Diagnosing and Psycho-Educational Support of Children With Autism

In the article it was shown that autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication.A combination of genetic and environmental factors influences the development of autism, and autism often is accompanied by medical issues such as: gastrointestinal (GI) disorders; seizures; sleep disturbances.Autism affects an estimated 1 in 59 children.There are many symptoms of autism that can overlap with other mental health or medical diagnoses.Many people with autism also have sensory issues.These can include aversions to certain sights, sounds and other sensations.Diagnosing ASD in adults is often more difficult than diagnosing ASD in children.Autism's hallmark signs usually appear by age 2 to 3. Often, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months.Some associated development delays can appear even earlier.An evaluation involves several steps.A provider who is knowledgeable about autism will ask several questions of the parents about typical development as well as questions that tease out autism from typical development.This can involve a Журнал «Перспективи та інновації науки» (Серія «Педагогіка», Серія «Психологія», Серія «Медицина») № 8(42) 2024 24 structured interview, something like the Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised or ADIR or a semi-structured interview based on the diagnostic criteria we've already discussed.The second part involves watching a child interact with his parents, the provider, and how a child plays when there are no expectations.Sometimes this can be an informal play session or even within a doctor's appointment.However, there are times when children do not show enough symptoms consistent with autism or not consistent with autism to rule in or out a diagnosis.People with ASD may be referred to doctors who specialize in providing behavioral, psychological, educational, or skill-building interventions.These programs are typically highly structured and intensive and may involve parents, siblings, and other family members.Programs may help people with ASD: learn lifeskills necessary to live independently; reduce challenging behaviors; increase or build upon strengths; learn social, communication, and language skills.