In news : Jiya Rai, a 12 years old naval child, Swims 36 kilometers to create awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
- It refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social interactions, social skills, /restricted/repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication.
- Autism is known as a “spectrum” disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience.
- It occurs in all ethnic, racial, and economic groups. Although ASD can be a lifelong disorder, treatments and services can improve a person’s symptoms and ability to function
Signs and Symptoms
People with ASD often have problems with social, emotional, and communication skills. They might repeat certain behaviors and might not want change in their daily activities. Many people with ASD also have different ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to things. Signs of ASD begin during early childhood and typically last throughout a person’s life.
What causes ASD?
While scientists don’t know the exact causes of ASD, research suggests that genes can act together with influences from the environment to affect development in ways that lead to ASDAlthough scientists are still trying to understand why some people develop ASD and others don’t, some risk factors include:
- Having a sibling with ASD
- Having older parents
- Having certain genetic conditions—people with conditions such as Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, and Rett syndrome are more likely than others to have ASD
- Very low birth weight
