What is Autism - Autism is a developmental disorder that can be observed in toddlers. Usually, children experience disturbances in their interactions with other people, such as difficulties in communicating, playing patterns, and different emotional patterns.
Autism is included in PPD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder). Until now Autism can not be cured. A child who grows up with some of the characteristics of autism that he continues to experience, but with the help of therapy he is better able to adapt to his environment.
To identify whether a child with autism or not, there are characteristics. For example, a baby aged 6-12 months needs to be observed how he interacts. If there are the following characteristics, it is better for you to consult an expert,
Characteristics of babies aged 6-12 months
- Does not respond to Mother's smile
- Does not react when his name is called
- Difficult to divert if you already admire an object
- less lively facial expressions
- Easy to get angry
In older children, Mothers are alert to the following signs:
- The same and repeated movements like never get bored
- There is a speech delay (eg at the age of 18 months has not said 1 word)
- Saying the same thing over and over
- Very sensitive
- Easily distracted by certain sounds or touch or simply not sensitive
- Just want to play with that thing
- Lack of eye contact
- Not interested in other people
Autism occurs due to genetic problems or teratogens (things that cause fetal defects, such as smoking, alcohol, or drugs consumed by pregnant women), or severe pregnancy stress. The cause of this still needs to be investigated.
Mothers should always observe the child's development, if it is different from other children, first check the stage of development. If it is very different, immediately consult an expert. When diagnosed with autism, parents must share tasks so they are not too tired to handle their little ones.
Should a child with autism be taken to a psychologist?
The first examination can be done at the child development clinic. The child will be examined by several experts to diagnose the disorder he is experiencing. After that, the mother will be given advice for the development of the child. Usually, people with autism need many experts to help them develop more adaptively.