THE‘Autism, or rather autism spectrum disorders, are a set of different alterations of the neurosviluppo that manifest themselves in the early years of life. Parents can notice the difficulties of the child to interact and communicate, and his repetitive and stereotyped behaviors. On the occasion of the World Day of awareness on autism, established by the United Nations, which occurs on April 2ndwe find out with one of the maximum experts at national level what the signs that mom and dad should pay attention to.
Autism: the incidence in Italy and in the world
The autism spectrum disorder it presents itself in a very variable way from case to casebut in general it is characterized by impairment of communication and social interaction and the presence of restricted and repetitive interests and behaviors. Worldwide One in 100 person it’s autistic, In Italy one out of 77. «The greatest prevalence in our country is linked to a better diagnosis. In fact, while in other countries the diagnosis is made only on the most serious cases, In Italy we also identify milder conditions. The disturbing data, however, concerns The United States, where the prevalence is 1 in 36. This means that One in three person has an autistic spectrum disorder. It should be emphasized, however, that there is a big difference between one state and the other “, explains the Professor Giovanni ValeriChild neuropsychiatrist, psychologist and psychotherapist, medical manager at the IRCSS Pediatric Hospital Bambino Gesù (Opbg) in Rome and professor at the Tor Vergata University of Rome.
When manifested
Autism has a particular trend over time: in the first 12- 14 months the development of the child takes place regularly. “Between 14 and 24 months atypical behaviors appearlinked to both the socio -communicative aspect and to repetitive and restricted behaviors. It happens that The first acquired words are lost or that in any case the linguistic development stops around 18 months. Furthermore, the child begins to be not very responsive: if he is engaged in another activity, he does not answer when the parent behind him calls him by name. It remains attracted to the object and does not respond to the social stimulus. Always in this age group Other signals are manifested, perhaps less recognizable, such as repetitive and restricted behaviors. For example, it always uses games in the same way. It is true that in some moments all children prefer to play on their own and with repetitiveness, but in this case we are well beyond normal “, underlines the expert.
The diagnostic process
If parents nourish doubts, it is good that they talk to the pediatrician. Today there are very useful tools for screening, such as A check list To identify children at risk that the free choice pediatrician compiles the health balance of the 18 months. «The guidelines indicate that, even in the presence of a negative check list, if parents continue to feed doubts, The child must be sent to the infantile neuropsychiatry service for an evaluation. This is because studies have shown that parents’ concerns are, in most cases, founded.
In the world one in 100 person is autistic, in Italy one out of 77 (Getty Images)
A multidisciplinary team will submit the small patient to a series of observations and tests To evaluate the social and communicative development profile, for example the Ados (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule), in addition to the cognitive, motor, linguistic and emotional development profile. The set of these data, associated with a careful history of development allows to formulate a diagnostic hypothesis reliable. Before two years we will talk about “autistic spectrum risk”, after that age the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder will formulate. In the milder conditions he expects up to 2 and a half years – 3 years. It is important to remember the usefulness of a careful monitoring of siblings: if there is already a child with autism in the family, the risk for a little brother stands at 18%. In these cases, therefore, one is carried out Evaluation at 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months To intervene as soon as possible », continues Professor Valeri.
Parents: because they must be involved actively
«Autism, caused by A genetic susceptibility associated with early environmental factors manifests itself after the first year of life, and this is strongly traumatic for a parent. When a child was born with a malformation, it is extremely painful but the adaptation process begins immediately. In the case of autism, however, in the first year of life a typical relationship is built with child, with fluid socio -social exchanges. Then there is a change that often creates a significant trauma for the parent. Then we seek external causes that intervened to “steal”, to “ruin” the child, like vaccinations. Although it has been expanded that There is no link with vaccinesamong families with autistic children, this fake news continues to circulate. Must accompany parents to understand what is happening and help them elaborate traumareconstructing Of A series of expectations. If we can formulate the diagnosis between 2 and 3 years, For the prognosis you have to wait for 6- 8 years. In the period between an important transformation, even an important transformation can take place. A significant part of children with autism may be autonomous adults, thanks to targeted aid. Mom and dad must be involved with Parent Training paths or therapy mediated by parents. Acting only on the child is not enough. Parents will have to learn how the child works mentally and how to stimulate it adequately. They will learn strategies to be applied at home in a natural way », reassures the expert.
An inclusive company
«Compared to a few years ago, we are making steps forward. Pediatricians are more careful in health budgets to look for risk signals, many ASL have equipped themselves creating teams to formulate diagnoses and start the treatment of autism. Unfortunately It is a leopard spot phenomenonwith some areas of the southern tail light. The good news, however, is that we are not stopped. Luckily theHigher Institute of Health (ISS) He is carrying out an important job to train operators of all the ASLs of Italy. But The future of people with autistic spectrum depends not only on early diagnosis and appropriate therapiesbut also from what the company manages to be increasingly inclusive. However, we must first understand their “different intelligence” to include them respectful. To recognize the other person we must first of all try to understand his peculiar way of perceiving, to be in the world “, concludes Professor Valeri.
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