Autism

Hello everyone! The Project Éclat here. 

 

Introducing (*insert dramatic drumroll*)... our first newsletter!! Today, we will be talking about Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). First, take a moment to ponder these questions:

 

• What do you know about Autism? 

• What do you think Autism is? 

• What are your opinions on Autism? 

 

Let’s see if your opinions have changed after reading this newsletter :)

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Risk Factors

 

Contrary to popular belief, there is no single known or established cause for autism as of yet. (So no, autism is NOT the result of bad parenting, and it’s not anyone’s fault that a child is diagnosed with Autism 🧐) There are, however, certain risk factors that may increase a child’s possibility of being diagnosed with Autism.

 

1. Genetics

If A has an immediate family member diagnosed with Autism, A might have a higher chance of getting autism. Some genetic mutations, or inheritance of genetic mutations associated with autism, could also increase the probability of a child to be diagnosed with autism. Certain genetic disorders, such as Rett syndrome and fragile X syndrome, could also be risk factors for Autism.

 

2. Being born to older parents

According to multiple studies, parents of a higher paternal/maternal age have a higher risk of having children with autism. A hypothesis suggests that this is because the sperm cells of the older father may have undergone more divisions than that of a younger father, thus providing more opportunities for genetic mutations to occur. As for mothers, the link between maternal age and having children with autism is not as clear-cut. In fact, alternate studies have shown that teenage mothers may also have a higher chance of having an autistic child. 

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3.Pregnancy /Birth complications

Babies born extremely premature may have a higher probability of getting autism. Low birth weights, too, might be related to autism. If your mom’s pregnant with twins or triplets, your siblings may also have a heightened chance of getting autism. 

 

4. Health issues/History

Did you know that having a history of viral infections may increase a child’s risk of getting autism? Metabolic imbalances may also play a part in heightening the risk for autism.

 

5. Environmental influences

Exposure to heavy metals and/or environmental toxins could be a risk factor for autism, so is exposure to valproic acid and thalidomide before birth. So, on a side note, environmental pollution does have an effect on humans! 

 

At this point, The Project Éclat would like to remind all readers that research has long debunked the myth that vaccines cause autism! So if you are an expecting parent, or is a parent, please do vaccinate your child according to MOH’s guidelines.

 

We would also like to remind all readers that all of the above stated are only risk factors, not causes, nor does it mean that if you or your child is exposed to any of the risk factors, you would definitely develop autism. As the name suggests, these are only risk factors, so it only increases the risk of autism. In fact, usually, only a combination of risk factors may contribute to a significant rise in the probability of getting autism.

 

Hope this section has helped to clear certain misconceptions surrounding the cause of autism. We urge all readers to not point fingers at anyone for “causing” a child to have autism, as it’s no one’s fault that a child is diagnosed with autism. Moreover, autism is not a disease or a vice, so we should not view it one too!

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Symptoms

 

Autism is a neurological developmental disorder that affects patients’ ability to interpret their surroundings and their relation to other people. This might result in children exhibiting difficulties in communicating, a lack of social relationships, imagination and/or creative play. These symptoms, most of which present themselves in children as difficulties interacting with others, manifest mostly between 12-18 months for childhood Autism (hence its erroneous correlation with vaccines). Patients usually exhibit difficulties using language and thus using it, and may appear to forget linguistic abilities after acquiring them prior to the onset of symptoms. Sometimes, they may not respond when called or appear to be isolated from others. This contributes to their difficulties with the social aspects of communication. However, the effects can be mitigated with intervention and therapy.  

 

Treatment Methods

 

No cure exists for autism spectrum disorder, and there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. The goal of treatment is to maximize children with autism’s quality of life by reducing the symptoms of it and supporting development and learning. Early intervention during the preschool years can help children with autism learn critical social, communication, functional and behavioural skills. 

 

In the neurodiversity movement, experts have also argued that autism should not be viewed as a “disease that needs to be cured”. In fact, in acceptance and celebration of the neurodiversity of human beings, we should focus on helping children with autism better integrate into society through mitigating the symptoms of the disorder, instead of trying to “cure” them.

 

The types of treatments generally can be broken down into the following categories:

 

1. Behaviour and Communication Approaches

These approaches address the range of social, language and behavioural difficulties associated with an autism spectrum disorder. They may focus on social communication skills development, occupational and speech therapy, or on encouraging positive behaviour and discouraging negative ones. 

 

2. Dietary Approaches

The research put forward that in individuals with ASD, while gluten-free/casein-free and ketogenic diets, camel milk, curcumin, probiotics, and fermentable foods can play a role in alleviating ASD symptoms. However, little evidence is found to support the research, and it is still a relatively unexplored field of treatment. 

 

3. Medication

Contrary to popular belief, no medication can improve the core signs of autism spectrum disorder, but specific medications can help control symptoms. For example, antipsychotic drugs are sometimes used to treat severe behavioural problems, however, they are not to be thought of as a ‘cure’. 

 

4. Educational Therapies

Children with autism spectrum disorder often respond well to highly structured educational programs. Usually, effective programmes involve activities targeted to improve social skills, behaviour and communication. Starting young (at preschool) and having intensive, individualised behaviour often helps children with autism make good progress.

 

5. Family Therapies

Family members are the people who interact with children with autism spectrum disorder the most, and they can make a huge impact on the child’s social and emotional wellbeing. For example, they can learn how to play and interact with their children in ways that promote social interaction skills, manage behaviours, and teach daily living skills and communication.

 

The Project Éclat’s ending words…

 

We hope everyone learned something new today! 

 

Children with disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder are part of our community, however, there is often a lack of discourse over this topic and children with disabilities are often marginalised in school systems. They also experience negative stereotyping, which is based on long-standing misconceptions that have been seeded in our minds unconsciously. Only through ridding ourselves of these misbeliefs will we be able to give these children an equal opportunity at life and success.

 

Children with disabilities should have the right to equal opportunities just like any other kid, and be able to enjoy their learning experiences in school! Through providing them with more opportunities to learn, we hope to support children with such disabilities and empower them to be more confident in themselves.  Hopefully, we can inspire you to be part of our effort in building a more inclusive community!

 

Thanks for reading! 

 

With love,

The Project Éclat 💙