ASD
ASD
ASD
1.Genetic factors: may be the most significant cause for ASD spectrum disorders.
Early studies of twins had estimated heritability to be over 90%, meaning that
genetics explains over 90% of whether a child will develop ASD.
2.A common hypothesis: is that ASD is caused by the interaction of a genetic
predisposition and an early environmental insult. Several theories based on
environmental factors have been proposed to address the remaining risk.
3.Epigenetic: mechanisms may increase the risk of ASD. Epigenetic changes
occur as a result not of DNA sequence changes but of chromosomal histone
modification or modification of the DNA bases.
4. Prenatal environment: The risk of ASD is associated with several prenatal
risk factors, including advanced age in either parent, diabetes, bleeding, and use
of psychiatric drugs in the mother during pregnancy.
5.Infectious processes: Prenatal viral infection has been called the principal non-
genetic cause of ASD. Prenatal exposure to rubella or cytomegalovirus activates the
mother's immune response and greatly increases the risk for ASD.
The Basis of ASD:
6. Teratogens: are environmental agents that cause birth defects. Some agents that
are theorized to cause birth defects have also been suggested as potential ASD risk
factors.
7. Thyroid problems: that lead to thyroxine deficiency in the mother in weeks 8–12
of pregnancy have been postulated to produce changes in the fetal brain leading to
ASD. Thyroxine deficiencies can be caused by inadequate iodine in the diet, and by
environmental agents that interfere with iodine uptake or act against thyroid
hormones.
8.Diabetes in the mother: during pregnancy is a significant risk factor for ASD; a
2009 meta-analysis found that gestational diabetes was associated with a twofold
increased risk.
9. Locus coeruleus–noradrenergic system: This theory hypothesizes that autistic
behaviors depend at least in part on a developmental dysregulation that results in
impaired function of the locus coeruleus–noradrenergic (LC-NA) system.
10. Amygdala neurons: This theory hypothesizes that an early developmental failure
involving the amygdala cascades on the development of cortical areas that mediate
social perception in the visual domain.
Symptoms of ASD:
Main Disabilities:
The signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorder
(ASD) vary widely, as do its effects. Some autistic
children have only mild impairments, while others have
more obstacles to overcome. However, every child on
the autism spectrum has problems, at least to some
degree, in the following three areas:
Don’t accept a wait-and-see approach. Waiting is the worst thing you can
do. You risk losing valuable time at an age where your child has the best
chance for improvement.
Trust your instincts. Sometimes, even well-meaning doctors miss red flags or
underestimate problems. Listen to your gut if it’s telling you something is
wrong, and be persistent.
Early Signs of Autism in Babies and
Toddlers (0-18 months):
The Following Delays Warrant an Immediate
Evaluation By Your Child’s Pediatrician:
By 6 months: No big smiles or other warm, joyful
expressions.
8. Basic social interaction can be difficult for children with autism spectrum
disorders. Many kids on the autism spectrum seem to prefer to live in their
own world, aloof and detached from others.
Common Self-Stimulatory
Behaviors:
1. Hand flapping.
2. Rocking back and forth.
3. Spinning in a circle.
4. Finger flicking.
5. Head banging.
6. Staring at lights.
7. Moving fingers in front
of the eyes.
8. Flicking light switches
on and off.
9. Repeating words or
noises.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Treatment:
1- Educational interventions.
2- Medical management.
Educational Interventions:
1- Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA): works to systematically change
behavior based on principles of learning derived from behavioral
psychology and encourages positive behavior as well teaching new skills.
.
• Pay attention to your child’s sensory sensitivities:
Many children with autism are hypersensitive to light, sound,
touch, taste, and smell. Figure out what sights, sounds, smells,
movements, and tactile sensations trigger your kid’s “bad” or
disruptive behaviors.
• Rawan AlBawardi
• Rana Zread
• Alanoud AlHussayen
• Raghad Kul Alnas
• Shahad AlMasri