us unable to progress fruitfully as a society.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nevertheless, the government made a point to establish ordinances that aim to help people with ASD to live comfortably in the country.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Senate Bill No. 752\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Otherwise known as An Act Instituting a Comprehensive National Care Plan to Encourage Cooperate, Accountability and Research for the Education and Support of Persons with Autism and for Other Purposes \u2014 the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/legacy.senate.gov.ph\/lisdata\/3844834905!.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Senate Bill No. 752<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> aims to have the state affirm its role in protecting and upholding the rights of all disabled persons, including persons with autism (PWAS), by giving full support to the improvement of their well-being and their integration into mainstream society.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This act also promotes arranging suitable policies and programs that shall increase awareness and proper understanding of autism. This is to develop a clear and consistent pathway to early detection and diagnosis, provide access to quality education and employment opportunities, to minimize or completely eliminate discrimination, and to enable the private sector to extend relevant services that will complement the government&#8217;s programs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All of these are in line with the goal to have PWAs living independently within the community.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Senate Bill No. 2026<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In 2023, the alarming cases urged senators to propose a bill \u2014 the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/web.senate.gov.ph\/lisdata\/4127337600!.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Senate Bill No. 2026<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or An Act Establishing Center for Autism \u2014 that would launch the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mb.com.ph\/2023\/4\/5\/alarmed-over-rising-cases-senators-push-for-bill-creating-gov-t-funded-center-for-autism\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Philippine\u2019s first ever Center for Autism<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, an establishment that would be funded by the government to help with the ongoing difficulties that indigent patients and their families face.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Senator Zubiri previously pointed out that the cases have been consistently rising in the past 10 years, an alarming matter that further brings forth the need to make services that will assist people dealing with ASD.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Services that ought to be accessible to them once this bill gets approved include: diagnostic services, therapeutic services, rehabilitation services, and vocational training services.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Autism Society Philippines (ASP)<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Originally named as the Foundation for Autistic Children and Adults of the Philippines or ACAP Foundation when it was first introduced in 1987, <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.autismsocietyphilippines.org\/p\/about-asp.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Autism Society Philippines (ASP)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a national and non-profit organization dedicated to the well-being of persons on the autism spectrum disorder. They envision a society wherein Filipinos on the spectrum can become the best version of themselves \u2014 self-reliant, independent, productive, and socially-accepted citizens of an Autism-OK Philippines.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ASP offers programs that support persons with autism and their families. They have mentioned the following to be part of their services:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conducting regular family support groups meetings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Workshops for sibling support<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seminars and trainings on various topics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Early detection and intervention consultancy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Free community-based therapy services<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sharing of the scientific updates<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular monthly seminars on topics relevant to the family\u2019s education and therapy partners in the development of an individuals on the autism spectrum<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>National Autism Consciousness Week<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In 1996, President Fidel Ramos declared that every third week of January should be acknowledged as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alburolaw.com\/national-autism-consciousness-week-as-per-proclamation-no-711-series-of-1996\/#:~:text=Ramos%20issued%20Proclamation%20No.,as%20National%20Autism%20Consciousness%20Week.&amp;text=Republic%20Act%20No.,amended%20by%20Republic%20Act%20No.\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Autism Consciousness Week<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as per <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lawphil.net\/executive\/proc\/proc1996\/proc_711_1996.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proclamation No. 711<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This decree works hand in hand with the government\u2019s effort to raise awareness about autism and the people who are diagnosed with it, aiming to promote a supportive environment for them that would allow autistic people to live with dignity and independently, thus contributing productively to society.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Various agencies and departments are assigned to take the lead in initiating activities that will increase awareness on autism and its effects, as well as its early identification. Among them are the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DepEd), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Signs of autism and other characteristics<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Autism manifests differently in children and in adults. Although there are characteristics that can be considered as a general sign that one may have autism, there are also other indicators that present themselves in adults and children.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/brain\/autism\/understanding-autism-basics\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WebMD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> says that signs typically begin to emerge at the age of 3, while others already appear since they were born.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the other hand, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/autism\/autistic-kids-symptoms#symptom-categories\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Healthline Media<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> states that there are two main categories that can be found under autism symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulties in socially interacting and communicating with others<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repetitive or restricted behaviors<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><b>General signs of autism:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Troubles with maintaining eye contact or listening to people<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Troubles with looking at objects when someone points at them<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Has very specific interests or deep immersion to certain topics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tendency to repeat something, such as words, phrases, or actions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being extremely sensitive to sounds, touches, smells, or sights<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Refusal to be touched, held, or hugged<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Troubles with understanding speech, gestures, facial expressions, or tone of voice. Same with using them<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tends to talk in a certain voice, like in a sing-song, flat, or robotic manner<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulties in adapting to changes in routine<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Signs of autism in children<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is a difference in the way children socialize when they\u2019re age 2, 5, 10, and 15. Hence, the troubles they have in communicating may vary due to their age and other influences.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It should be noted that the line between autism characteristics and regular childhood actions can be blurry. Some traits found in people with autism may have been experienced by children at one point during their youth \u2014 however, with autism, it ought to be remembered that these behaviors can be challenging in environments like school or their future workplace.