10 things that may compensate autism in kids

What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a term that defines several neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autistic Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder. These disorders usually appear during the infancy and are linked to developmental issues, I.e., learning, communicating, interacting, etc.

The disorder usually begins when the child is three years old. According to an estimate, one out of seventy children has Autism Spectrum Disorder. The condition affects children differently and to different degrees. For some children, it could be at a minor level, like avoiding eye contact. Whereas, for some children, it might be severe, i.e., becoming upset by minor changes and aggression or causing self-injury.

The Autism Spectrum Disorder has a four to one ratio between the two genders; male and female. Therefore, male children are at a greater risk of being affected by this disorder.

The types of Autism Spectrum Disorders:

Three types of Autism Spectrum Disorders are linked to different social, communication, and behavioral issues. The disorders may vary between mild to severe. The diagnosis at earlier stages is paramount as it can make a massive difference for the kid. The three ASD's are:

1. Autistic Disorder

2. Asperger Syndrome

3. Pervasive Development Disorder

Autistic Disorder:

The Autistic Disorder is often referred to as the 'Classic Autism.' The people who suffer from Autistic Disorder may have an intellectual disability. Most people with this disorder have difficulty communicating with others. They might be slower to learn and adapt to a language, especially in their earlier childhood days. They may also have very unusual behavioral traits and interests.

 Asperger Syndrome:

The kids suffering from Asperger Syndrome may have milder symptoms of Autistic Disorder. These kids do not have intellectual and language issues. However, they may have unusual interests and behaviors. They may also face social challenges such as avoiding eye contact and physical contact and preferring to play alone.

Pervasive Development Disorder (PDD-NOS):

The kids who suffer from Pervasive Development Disorder behave like kids suffering from Asperger Syndrome to a degree. The kids who suffer from Pervasive Development Syndrome may face social issues such as having inappropriate facial expressions and have trouble understanding people's feelings and expressing their own. They may also have communication issues, i.e., repeating words and phrases (echolalia), giving unrelated answers to the questions, and the inability to understand jokes, sarcasm, and teasing.  

What is the root cause of autism in kids?

According to the latest research, the causes of autism in kids are still unknown, but the research suggests potential factors that might contribute to autism in kids. Significantly less has been confirmed about these factors regarding how much they contribute to autism in kids.

Several risk factors that are linked to autism in kids include:

· Having low weight at birth.

· Having metabolic imbalances.

· Having a history of viral infections.

· Having genetic mutations.

· Having exposure to environmental toxins.

· Having exposure to heavy metals.

· Having a blood-relative with autism.

· Being born to older parents.

The effects of Autism on Kids:

Autism has a drastic impact on the growth of kids. Autism may affect a child's physical and mental development. 

The child who has autism may be weak due to the lack of interest in performing physical activities. These children are especially at risk of obesity because they might have compulsive eating disorders.

The children who have autism may be slow on the growth and have difficulties learning social and language skills. They may also face hardships while engaging in activities with other children. Children who have autism may portray repetitive behaviors and have difficulty in developing and maintaining relationships. They may also have sleeping difficulties. These kids require special attention, and through proper care and attention, they can move at the same pace in the world as those who do not have autism.

Can autism be treated?

A few therapies can lessen the symptoms of ASD and help people feel better. These therapies' efficacy depends upon various factors, such as how quickly the therapies start after the diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder, etc. 

Some of these highly recommended therapies are:  

· Physical therapy

· Speech therapy

· Behavioral therapy

· Play therapy

These therapies are a few suggested treatments that can have a significant impact on a child's life. These recommended treatments help children suffering from autism to grow and mature. Most importantly, it lessens the symptoms of autism in the child. Let's have a look at the ten things that may compensate autism in kids.

Ten things that may compensate Autism in Kids:

1. Therapy

Therapies such as physical therapy and behavioral therapies are one of the most significant factors that may compensate autism in kids. However, other therapies can play a significant role in a child's development, i.e., Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and Chelation therapy.

·     Physical therapy:

Those kids who are suffering from autism may face difficulties in their movement. That is why it is advised for such kids to receive physical therapy from a specialized physical therapist.

Physical therapy contributes significantly to a child's development. Physical therapy consists of physical exercises and physical activities that develop motor skills and increase the strength of a child and improve their posture and balance.

Physical therapy may help a child improve their muscle control and utilize the strength that lets them play more comfortably with the children who don't suffer from autism. However, there is very little evidence to prove the efficiency of physical therapy.

·     Behavioral therapy:

Behavioral therapy is the umbrella term for various therapies that treat mental health disorders. Behavioral therapy, i.e., Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), is a highly-structured scientific therapy that is renowned for its efficiency in developing a child's academic and social living skills. Apart from that, it can reduce problematic behaviors and improve communication skills. The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) also teaches how to play and self-care.  

