Genetic factors increase risk of autism in kids

Autism is a neurological disorder that causes slow development in children with symptoms ranging from learning disability, lack of social skills, communication and physical problems. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can occur in all economic, ethnic, racial groups. People with ASD experience difficulties with communication, social interaction and restricted/repetitive interests and behaviours. These are often accompanied by sensory issues, such an oversensitivity or under-sensitivity to sounds, smells or touch.

All of these difficulties may lead to behavioural challenges in some individuals. Many people on the autism spectrum can live completely independently, while there are others who need support in almost all aspects of their daily life. The symptom can be diagnosed at the age of two in children when they are not meeting their developmental milestones. They process the information differently as compared to a normal person therefore care is to be given to these children from their parents as well as teachers.

Genetic factors can increase the risk in children; if the first child is autistic then there is an 18 per cent chance for the next child to inherit the disease. Sex of the child also plays a role as the chances of boys developing autism spectrum disorder are higher than girls. Certain environmental factors are also responsible for developing autism, especially when the child is in the womb.

Pregnancy is the most delicate stage, and it’s where a lot of care and concern is required. Pregnant women go through a lot of hormonal changes as a result of which the child in the mother’s womb is exposed to these changes. Baby’s earliest environment is critical, scientists have found out that autism develops during pregnancy. High Blood Pressure, Abnormal bleeding, cesarean or pre-birth are some of the factors.

Around 50 percent of people with autism engage in behaviour that can cause harm to themselves when they feel frustrated, overwhelmed or unwell. Problem behaviour like self-injury, property destruction, and aggressive behaviour is some of the barriers towards effective social development in the children. They exhibit this kind of behaviour to communicate their feelings to other people. They are found to be indulging in activities that harm themselves as well as people around them.

Autism is a non-curable lifelong disease but the impact or the intensity of this disorder can be reduced by giving proper training to the parents of the autistic. Early diagnosis and treatment can help in improving the behaviour, skills and language development.