Sansad TV: Living with Autism | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

• April holds global significance for a particular cause. While April 2nd is recognized as World Autism Awareness Day, the entire month is now celebrated as Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month in various parts of the world. The aim is to enhance the quality of life for individuals with autism.
• According to the World Health Organization, autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), encompasses a diverse range of developmental brain conditions. Although characteristics may be observed in early childhood, autism is often diagnosed at a later stage. Globally, 1 in 100 children is affected by autism.
• The United Nations emphasizes that the high prevalence of autism worldwide is primarily due to a lack of understanding, which greatly impacts individuals, their families, and communities. Therefore, it is crucial for societies worldwide to gain more knowledge about autism in order to improve early diagnosis, understand the experiences of autistic individuals, and most importantly, foster inclusive and supportive communities.

Autism

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can present significant challenges in social interaction, communication, and behavior.
• Individuals with ASD may exhibit behaviors, communication patterns, and learning styles that differ from the majority.
• Their appearance does not typically reveal any distinguishing features.
• The abilities of individuals with ASD can vary greatly.
• For instance, some may possess advanced conversational skills while others may be nonverbal. Some may require extensive assistance in daily life, while others can function independently with minimal support.
• ASD manifests before the age of 3 and can persist throughout a person's life, although symptoms may improve over time.
• Certain children display ASD symptoms within the first year of life, while others may not exhibit signs until the age of 2 or later.
• Some children with ASD achieve developmental milestones and acquire new skills until around 18 to 24 months of age, after which their progress stagnates or regresses.
• As individuals with ASD transition into adolescence and adulthood, they may encounter challenges in forming and maintaining friendships, communicating with peers and adults, and understanding appropriate behavior in educational and professional settings.
• They may also seek healthcare support for additional conditions such as anxiety, depression, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, which are more prevalent among individuals with ASD compared to those without the disorder.

Signs and Symptoms

• Individuals with ASD commonly experience difficulties in social communication and interaction, as well as exhibit restricted or repetitive behaviors and interests.
• They may also demonstrate unique learning styles, movement patterns, or attentional focus.
• It is important to note that some individuals without ASD may also display some of these symptoms. However, for those with ASD, these characteristics can significantly impact their daily lives.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosing ASD can be challenging as there is no medical test, such as a blood test, for its diagnosis.
• Doctors rely on observing the child's behavior and developmental patterns to make a diagnosis. ASD can sometimes be identified in children as young as 18 months old.
• By the age of 2, a diagnosis made by an experienced professional can be considered reliable.
• However, many children do not receive a definitive diagnosis until later stages of life, including adolescence or adulthood.
• This delay in diagnosis means that individuals with ASD may not receive the early intervention and support they require.

Risk Factors

ASD does not have a single cause. Various factors, including environmental, biological, and genetic factors, have been identified as potential contributors to a child's likelihood of developing ASD. While specific causes are not yet fully understood, available evidence suggests that the following factors may increase the risk of developing ASD:

• Having a sibling with ASD
• Having certain genetic or chromosomal conditions, such as fragile X syndrome or tuberous sclerosis
• Experiencing complications during birth
• Being born to older parents