Another behavioral therapy that plays a vital role in a child's growth is Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBD). The CBD is highly recommended to less impaired children that are overly anxious and fearful. This therapy helps the child develop better impulse control. It also reduces challenging behaviors such as emotional meltdown and obsessing over a specific topic or thing, i.e., number of stars, etc.

2. Diet

Although there aren't any solid proofs that prove the argument that diet plays an important role in alleviating the symptoms of autism, but some Autism experts believe that it minimizes behavioral issues and improve the quality of life. The diet for autistic children should be organic and free of added preservatives, colors, or sweeteners.

Some experts recommend a Gluten-free diet. Some Autism experts believe that lean poultry, fish, fresh fruits, and vegetables may strengthen the child and provide energy for routine activities. Unsaturated fats and lots of water are also helpful.

3. Physical Exercise

Physical exercise is one aspect that greatly benefits the child. It keeps the child active, builds muscle strength, and improves the focus of the child. Physical exercise strengthens the heart and reduces harmful fats and cholesterol in the blood. It also helps to reduce the weight of the kids who have a compulsive eating disorder. Other major benefits of physical exercise include better emotional-wellbeing,

4. Strong Immune System

A strong immune system is necessary to boost the overall health of the kids suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorder. Strong immune systems fight against diseases. This is essential because some autistic kids have a bad eating habit, for e.g., they tend to eat sand or soil that may affect their health and has many germs.  

5. Love, Care, and Attention

Many researchers and Autism experts believe that love, care, and attention is the most important method to help an autistic child cope with the routine difficulties they may face. Many kids who suffer from ASD have repetitive behaviors, and when parents observe that, they sometimes get annoyed. However, this problem can be dealt with differently. It is suggested to deal with such a situation carefully and kindly. Instead of scolding or forbidding the kids, parents should have a more calm approach towards the bad habit.

For e.g., if a kid has repetitive behaviors, then the kid should be addressed kindly. There is no doubt that love, care, and attention are some of the most powerful weapons. These three magical weapons have the power to win anybody's heart. Such is the case with Autistic kids; they require a little extra love, care, and attention, and they can start to improve and grow.

6. Playful Environment

Autistic kids must be provided a playful environment under constant supervision of an observer, a family member, or a child carer. Kids learn a lot when they play. Playing helps the kids to grow and mature. The autistic kids must be given a playing opportunity that helps them to learn as well. A specialized playing environment can be created with an Autism specialist or a child specialist.

7. Proper Sleep

Having a proper sleep is paramount for everyone, especially for autistic children. Some kids who suffer from autism may have sleeping disorders that badly affect their overall well-being. It is a common problem, but it may have severe consequences such as lower energy and productivity and increased risk of harmful diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Proper sleep is necessary. That is why experts advise using Melatonin supplements. Melatonin is a natural hormone that the human body produces. It is also called "sleep hormone." The Melatonin supplement is used to help autistic kids who have sleeping issues. The Melatonin supplement helps to sleep better and improves daytime behavior in some autistic kids.

8. Parent's Attention

Parent's attention and love are vital for autistic children, and in most cases, it is the reason an autistic child improves and grows to be a better version of them. While playing with the child, make sure to give your child simple instructions and observe how the kids understand better. When you have a basic understanding of how your kids perceive information, all you have to do is to guide your child in every aspect of life, and there is a high possibility that your child will be mature.

As parent's love is limitless, they give the best attention and care to their child, which has no parallel. This becomes a major factor in most cases resulting in better growth of the child.

9. Healthy Activities

A healthy activity such as playing is integral for the growth of the child. Most Autistic kids find it hard to concentrate on a certain thing. They may easily be distracted by background sounds or lights or any movement. A healthy activity, such as modeling, can help autistic children to gain focus. This helps the child to understand instructions carefully.

10. Early Intervention

Early intervention plays an important role in treating the symptoms of autism. If the child is observed to have basic symptoms of ASD, then it is recommended to consult a specialist immediately to prevent the child from having severe symptoms; It can help a child and their parents and family.

Autism may be a serious threat to a child's health, and therefore, its awareness is paramount. Professionals may diagnose children with autism when they are at the age of two. This helps the children a lot and can save their life or, at the very least, make it easier.

By implementing these ten methods, you can help an autistic child to grow and mature. Early help and proper care and attention may contribute greatly and save a child's life. These kids need our help, and we, as responsible human beings, do what we can to help them. That is the reason why awareness regarding autism is of great significance as it can help save a child's life.