Autism: What should you know and what myths are important to shatter?
When talking about the autism spectrum there are lots of knowledge gaps, stigmas and common myths.
On the occasion of Autism Awareness Day - here are some facts you must know about the syndrome that is becoming more and more common
Dana said, in collaboration with JAMA
31/03/2022
Thursday, 31 March 2022, 12:48 Updated: 12:55
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Autism is a very common condition around the world and its prevalence has increased in recent years (Photo: ShutterStock)
International Autism Awareness Day will be held on 2.4.
But what is autism anyway?
Autism is an
autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that exists from childhood. It is a very wide range of conditions that result from impaired normal brain development that affects the way the world is perceived and creates disruptions in social relationships, interpersonal communication and adaptive behavior.
Wide range of symptoms with varying degrees of injury. Challenges and disruptions, along with unique capabilities.
Increasing incidence
Autism is a very common condition around the world and its prevalence has been increasing in recent years.
According to the American Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while in 2000 the rate of children diagnosed with autism was one in every 150 births, today the rate is 1 in 54 births.
The increase in the rate of diagnosis is also true in Israel when there is a 1: 4 ratio between the sexes to the detriment of the boys.
In a family where there is already a child diagnosed, the chance of having another child with autism is 20 percent higher than the chance in the general population.
Early diagnosis and early intervention
The growing awareness of gardeners, breastfeeding nurses and even mothers in the garden alongside the evolving familiarity with the prominent symptoms of autism allows children to get the diagnosis at a very early stage (today autism can be diagnosed around 18 months).
Numerous studies in the field point to the importance of early childhood intervention with priority given to the first three years.
It is impossible to "get off the spectrum" but it is certainly possible to influence the level of functioning.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a strong genetic component and as such has no cure.
But today there are more and more treatments and solutions and research clearly shows us that effective and intensive early treatment can make a real difference in the lives of many children and help them progress and reduce the severity of symptoms.
Most of the treatment is systemic and includes individual treatment of the child in parallel with parental guidance and para-medical treatment by a communication and occupational therapy clinician.
The cause is unknown
It is a congenital neurological defect that is not detectable in pregnancy tests and the reasons for it are not yet fully known.
The autistic disability is a "new" disability and was first defined in 1943 and has since been investigated lengthwise and widthwise and no specific cause has yet been found.
According to research in the field, it is a combination of genetic and environmental factors, from complications in pregnancy to parental age.
In any case, the fundamentally wrong stigma that this is a defective parenting style has been completely refuted long ago - brain imaging studies show without a shadow of a doubt that this is a different brain structure.
People with autism have feelings, thoughts and desires
It is quite possible that people on the spectrum do things in a way that is unique to them, people on the spectrum need a suitable environment, assistance and mediation, adapted contact and closeness.
But, and this is perhaps the most important mourning - they need a relationship just like everyone else.
They can totally feel and love just like everyone else and they want in a social connection, they are greatly contributed by interaction and need closeness and touch.
Today studies have well shown that most people diagnosed with the autistic spectrum can certainly fit in from the regular education system, to places of employment, starting a family and functioning properly and adaptively.
A very large proportion of autistics succeed through professionals, therapists and counselors in greatly improving their communication skills and realizing their cognitive and emotional potential.
Written by Dana Amer - Certified Behavioral Analyst, holds a master's degree in special education with a specialization in autism from Bar Ilan University, lectures and accompanies parents, families and educational staff.
The Jama app was established with the aim of addressing mothers of babies from birth to age three, and centralizing for them content, activities, tips from experts and videos that will accompany them throughout this challenging period.
All the content in the app "grows" together with the baby and is precisely adapted to its developmental stages, so that the mothers receive only what is relevant to them and interests them at any given moment.
The Jama app is the place for mothers in Israel to meet and get to know other mothers around them, and create new and exciting friendships in the fascinating journey.
Search us on Google: https://app.jama.co.il/
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