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Showing posts from November, 2021

WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF AUTISM?

 What is the cause of Autism? A common question after an autism diagnosis is ''what is the cause of autism?''.  The truth is that there is really no definite cause of autism.  Various  research suggests that autism develops from a combination of both genetic and environmental influences. Researchers are trying to figure out whether air pollutants or certain infections can actually lead to ASD. It is also said that autism runs in families.  Changes in certain genes increases the risk that a child might develop autism. If a parent carries one or more of these gene changes, they may get passed to a child. They say that if you have pregnancy and birth complications or multiple pregnancies, you have an increased risk of having a child with autism. I really don't know. What I know is that autism is not caused by the " sins of the parents ". I come from a religious and intensely spiritual background and we tend to think about the possibility that the parents ha

REPETITIVE BEHAVIOR

  REPETITIVE BEHAVIOR Repetitive behaviors are  common symptoms  of Autism Spectrum Disorder.   Many parents and caregivers worry about their child or ward whenever they are constantly doing things in repetitive manner.  I can relate to that. My little brother loves to line up bottles of water by the side of his bed. Sometimes, he goes back and forth in walking. It's something really difficult to understand. Repetitive behaviors include arm or hand-flapping, finger-flicking, rocking, jumping, spinning or twirling or head-banging and complex body movements.  This is known as ' stimming' or self-stimulating behavior.  What we don't know is that these behaviors can be used to deal with stress and anxiety.  Many people with autism feel very anxious when asked to change their routine or schedule. My little brother hates it when we change his routine and often reacts in an extreme manner. These behaviors vary from individual to individual. Some people say things over and o

ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that causes high level of hyperactive and impulsive behaviors.  People with ADHD may have t rouble fixing their attention on a task or sitting still for a long period of time.   Both adults and children can have ADHD.  A wide range of behaviors are associated with ADHD. Some of the common ones include  being forgetful about completing tasks and   being easily distracted.  Symptoms such as  having problems managing time, hyperactivity, forgetfulness, and impatience can cause problems at work and home. People with ADHD often have issues with self-esteem and are not aware of their behavior or the impact on people around them.  Treatment for ADHD typically includes both behavioral therapies and medication.  Therapy can help with learning on how to manage your behavior. Medication can also be very helpful when you’re living with ADHD, but it is wise to consult a specialist first.  Is ADHD a disability? No, it