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unresponsiveness when their name is being called<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lack of facial expressions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lack of interest to play simple games<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not doing gestures like waving when greeting, etc.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doesn\u2019t understand or realize it when other people are mad or sad<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doesn\u2019t want to socialize or play with other children<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doesn\u2019t act, sing, or dance for you<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arranges toys in a specific way and gets upset if it gets changed<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Has interests that they\u2019re deeply immersed to<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sways back and forth, flaps their hands, or twirls in place<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slow development in speech, intellectual, and motion skills<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unusual sleeping or eating behaviors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduced or excessive fear of ordinary circumstances<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Signs of autism in adults<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are instances in which you may not experience any signs of autism until adulthood. If you notice yourself being negatively impacted by these traits, it\u2019s best to talk to your healthcare provider to help you understand more about autism and be guided on what to do moving forward.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulties in understanding other people emotionally<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prefers being alone or finds it difficult to form friendships<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tends to be anxious in group gatherings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Has a daily routine and gets distressed if it\u2019s not followed<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulties in expressing their feelings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Troubles with understanding sarcasm<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unintentionally appearing rude, uninterested, or blunt to others<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>How is autism diagnosed?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s expected from a parent that upon noticing something different or peculiar about their child, getting a professional\u2019s opinion about their observations would be their next move.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thus, in the case of speculating whether their child may have autism or not, obtaining a diagnosis would include these two steps:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Step 1: Screening<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Upon setting an appointment with a pediatrician, they\u2019ll proceed to ask you questions regarding your child. These questions will mostly center around whether the child is keeping pace with the development of essential skills typically formed around their age, such as learning, speaking, behavior, and moving.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your child exhibits signs of development delays which are observed in people with autism, a more thorough assessment is recommended to be done to further examine your child\u2019s condition.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Step 2: Evaluation\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An autism evaluation led by a trained specialist (either a child psychologist or developmental-behavioral pediatrician) will be done to see if your child has autism. Another batch of questions will be asked about the progress of your child&#8217;s development, actions, and verbal abilities \u2014 and there will also be various tests to check their cognitive, communication, and personal care skills (eating, toileting, and dressing).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your child must also fit these criteria to be eventually diagnosed with autism, as specified by the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/articles\/autism\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cleveland Clinic<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Struggles with social-emotional reciprocity<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Struggles with nonverbal communication<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Struggles with developing and maintaining relationships<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Engaging in repetitive movements, use of objects or speech<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insisting on the same routine or ways of doing things<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having very intense or unusual interests<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hyper-reacting to sights, sounds and textures and\/or seeking out sensory experiences\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other tests that may be done are: hearing tests, vision tests, and genetic tests. These assessments are necessary in order to make a proper diagnosis.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Is there a way to manage autism?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is a range of therapies that a person with autism can do in order to manage the obstacles that come along with their condition and foster the strengths they have despite it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nichd.nih.gov\/health\/topics\/autism\/conditioninfo\/treatments\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Institute of Child Health and Human Development<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> suggests a few that can help with handling autism. However, just like with how the signs of autism differ from every person \u2014 the same goes with the therapies and interventions they can do to attain maximum efficiency.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Behavioral management therapy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: encourages positive behaviors and discourages negative ones.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Cognitive behavior therapy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: explores how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors influence one another.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Early intervention<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: recognizes ASD at an early age and provides sufficient support to children\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Joint attention therapy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: helps people with autism to strengthen their skill in focusing on an object or area with another person<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Occupational therapy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: develops the skills people with autism need to do for their everyday tasks\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Parent-mediated therapy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: wherein parents learn therapy techniques from professionals and provide specific therapies to their own child<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Physical therapy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: involves exercises and tasks that support motor development and promote better strength, posture, and balance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Social skills training<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: teaches children the skills they need to interact with others<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Speech-language therapy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: helps with improving their abilities to communicate with others<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is autism? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or simply Autism, is a developmental disorder that covers a broad range of conditions characterized by difficulties with social skills, repetitive behavior, speech, and nonverbal communication as explained&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6569,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6559","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-top-trending"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/getmeds.ph\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6559","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/getmeds.ph\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/getmeds.ph\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/getmeds.ph\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/getmeds.ph\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6559"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/getmeds.ph\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6559\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6562,"href":"https:\/\/getmeds.ph\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6559\/revisions\/6562"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/getmeds.ph\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6569"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/getmeds.ph\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6559"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/getmeds.ph\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6559"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/getmeds.ph\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6559"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}