Shining a Light on Autism
Local-based autism expert educates people on autism, as we commemorate autism awareness month.
April marks a month dedicated to shedding light on autism spectrum disorder (ASD), raising awareness, and fostering understanding and acceptance.
Local autism expert and director of The Star Academy, Ilana Gerschlowitz explained what is autism” Autism, a complex neurodevelopmental condition, affects individuals differently, presenting challenges in social interaction, communication, and behaviour. With a spectrum ranging from mild to severe, each person with autism possesses unique strengths and abilities, contributing to the rich diversity of human experience,” she said.
Early signs to look out for:
- Delayed speech development.
- Preferred to play alone
- Sensitive to loud noise
- Avoiding eye contact
- Ignoring the danger
- Being a picky eater
- Communication issues, don’t respond to his or her name.
- Everton to touching.
- Being hyperactive
- Tiptoeing
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Causes of Autism:
Researchers are still trying to find out why ASD occurs, but factors that may play a role include Genetic features, environmental factors, early disruption of brain growth, and preterm birth.
Researchers have found no evidence that vaccinations or parental practices contribute to the condition.
Outlook of the disorder:
The impact of autism varies widely among individuals. Some autistic people live independently, while others need lifelong care and support.
ASD is a lifelong condition, but support and therapies can help autistic people manage the varied challenges that they can face.
Gerschlowits is also a mother of an autistic child, she explained that community members must understand that autistic people are not sick, just developing differently compared to others.” The child with autism in simple terms will need more help and support from the parent or caregivers to do those things that come naturally to a typically developing child such as feeding themselves, potty training, and using vocal language to express their wants and needs,” she said.
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“My message to parents for autism awareness is never give up on your child’s hope and dreams and the is always treatment you can follow. Remember your child is not being naughty. They may communicate with you through their behaviours because they have limited ability to vocalise or communicate their wants and needs properly. Autism means the child is developmentally delayed” she added.
Potential co-existing conditions or health concerns that are commonly associated with Autism:
Autism is a digestive disorder, there are metabolic imbalances and it is auto-immune. There are several co-morbidities associated with an autism diagnosis and the gut-brain connection must be investigated.
Possible treatment for autism:
Behavioural therapy, educational Interventions, speech and language therapy, social skills training, medication, and parent training and support.
“As we commemorate Autism Awareness Month, let us unite in our commitment to building a more inclusive world where everyone, regardless of their neurodiversity, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society. Together, through understanding, acceptance, and support, we can create a brighter future for individuals with autism and their families,” said Gerschlowitz.
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