Autism

What is Autism ?

It is also known as Autistic Disorder. Autism is a disorder of neural development

characterized by impaired social interaction and verbal and non-verbal
communication, and by restricted, repetitive or stereotyped behavior. The
diagnostic criteria require that symptoms become apparent before a child is three
years old. Autism affects information processing in the brain by altering how nerve
cells and their synapses connect and organize; how this occurs is not well
understood. It is one of three recognized disorders in the autism spectrum (ASDs),
the other two being Asperger syndrome, which lacks delays in cognitive
development and language, and pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise
specified (commonly abbreviated as PDD-NOS), which is diagnosed when the full
set of criteria for autism or Asperger syndrome are not met.

Autism is not a single disorder

Mainstream researchers agree that the autism spectrum is probably a collection of

multiple disorders with multiple causes, prognoses, and appropriate treatments.
Quite a bit of recent research has uncovered a number of distinct genetic
differences (some inherited, some spontaneously mutated) that seem to be
associated with various types of autism.

What causes Autism ?

Autism spectrum disorder has no single known cause. Given the complexity of the
disorder, and the fact that symptoms and severity vary, there are probably many
causes. Both genetics and environment may play a role.

Genetic problems: Several different genes appear to be involved in autism

spectrum disorder. For some children, autism spectrum disorder can be associated
with a genetic disorder, such as Rett syndrome or fragile X syndrome. For others,
genetic changes may make a child more susceptible to autism spectrum disorder or
create environmental risk factors. Still other genes may affect brain development or
the way that brain cells communicate, or they may determine the severity of
symptoms. Some genetic problems seem to be inherited, while others happen
spontaneously.

Environmental factors : Researchers are currently exploring whether such factors

as viral infections, complications during pregnancy or air pollutants play a role in
triggering autism spectrum disorder.

There is no link between vaccines and ASD

Signs of Autism

Lack of or delay in developing spoken language.

Stereotyped or repetitive use of language.
Little or no eye contact.
Lack of interest in peer relationships.
Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play.
Repetitive motor mannerisms e.g., hand-flapping, finger-flicking, twirling
objects.
Persistent preoccupation with parts of objects.
Inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals.

Risk Factors

Autism spectrum disorder affects children of all races and nationalities, but
certain factors increase a child's risk. They include:
Your child's sex : Boys are about four times more likely to develop ASD than girls
are.
Family history: Families who have one child with ASD have an increased risk of
having another child with the disorder. It's also not uncommon for parents or
relatives of a child with ASD to have minor problems with social or communication
skills themselves or to engage in certain behaviors typical of ASD.
Extremely preterm babies: Babies born before 26 weeks of pregnancy may have
a greater risk of ASD.

Frequency of Autism
Geographical frequency
Scrutinizing the recent global trends of rising prevalence it can be asserted that on average, there is
at least 1 person challenged by an ASD in any country
Australia
A 2008 Australian study reported wide variation and inconsistent results in prevalence estimates;
for example, national estimates for the prevalence of ASD in Australia ranged from 1.21 to 3.57
per 1,000 for children aged 612 years. The study concluded that the prevalence of ASD in
Australian children cannot be estimated accurately from existing data.
China
A 2008 Hong Kong study reported an ASD incidence rate similar to those reported in Australia
and North America, and lower than Europeans. It also reported a prevalence of 1.68 per 1,000 for
children under 15 years.
Denmark
A 2003 study reported that the cumulative incidence of autism in Denmark began a steep increase
starting around 1990, and continued to grow until 2000, despite the withdrawal of thiomersalcontaining vaccines in 1992. For example, for children aged 24 years, the cumulative incidence
was about 0.5 new cases per 10,000 children in 1990 and about 4.5 new cases per 10,000 children
in 2000.

Germany

A 2008 study found that inpatient admission rates for children with ASD increased
30% from 2000 to 2005, with the largest rise between 2000 and 2001 and a decline
between 2001 and 2003. Inpatient rates for all mental disorders also rose for ages
up to 15 years, so that the ratio of ASD to all admissions rose from 1.3% to 1.4%.
Japan

A 2005 study of a part of Yokohama with a stable population of about 300,000

reported a cumulative incidence to age 7 years of 48 cases of ASD per 10,000
children in 1989, and 86 in 1990. After the vaccination rate of MMR vaccine
dropped to near zero, the incidence rate grew to 97 and 161 cases per 10,000
children in 1993 and 1994, respectively, indicating that MMR vaccine did not cause
autism.

United Kingdom

The incidence and changes in incidence with time are unclear in the UK. The reported
autism incidence in the UK rose starting before the first introduction of the MMR
vaccine in 1989. A 2004 study found that the reported incidence of pervasive
developmental disorders in a general practice research database in England and Wales
grew steadily during 19882001 from 0.11 to 2.98 per 10,000 person-years, and
concluded that much of this increase may be due to changes in diagnostic practice .
United States

The number of diagnosed cases of autism grew dramatically in the U.S. in the 1990s
and early 2000s. For example, in 1996, 21,669 children and students aged 611 years
diagnosed with autism
Venezuela

A 2008 study reported a prevalence of 1.1 per 1000 for autism and 1.7 per 1000 for
ASD.

Frequency of Autism in Bangladesh

It is estimated by the Ministry of Social Welfare that the total number of persons with
ASDs (Autism Spectrum Disorders), could be as high as 1, 4 million -- of whom only
a few hundred have been diagnosed. One estimation is also that one child in 500 in
Bangladesh has autism, meaning that the approximate number of children with ASDs
in Bangladesh is no less than 280,000. The general attitude towards autism is mostly
negative and it is seen as a social barrier. Even today, autism is considered a Godgiven curse and children with ASDs are taken as possessed by the Devil. Also bad
parenting is accused: mothers going out to work still get the blame

There is a lack of knowledge about ASDs even among doctors. Very often, children
are misdiagnosed and given antipsychotic drugs by psychiatrists. In Bangladesh, there
are only 20 schools for disabled children; all of them are situated in the capital city of
Dhaka. According to the MDGs, every child has a right to education. However, the
general education system in Bangladesh does not meet the needs of disabled children,
especially the ones with autism.

What can be done?

There is no cure for autism. Therapies and behavioral interventions are designed to
remedy specific symptoms and can bring about substantial improvement. The ideal
treatment plan coordinates therapies and interventions that target the core symptoms
of autism: impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal
communication, and obsessive or repetitive routines and interests. Most
professionals agree that the earlier the intervention, the better. The following steps
can be taken for the autistic children:
Educational/behavioral interventions: Therapists use highly structured and
intensive skill-oriented training sessions to help children develop social and
language skills. Family counseling for the parents and siblings of children with
autism often helps families cope with the particular challenges of living with an
autistic child.

Medications: Doctors often prescribe an antidepressant medication to handle

symptoms of anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Anti-psychotic
medications are used to treat severe behavioral problems. Seizures can be treated
with one or more of the anticonvulsant drugs. Stimulant drugs, such as those used
for children with attention deficit disorder (ADD), are sometimes used effectively
to help decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Other therapies: There are a number of controversial therapies or interventions
available for autistic children, but few, if any, are supported by scientific studies.
Parents should use caution before adopting any of these treatments

Bangladesh: Leading the way in public

awareness

Every year, on 2nd April, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW)
observes the World Autism Awareness Day.

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education (MoPME) has developed a short
episode of Meena cartoon to raise awareness of autism.

The MoPME staged an interactive popular theater in 158 sub-district level on

autism.

Today, Bangladesh is a leading country championing the cause of autism at

national, regional and global levels.