AUTISM: A DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDER

AUTISM
Infants and young children are very social creatures. They smile, cuddle, laugh, and respond eagerly to games like hide-and-seek. Occasionally, however, a child does not interact in this expected manner. The child seems to exist in his or her own world, a place characterized by repetitive routines, odd and peculiar behaviors, problems in communication, and a total lack of social awareness or interest in others. These are characteristics of a developmental disorder called autism.

Autism appears in the first 3 years of life, and affects the brain's normal development of social and communication skills. Autism belongs to a collection of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Autistic disorder (also known as "classic" autism) Asperger syndrome Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PPD-NOS, also referred to as "atypical autism")

HISTORY OF AUTISM Eugen Bleuler, a Swiss psychiatrist, was the first person to use the term autism, around 1911, to refer to one group of symptoms of schizophrenia. In 1943 Dr. Leo Kanner of Johns Hopkins University described autism for the first time. He observed 11 children who had withdrawal from human contact as early as age 1. During the 1940's through the 60's the medical community felt that children who had autism where schizophrenic. During this time Dr. Bruno Bettelheim, an Austrian-born American child psychologist and writer, said in his theory that children became autistic because of cold and emotionally distant mothers, women he referred to as refrigerator mothers.

From the 1960s through the 1970s, research into treatments for autism focused on medications such as LSD, electric shock, and behavior change techniques. The latter relied on pain and punishment. In 1964 Bernard Rimland, a psychologist and parent of a child with autism, did not agree with Bettelheim and stressed the plausibility of a biological basis for autism. During the 1980s and 1990s, the role of behavior therapy and the use of highly controlled learning environments emerged as the primary treatments for many forms of autism and related conditions. Currently, the cornerstone of autism therapy is behavior therapy.

SYMPTOMS OF AUTISM Autism symptoms vary greatly. Children with autism generally have problems in three crucial areas of development social interaction, language and behavior. Some common autism symptoms are: Social skills I. Appears not to hear you at times II. Seems to prefer playing alone Language I. Starts talking later than age 2, and has other developmental delays by 30 months II. Loses previously acquired ability to say words or sentences III. May repeat words or phrases

Behavior I. Performs repetitive movements, such as rocking, spinning or hand-flapping II. Becomes disturbed at the slightest change in routines or rituals Parents should recommend a doctor for developmental tests if their child: Doesn't babble by 12 months Doesn't gesture such as point or wave by 12 months Doesn't say single words or two-word phrases by 16 months or by 24 months Loses previously acquired language or social skills at any age

THERAPIES FOR AUTISTIC PEOPLE Behavior and communication therapies: These programs focus on reducing problem behaviors and teaching new skills and also teach children how to act in social situations or how to communicate better with other people. Educational therapies: Children with autism often respond well to highly structured education programs. Successful programs often include a team of specialists and a variety of activities to improve social skills, communication and behavior. Medications: No medication can improve the core signs of autism, but certain medications can help control symptoms. Antidepressants may be prescribed for anxiety and antipsychotic drugs are sometimes used to treat severe behavioral problems.

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS FOR AUTISTIC PEOPLE

US

Autism & Asperger Association (USAAA) World Autism Organization (WOA) Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) Autism Treatment Center of America Son-Rise Program

These organizations provide immediate solutions through expert guidance and compassionate support. provide networking opportunities for parents, professionals, students, educators, and individuals. offer information and education that reflects a variety of views and practices regarding treatment and services to allow maximum choice and benefit for the ASD community. increase public awareness about autism

ORGANIZATIONS FOR AUTISTIC PEOPLE IN BANGLADESH

Autism

Welfare Foundation

(AWF) Autistic Children Development Foundation Bangladesh (ACDFBD) Bangladesh ABA Centre for Autism SEID Trust

These organizations promote autism awareness provide therapy, special education and life skills training for children and adults with autism provide supportive environment and research to enhance the quality of life of the autistic people

TALENTED AUTISTIC PEOPLE Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton were autistic. Both scientists had trouble reacting appropriately in social situations had difficulty communicating experienced intense intellectual interests in specific areas In Bangladesh drawing competitions and other cultural programme are held annually for autistic children. In an art competition an eight-year-old autistic child, Alok, was seen to paint excellent landscapes.

So we can say that if opportunity is given to autistic children, can contribute in the welfare of society with their special talents. Knowledge and acceptance of their specialty and individualism is the first step towards creating an enabling environment for those suffering from autism.