Autism

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Autism
According to Levine, 2015, autism is a developmental disorder affecting personal interactions and views on people and the surrounding environment. As it has been observed, autism consists of a range of conditions that are associated with repetitiveness, challenges in social skills, and communication both verbally and non-verbally. An environment of quietness and calmness is, therefore, the preferred choice for autistic individuals. Autism manifests in individuals indiscriminately regardless of social status, affluence or races. Usually, signs of autism are visible from the age of 2 or 3 years (Boucher, 23). Nevertheless, autism can, at the very least, be managed or ultimately treated on an early diagnosis. This could be as early as eighteen months of age.
Types of Autism
The autism spectrum consists of different conditions each of which manifests in different ways. Though distinct, there are some conditions that overlap with each other. Some of these types are:
Asperger’s syndrome: This disorder is characteristic of intelligent individuals who show immense focus on topics of interest. However, those diagnosed have hard times socially.
Pervasive development disorder: This type is characterized by delays in functionality inclusive of communication and socialization skills. These impairments could, however, be mild or severe.
Childhood disintegrative disorder: This type manifests in children who have normal development up until the age of two where there are quick losses of mental, social and language skills.

Classical autism: This is the most common type. All individuals showing autistic tendencies as per the DSM IV are referred to as classically Autistic.
Causes of autism
Though there is no one single cause, researchers believe that autism develops from biological, environmental, genetic or non-genetic influences. These, however, are factors that increase the risk potential and are as a result, not causative factors. Research has shown that not everyone predisposed to the risk factors actually develops the condition (Boucher, 58). Genetically, changes in certain genes may be passed on to a child from a parent elevating the risk factor. On the other hand, an advanced parenting age, birth complications and pregnancies spaced in less than a year also increase the risk of development. However, prenatal vitamins before and through pregnancy have been observed to lower the risks.
Signs and symptoms
Autism can first be detected through its manifestation when a child is close to three years old. However, in some cases, these symptoms may be observed in the first 18 months which with proper treatment facilitate rewiring of the brain functionality. Autism can better be managed when it is discovered at its early stages. Signs and symptoms include:
Lack of eye contact
No response to cuddling
No response to gestures
Make noise to get attention
Non-indulgence in pleasure activities, like playing with others
The individual does not imitate facial expressions by other people
No response to their name
They don’t follow objects visually
As children suffering from autism grow, symptoms become more diverse (Bauminger-Zviely, 29).
Treatment
Every person, child or adult, is unique. As such, this serves to show that intervention plans for autistic individuals need to be tailored to the specific needs. These intervention measures involve therapies that utilize behavioral and communication approaches. Such therapies will mold the mannerisms of individuals while in a crowd and assist them in forming relationships and maintaining them. Addressing also the different conditions such as seizures, gastrointestinal distress, and sleep disturbances are vital in improving the ability to learn and attention of an individual. However, there is no medication that can be administered to treat autism (Boucher, 79). In spite of this, there have been observations by researchers of progress to points where an autistic individual no longer meets the diagnosis criteria. In conclusion, though autism is a disorder that hinders a person from having normal relationships, there are significant changes in connection to an administration of early intervention measures. Regardless of this, autistic individuals have been observed to have unique strengths and abilities and as such, they have an ability to live fulfilling and independent lives.
 
Works Cited
Bauminger-Zviely, N. (2013). Social and academic abilities in children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders.Boucher, J. (2017). Autism spectrum disorder: Characteristics, causes, and practical issues.
Levine, M. (2015). Autism.