Autism : April is Autism Awareness Month
Leishangthem Punshiba *
Globally AUTISM affects an estimated 21.7 million people as of 2013, while Asperger Syndrome affects a further 31.1 million.
o Autism :- Neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by impaired -
o social interaction.
o verbal language and non-verbal communication.
o restricted interest and repeated behaviour.
o Other symptoms :-
o Extraordinary talents.
o Unusual eating behaviour.
o Causes :- o Mostly Unknown.
o Genetics ( study of heredity and variation of inherited characteristics ).
Others such as :-
o Prenatal RUBELLA / CYTOMEGALO VIRUS infection.
o Advanced age in either parents ( > 30yrs).
o Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.
o Used of psychiatric drugs by mother during pregnancy.
o Prevention :- No Known Preventive Measures but to some extend for overall health -
o Proper counselling before conception.
o Timely check up during pregnancy ( antenatal care).
o Timely post natal check up ( after birth).
o Immunisation ( EPI schedule).
o Exclusive breast feeding ( for 1st 6th month).
o Management :- Multidisciplinary approach -
o Educational intervention.
o Speech, Behaviour and Physical therapies.
o Medication ( have little value ).
o Management of any unwanted medical condition ( IF ANY).
o Social and Culture :-
# One of the Stigmatise issue.
# Need a lot of ENCOURAGEMENT.
# Awareness program among FAMILY members and SOCIETY to COMMUNITY level.
o Diagnosis :- MAINLY based on behaviour NOT by cause or mechanism. So, parents must have rough idea about behaviour for timely intervention.
o Prognosis :- No known cure.
But over the time, some cases 3% to 25% recover.
For your awareness do watch RAIN MAN (1988), FOREST GUMP (1994), I AM SAM ( 1998), MY NAME IS KHAN ( 2010), WHAT'S EATING GILBERT GRAPE etc .
EAT WELL-SLEEP WELL, HEALTH IS WEALTH
* Leishangthem Punshiba wrote this article for e-pao.net
The writer can be contacted at l(DOT)punshiba(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This article was posted on April 01, 2016.
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