Autism: causes, symptoms and therapy

Autism is a profound developmental disorder that usually occurs in early childhood and severely affects those affected in daily life. We show you the causes, symptoms and treatment options of autism.

Causes of autism

For a long time, the causes of autism were largely unknown and even today this area has not been fully researched.

• Certain genes and locations, i.e. sections of human DNA, can be the cause of autism. Due to the large variety of spectrum disorders, the number of genes and gene locations in question is also very high.
• Tests have already identified over 100 genes and over 40 gene locations that can cause autism. However, the real numbers are likely to be much higher.
• So far, other possible causes have generally not been confirmed or refuted. For example, systems of mirror neurons could be less functional in autistic people. Mirror neurons are nerve cells that are involved in looking at a process and performing it yourself.
• The connection between indigestion or high testosterone levels in the womb with autism has not yet been confirmed.
• Environmental influences could also cause autism. An increased amount of mercury is said to trigger autism in combination with a child with mercury hypersensitivity.

Symptoms of autism

Most autistic people show three types of symptoms, which, however, manifest themselves differently and can be different.

• Autistic people often have problems communicating. It is often not possible for them to learn a language and to reproduce it in a varied and melodic way. In addition, the use of body language and gestures is often lacking. With a certain form of autism, the Asperger syndrome, however, the opposite is the case. People with this type of autism express themselves very selectively and have a large language repertoire.
• People with autism lack the ability to relate to other people, including their parents. They avoid eye contact and hardly return a laugh. Friendships are also often not possible, other people are mainly contacted for their own needs.
• A certain behavior is also symptomatic of autistic people. They usually have certain habits and things that they always carry with them. You often have unusual, strong interests.

Therapy for autism

Treatments for autism must be tailored to the symptoms of the person affected. But people in close proximity are also involved and learn how to deal properly with an autistic relative.

• The best method is behavior therapy. Social behavior and communication are improved, while aggressiveness and other disruptive factors such as stereotypes are removed.
• The best-known form of therapy is Applied Behavior Analysis, ABA for short, which is intended for early intervention. It examines which skills the child lacks and which are already available. Parents are involved and food and toys are used to enhance success.
• Another concept is TEACCH. This is suitable for both children and adults and is intended to help autistic people in everyday life. In this way, the learning and structuring of the day should be taught and internalized by those affected.