Atypical autism is a subtype of autism in which some, but not all, features of autism spectrum disorder or Asperger syndrome are present. It can usually occur at an early age, but can also be seen later in life. Compared to autism, the severity is milder and the disease progresses slowly. Behavioral and movement disorders in children can be controlled with treatment methods. It is known as a neuro-developmental disorder. It refers to conditions that have symptoms of autism but do not meet all the necessary characteristics for diagnosis. If it is detected at an early age and in preschool periods, improvement can be achieved with non-drug treatment, applied behavior analysis (ABA) and some therapy trainings, while negative behaviors can be controlled.
Characteristics of Atypical Autism
The most important characteristic of atypical autism is that if the disease is diagnosed early, speech and some communication problems can be improved with the right treatment.
Early diagnosis is important in order to overcome the problems that often arise more easily and to ensure that the person can continue his or her life normally. In such cases, parents have a lot of work to do.
Children should be taken to the doctor regularly. In addition, family members should maintain healthy communication with their children at all times and consult a specialist in case of any abnormalities that are noticed.
Symptoms of Atypical Autism
In some ways it is similar to autism, but in some cases it may seem quite distant from autism. Signs and symptoms are milder than autism. Individuals may also experience some problems in terms of speech delay, difficulty and socialization. In addition to these, the symptoms of atypical autism that are usually seen are as follows:
- Difficulty making eye contact and avoidance
- Difficulty with verbal or body language communication
- Repeated obsessive behaviors
- Abnormal social behavior and difficulty in socialization
- Motor development problems
- Problems in visual and spatial perception
- Delays and problems in the development of cognitive abilities and skills
- Increased or decreased sensitivity to taste and smell, vision, touch or auditory sensations
Causes of Atypical Autism
Althoughthe causes of atypical autism have not yet been fully proven, research and investigations on the subject continue. However, some of the studies on this subject include some substances that cause the disorder. Some of these can be listed as follows:
- Mutations that occur due to genetic factors
- Deficiencies in some protein synthesis depending on genes
- Becoming a parent in later life
- It is thought to be one of the problems caused by premature birth
- Caesarean section
- Use of certain substances during pregnancy
- Intense metal transfer from mother to baby or subsequent development in the baby
Overall, the factors that increase the incidence of the disease suggest that it may be the result of a combination of genetic, hormonal and environmental factors.
Nutrition in Atypical Autism
Atypical autism may be related to the effects of nutrition on the individual's body and mental health. Nutrition is not only the consumption of food, but also the harmful components in substances such as breathing air, drinking liquids and water.
Considering that environmental factors are also a factor in the emergence of this disorder, the environment in which individuals live, industrialization and urban life can also cause these problems.
In addition, water, soil and air pollution, pesticides applied to fruits and vegetables, substances such as some aluminum foil used when putting food in the oven are affected by heat and the possibility of poisoning is considered.
As a result of some studies, it is thought that problems in the intestinal flora may also cause such disorders. Therefore, there are some situations that people should pay attention to.
Among the causes of intestinal permeability are ready-to-eat and packaged foods, gluten foods and long-term maintenance of this eating habit.
In order to strengthen the intestinal flora, vitamin D levels should be maintained and strengthened. It is important to prioritize cultured and fermented foods. Foods such as home yogurt and tarhana are among these features.
Treatment of Atypical Autism with Education without Medication
This disorder, which is milder than other types of autism, can progress at any age, so early detection is important. Treatment of atypical autism can be possible without medication, with education and some therapies in people diagnosed at an early age.
In cases of early diagnosis, treatment methods in special education and rehabilitation centers can give positive results. ABA Behavior therapy (applied behavior analysis) applied by special education specialists is effective without changing negative behaviors. In addition, trainings provided by language therapists can also improve the child's ability to speak.
When behavioral therapies are applied at preschool age, the negative behaviors of the individual can be controlled more easily. In addition to these activities, different activities such as occupational therapy, sensory integration therapy, sports, swimming and speech-language therapy are also very useful in preparing children for social and academic life.
It is important that these practices are carried out regularly and that family members provide more than enough support so that children do not have difficulty communicating and getting along with their peers.
Family support is necessary to prepare children for social relationships. Children should also be given the necessary care outside of therapies and healthy communication should be practiced.
Atypical Autism Test
Atypical autism test is one of the tests on autism. Autism screening test, child autism test and two-year-old autism test are among the tests performed.
Autism Screening Test
It is known as a type of behavioral test. During the test, children's ability to use body movements, language and speech skills, adaptation skills and social communication skills are observed.
Child Autism Test
It is a test that can be administered to children up to 18 months. It consists of a 40-question test.
Two-Year-Old Autism Test
In children under the age of two, imitation, attention and focus control, play and motor movements are observed.
What is Good for Atypical Autism?
Since it is a condition that cannot be treated with medication, it is important to recognize and detect the disease in preschool periods. It is beneficial to receive some special training to prepare the child for the school period and to ensure normal communication with peers.
Some abnormal conditions and behavioral disorders observed in children can be controlled with education and therapies. Controlling these situations also enables the child to adapt to social relations and socialize more easily.
In addition, since the support of parents is important in these processes, it is recommended to avoid any negative behavior towards children. With the therapy and trainings received, situations such as psychological problems and asociality that may be experienced in later ages can be prevented.
Recommendations for Families in Autism Treatment
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a disorder that requires long-term treatment and follow-up by a child and adolescent psychiatrist after diagnosis. Treatment starts to yield results in about the first 6 months.
Having the treatment process under the control of a single specialist makes it easier for the child to get used to the treatment. In addition, it is recommended that the treatment follow-up is carried out in cooperation with the family, doctor and special education center with the knowledge of the doctor. In this way, a child-specific treatment process continues.
Some supportive methods can also be applied to these treatments. However, these methods are transferred to the parents if the child and adolescent psychiatrist deems it necessary. Apart from this, positive results can be obtained when specialized psychiatrists apply the right treatment.
Does Atypical Autism Cure Completely?
The disease is not completely cured. However, with early diagnosis of the condition and correct treatment practices, significant changes in the course of the disease can be experienced. If the treatment methods are applied correctly, the symptoms are reduced. In this way, individuals can establish more comfortable relationships in their social lives.
It is important for the recovery of children that families take care during the treatment process and do not interrupt treatment practices.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
At What Age Does Atypical Autism Speak?
The diagnosis of autism is usually recognized after 2 and 3 years of age. At the age of 4, speech may be possible in children with autism symptoms. Treatment methods such as applied behavior analysis (ABA), speech and language therapies, sensory integration and occupational therapy should be applied for the treatment of these problems.
How to Treat a Child with Atypical Autism?
Especially family members should show the necessary care and be understanding and caring towards children. They should try to establish healthy communication with children and approach them with love. In the future, it is important for different people in the environment to be understanding in terms of bringing children into society.