What is autism?

What is autism?

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by difficulties in social skills, repetitive behavior, speech, and non-verbal communication.

Autism: How is the world perceived?

All people are different, and we all perceive ourselves and the surrounding environment slightly differently. Differences in the perception of the world can often lead to misunderstandings and can make it challenging to form relationships with others.

Autism is sometimes divided into different forms, including:

  • Early Childhood Autism
  • Early Childhood Autism
  • High-Functioning Autism
  • Atypical Autism

Today, science is beginning to view autism as a spectrum, encompassing all forms of autism, as the distinctions aren't always clear in practice. This term also reflects that while individuals with autism share common traits, the expression of these characteristics can vary from person to person.

Autism is not always easily noticeable, so it's important to diagnose it in a timely manner. Treatment in Treatment in Switzerland specializes in monitoring and treating behavioral disorders in children.

Origin

The exact cause of most cases of Autism Spectrum Disorder remains unknown, but genetics may play a significant role. For parents of a child with ASD, the risk of having another child with ASD is 50-100 times higher.

There is compelling evidence that vaccines do not cause autism, and the initial research suggesting this link was terminated because its author falsified the data.

Differences in the structure and function of the brain appear to underlie the etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Some children with ASD have enlarged brain ventricles, while others have hypoplasia of the cerebellar vermis, and some show differences in the structure of the hippocampus.

Types of Autism

Early Childhood Autism

Characteristics of early childhood autism become evident before the age of three, particularly in three areas:

  • social interactions with other people
  • communication,
  • and stereotyped behavior

Asperger's Syndrome

Asperger's Syndrome differs from other Autism Spectrum Disorders primarily in that there is often no delay in development or delay in speech or cognitive development. Most people with Asperger's have a normal overall level of intelligence, particularly high in some areas, but may display deviations in motor development and social interaction.

Atypical Autism

Children with atypical autism exhibit autistic behavior only after the age of three (atypical onset) and/or do not display all the symptoms (atypical symptoms).

"If atypical autism occurs in conjunction with significant intellectual disability, it is sometimes called 'intellectual disability with autistic features.' Recent research, however, suggests that the assumption of intellectual disability in individuals with autism is distorted by the Wechsler IQ test, and autistic individuals score 30 points higher on the Raven's Progressive Matrices test, indicating a different type of intelligence rather than reduced intelligence."

Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorders

As of today, there is no medical cure for Autism Spectrum Disorders. However, there are various therapy options aimed at improving cognitive and language skills, teaching social interaction and communication, and thereby making the lives of affected individuals easier in a social environment. Effective therapy methods, scientifically established today, are based on behavioral therapy and physical exercises in combination with psychoeducation for parents, caregivers, teachers, and those affected.

Therapy requires detailed observation and, of course, diagnosis. In particular, it is the therapist's observations of the interested party, combined with specialized knowledge, that ultimately determine the specific form of therapy or a combination of different forms.

It goes without saying that all therapists must work with parents to achieve success. Individual therapists should also regularly exchange experiences with each other.