Survivalist Pro
Photo by Tara Winstead Pexels Logo Photo: Tara Winstead

What happens if autism is not treated?

Adults who have not received appropriate treatment may have trouble living independently, may be unemployed, and may struggle with relationships. Autism can also impact physical and mental health, according to the 2017 National Autism Indicators Report: Developmental Disability Services and Outcomes in Adulthood.

Will roaches go away if you clean?
Will roaches go away if you clean?

Thoroughly Clean Your Home This may seem like a given, but roaches are attracted to dirt and filth because they're always on the lookout for new...

Read More »
How can I be financially free at 40?
How can I be financially free at 40?

Lessons from FIRE movement Start financial planning for retirement early. When your target is clear, it is easier to achieve it. Control your...

Read More »

Having a child diagnosed with autism can be devastating, but it can also open the door to better understanding and support that can help that child live a happier and more fulfilling life. That’s what comedian and influencer Laura Clery expressed when she posted a video to social media on Sept. 3, 2021, announcing that her son Alfie has autism. The achingly beautiful video quickly garnered over 13 million views on Facebook alone, along with thousands of comments from other parents offering suggestions on helpful therapies and strategies. In her loving tribute to her quirky, creative, and curious son, Clery says, “I understand why he would get the support and accommodations he needs, but why erase harmless autistic behaviors?” Getting a diagnosis of autism at a young age provides an opportunity to engage in early interventions that may be beneficial in offering the support needed while nurturing the unique skills of the autistic individual.

WHAT IS AUTISM?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a brain-based disorder that is characterized by developmental delays, communication problems, abnormal social skills, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems—all ranging from mild to severe. Signs of autism typically appear by age 2 or 3, but they can occur earlier in some children. The following list shows some of the symptoms of the developmental disorder. Because autism is a spectrum disorder, not all people with the condition will exhibit all of these symptoms.

ASD symptoms can include the following:

Poor eye contact

Delayed speech

Unresponsiveness

Having an intense focus on something

Trouble understanding social cues

Difficult reading facial expressions

Repetitive movements (such as rocking back and forth and hand flapping)

Repeating words or phrases

Having difficulty dealing with changes in routines

Self-harmful behaviors (such as head-banging)

Having difficulty playing with other children

Social withdrawal

Having difficulty carrying on a conversation

Having a flat or sing-song tone of voice

Increased or decreased sensitivity to sensory input (clothing, lights, noise, temperature)

STRENGTHS IN AUTISM

Although people with autism face numerous challenges, they also possess many strengths associated with the condition, including:

Long-term memory skills

Math, music, art, computer, or science skills

Good visual learners

Rule-based thinking

Ability to hyperfocus

Good memory

Attention to detail

Creativity

Other attributes mentioned by the autistic adults in this study included honesty and loyalty, as well as empathy (especially for animals or other people with autism). For this study, the researchers also looked at how these strengths may be affected by conventional treatments for autism. “If aspects of autism can be beneficial, advantages may be lost if interventions seek to minimize autistic traits in a blanket way,” they write. This is a concern that many autistic people and parents of autistic children may have.

AUTISM AND THE BRAIN

Brain SPECT imaging studies at Amen Clinics on more than 1,000 children and adults with ASD show that it is not one thing. Autism affects brain function in multiple regions and in a variety of ways. For example, some people with ASD have overactivity in certain brain areas while others have low activity. Still, others may have both high activity in some areas and decreased activity in other regions. Among the patients at Amen Clinics, those with high activity patterns are associated with repetitious speech and behavior, rigid thinking, problems with change, mood instability, anxiety, and emotional meltdowns. Low activity patterns are typically seen in people with poor physical coordination, learning problems, communication challenges, sensory processing issues, and trouble with abstract thinking. Some of the many brain regions affected by autism may include the following:

Who is the most powerful nuclear country?
Who is the most powerful nuclear country?

Here are the 10 countries with the most nuclear weapons: United States - 5,550. China - 350. France - 290. United Kingdom - 225. Pakistan - 165....

Read More »
What is last child syndrome?
What is last child syndrome?

Youngest children are also often described as spoiled, willing to take unnecessary risks, and less intelligent than their oldest siblings....

Read More »

Temporal lobes: These structures are involved in language, auditory and visual processing, facial recognition, emotional regulation, social attachment, and memory. When there is abnormal activity here, there are problems with these functions. These structures are involved in language, auditory and visual processing, facial recognition, emotional regulation, social attachment, and memory. When there is abnormal activity here, there are problems with these functions. Cerebellum: Located at the back bottom of the brain, the cerebellum’s functions include physical coordination, gait, learning, processing speed (how quickly a person thinks), and attention circuits. When this region isn’t operating optimally, there can be problems with these functions. Located at the back bottom of the brain, the cerebellum’s functions include physical coordination, gait, learning, processing speed (how quickly a person thinks), and attention circuits. When this region isn’t operating optimally, there can be problems with these functions. Anterior cingulate gyrus: This area is considered the brain’s gear shifter and allows you to go from one thought to the next and from one action to another. Abnormal activity in this region is associated with hyperfocus, repetitive actions, and having difficulty with change. Additional research shows reduced connectivity among various brain regions in people with autism, changing the way the brain processes information. Brain imaging research makes it clear that not all autistic brains are the same. Because of this, interventions need to be tailored to a person’s brain and individual needs.

