Early childhood autism - a mental disorder that occurs due to disorders in the development of the brain, in which the child refuses to communicate with people around him, is characterized by a restriction of interests and the manifestation of the same type of action. Autism occurs in about 4 cases per 10,000 of the population, among boys with early childhood autism, boys predominate (approximately 4 times more than girls).
Signs of early childhood autism
Most often the syndrome of early childhood autism becomes apparent to 2.5 - 3 years, but signs of autism can be detected during the period
- of infancy. The main symptoms are as follows:
- the "revitalization complex", characteristic of infants, was violated. The baby has practically no reaction to external stimuli: light, the sound of a rattle, etc., later begins to recognize the parents, does not show affection for them;
- the child looks away, eyes absent;
- gesticulation in children is different from usual, it may not be at all;
- evades the touch of people, even parents;
- a refusal of mother's milk is possible;
- there is a delay in speech development, speech is monotonous, unemotional;
- increased anxiety ;
- can be observed accelerated growth of the head circumference.
With the emergence of the need for entry into society, the signs of the disease become more pronounced, in the absence of correction, the isolation of a person grows with the years.
The causes of early childhood autism
Conclusions of specialists about the etiology of the disease are ambiguous. There are several hypotheses about the causes of autism.
- most often the disease is associated with gene disorders, as a result of which synaptic connections in the cerebral cortex are broken;
- there is a taratogenic theory linking autism with impaired brain formation due to exposure to harmful substances and factors (stress, alcohol, nicotine, drugs, etc.) in the first trimester of pregnancy ;
- It is assumed that the origin of autism is affected by the characteristics of the environment and the attitude towards the baby.
Also among the reasons called unsuccessful vaccination, negative previous reincarnation and a number of other assumptions, which, however, have not yet been confirmed.
Forms of early childhood autism
Depending on the severity of the RDA, four groups are distinguished:
- Complete detachment, lack of social activity.
- Active rejection, manifested in a special selectivity in contacts.
- Seizure by autistic interests. The child talks all the time on the same topic, repeats in the games one story, etc.
- Difficulties in interacting with others, manifested in vulnerability, avoidance of relationships. This is the easiest kind of early childhood autism.
Treatment of early childhood autism
There are no medications for treating the whole complex of autism manifestations. Drugs are usually used in difficult situations to treat depression. Medications that include inhalers for capturing serotonin, reduce anxiety, contribute to improving behavior in general. For treatment, psychotropic drugs are used that help with aggressive behavior and excessive excitement.
Exposure to medications individually, so they should be given to the patient only on the advice of a specialist and under his regular supervision.
Correction of early childhood autism
For the rehabilitation of autistic children, there are a number of activities that provide for special education, labor therapy, and speech therapy. Developed and pretty quickly
A good effect is hippotherapy (communication with horses), dolphin therapy. Pets help the child develop the ability to contact. Swimming is recommended, which reduces muscle tension and learns to adapt to changes in the environment.