Autism is a developmental disability due to the differences caused by the brain. These patients frequently struggle with socializing and interacting with others with restricted or Repetitive Behaviors. It is noteworthy that people with ASD may learn, move, or pay attention in different ways. These symptoms may be exhibited by some people who do not have ASD. However, these characteristics can make life extremely difficult for patients having ASD.

Signs and Symptoms of Autism

At 6 months:

• Flat responses with no joyful and cooing sounds
• Limited or no eye contact

At 9 months:

• Very little sharing of gurgling and happy sounds, smiles, and any other facial engagement

At 12 months:

• Little or no babbling
• No or little reaction to waving, pointing, and tickling
• Little or no response to the name

At 16 months:

• Very few or no words

At 24 months:

• Very little speech and interaction of words including name-calling

At any age:

• Avoidance of eye contact
• Persistent preference for solitude
• Difficulty understanding other people’s feelings
• Delayed language development
• Repetition of words or phrases (echolalia)
• Restricted interests
• Repetitive behaviors (flapping, rocking, spinning, etc.)

Social Communication and Interaction Skills

• No or little eye contact
• No response on name-calling
• No facial expressions like happy, sad, or angry
• No interest in playing simple interactive games
• Uses few or no gestures by 12 months of age like waving
• No sharing of interest, lack of socializing behavior with the outer world.

Restricted or Repetitive Behaviors or Interests

• Lines up toys or other objects, getting upset on changing the order
• Focusing on particular things (for example, wheels)
• Gets upset by minor changes
• Has obsessive interests
• Must follow certain routines
• Weird responses to various sound, smell, taste, look or feel

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Other Characteristics

• Delayed language skills
• Delayed movement skills
• Delayed cognitive or learning skills
• Hyperactive, impulsive, and/or inattentive behavior
• Epilepsy or seizure disorder
• Unusual eating and sleeping habits
• Gastrointestinal issues (for example, constipation)
• Unusual mood or emotional reactions
• Anxiety, stress, or excessive worry
• Little or no fear 

Different management Approaches for autism

Behavioral approaches are concerned with supportive symptoms of ASD. Educators and healthcare professionals use behavioral approaches in a variety of schools and treatment clinics. Applied Behavior Analysis is a well-known behavioral treatment for people with ASD (ABA). ABA encourages desired behaviors and discourages undesirable behaviors to improve a variety of skills. Progress is being monitored and measured. Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and Pivotal Response Training (PRT) are two ABA teaching methods (PRT).

Developmental approaches concentrate on improving language or physical abilities, or on a broader range of interconnected developmental abilities. Speech and Language Therapy is the most commonly used therapy for people with ASD that assists individuals in improving speech and language. Some ASD patients communicate verbally. While some use signs, gestures, pictures, or an electronic communication device to communicate. Occupational Therapy teaches skills that allow the individual to live as independently as possible. to name some skills are changing clothes, eating, and bathing. 

Educational Approaches In a classroom setting, educational treatments are administered. The Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication-Handicapped Children (TEACCH) approach is one type of educational approach. Teachers get help through physical demonstrations or by writing or drawing materials to be learned. 

Pharmacological approaches There are no medications available to treat the primary symptoms of ASD. Medication can also help manage co-occurring psychological conditions like anxiety or depression, as well as medical conditions like seizures, sleep problems, or stomach or other gastrointestinal issues. When considering the use of medication, it is critical to consult with a doctor who has experience treating people with ASD. Individuals, families, and doctors must all collaborate to monitor progress and reactions to ensure that negative side effects are avoided.

Psychological approach Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues can be helped by psychological approaches in people with ASD. Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) is a psychological approach that focuses on understanding the relationships between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. 

https://www.cdc.gov/