WHEN AUTISM GOES UNTREATED OR IS MISDIAGNOSED

The wide-ranging goals of treating autism include helping overcome developmental delays, improving the capacity for understanding social cues, enhancing the ability to speak and learn, strengthening mood regulation, learning self-soothing techniques, and nurturing existing skills. When ASD goes untreated, is misdiagnosed, or diagnosis is delayed, negative symptoms associated with the condition may worsen over time. Without adequate support, children may not develop competent skills with regards to learning, speech, or social interactions. Adults who have not received appropriate treatment may have trouble living independently, may be unemployed, and may struggle with relationships. Autism can also impact physical and mental health, according to the 2017 National Autism Indicators Report: Developmental Disability Services and Outcomes in Adulthood. Among adults with autism, 51% had at least one co-existing physical health condition. Studies have found high rates of diabetes, thyroid disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, gastrointestinal disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and more. In the realm of mental health, rates of co-occurring conditions are higher among adults with autism compared with the general population. Approximately 54% of adults with ASD have at least one psychiatric condition, such as anxiety, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and others. Behavioral issues—including being disruptive, engaging in self-harm, or being destructive—are also common, affecting 46% of autistic adults. The rates of mental health issues in adults with autism increase with age.

INTERVENTIONS FOR AUTISM

Treatment plans for ASD typically involve a variety of therapies and techniques. In general, the earlier treatment begins, the better. However, it’s never too late to start. Some interventions are backed by strong scientific evidence while others are still being explored. The following list includes a variety of strategies that some parents of autistic children and some individuals with autism may find helpful. Early interventions aim to produce improvements in communication, behavior, and cognitive abilities in young children. aim to produce improvements in communication, behavior, and cognitive abilities in young children. Applied behavioral analysis is a process intended to change specific behaviors.

What was the biggest earthquake in 2022?
What was the biggest earthquake in 2022?

By magnitude 2022 Papua New Guinea earthquake. 7.6. Mexico, Michoacán. VIII (Severe) 15.1. ... 2022 Michoacán earthquake. 7.3. Japan, Fukushima...

Read More »
What are 21st century skills?
What are 21st century skills?

Learning Skills: Also known as the "four Cs" of 21st century learning, these include critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and...

Read More »

is a process intended to change specific behaviors. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective form of psychological treatment that helps people replace negative or unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors with ones that promote more positive moods and improve daily functioning and quality of life. is an effective form of psychological treatment that helps people replace negative or unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors with ones that promote more positive moods and improve daily functioning and quality of life. Social skills training can improve specific aspects of social interactions, including eye contact, verbal greetings, and more. can improve specific aspects of social interactions, including eye contact, verbal greetings, and more. Play therapy may be beneficial for children as a way to improve social skills. may be beneficial for children as a way to improve social skills. Supportive therapies —such as music therapy, art therapy, or massage therapy—may be helpful in enhancing social interactions and relaxation for individuals with ASD. —such as music therapy, art therapy, or massage therapy—may be helpful in enhancing social interactions and relaxation for individuals with ASD. Sensory integration aims to improve responses to sensory input by having people with autism engage in a “sensory diet” that involves a variety of activities, such as wearing a weighted vest or being wrapped in fabric. aims to improve responses to sensory input by having people with autism engage in a “sensory diet” that involves a variety of activities, such as wearing a weighted vest or being wrapped in fabric. Diets that eliminate foods that can make autism worse—such as gluten and casein (milk protein)—should be an important part of any treatment plan. that eliminate foods that can make autism worse—such as gluten and casein (milk protein)—should be an important part of any treatment plan. Supplementing with probiotics , which helps promote healthy bacteria in the gut, is important because there is a gut-brain connection in autism. Gut dysfunction is common in people with ASD, according to a 2019 study in Autism Research. , which helps promote healthy bacteria in the gut, is important because there is a gut-brain connection in autism. Gut dysfunction is common in people with ASD, according to a 2019 study in Autism Research. Nutritional supplements may be helpful to address nutritional deficiencies in those with ASD. For example, a 2020 review reports that children with autism may have low levels of vitamins B1, B6, B12, A, and D, as well as other important minerals. In addition, most Americans have low levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are critical for healthy brain development. Taking a cookie-cutter approach to treating autism will never work. Finding the interventions that work best for you or your child is key. Autism spectrum disorder and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.

Who from Survivor went to jail?
Who from Survivor went to jail?

Richard Holman Hatch Jr. He was convicted with three counts related to attempted tax evasion and fraudulent tax return in January 2006. He served...

Read More »
What is the 90 10 formula?
What is the 90 10 formula?

The 90-10 rule refers to a U.S. regulation that governs for-profit higher education. It caps the percentage of revenue that a proprietary school...

Read More »
Why does military use 9mm instead of 45?
Why does military use 9mm instead of 45?

Even though the . 45-caliber cartridge has more propellant, the 9mm round usually has more penetrating power because the smaller round faces less...

Read More »
Where do homeless people sleep?
Where do homeless people sleep?

Night shelters are places to sleep for people who would be on the streets. You do not have to pay to stay in most night shelters. Dec 20, 2022

Read More »