Autism Spectrum Disorder

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain.

• People with ASD may behave, communicate, interact, and learn in ways that are different from most other people.
• ASD begins before the age of 3 years and can last throughout a person’s life, although symptoms may improve over time. 
• Symptoms:
  • People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests.
  • They may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention.
• Initiatives to Raise Awareness on ASD:
  • United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), Sustainable Development Goals Deal with rights of people with disabilities including autism.
  • The Right of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 increased the types of disabilities from 7 to 21. 
  • It also added autism spectrum disorder among others.

Q1) What is the treatment for autism spectrum disorder?

There is currently no standard treatment for autism spectrum disorder but there are many treatments that can help children with ASD acquire new skills and overcome a variety of developmental challenges. Common autism treatments include behaviour therapy, speech-language therapy, play-based therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and nutritional therapy.

Source: Times of India

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