5 Autism Facts You Probably Didn’t Know
Facts concerning autism that you may not be aware of emerging and are studied regularly. Anyone who has an ASD (autism spectrum disorder) diagnosed child or family member, or who teaches children with ASD, will find this information extremely useful. Autism affects one out of every 68 children, according to Autism Speaks. As a result, everyone benefits from learning more about this illness.
1. Folic Acid Is Required During Pregnancy to Prevent Autism
Women who are trying to conceive for the first time, or who already have a child with ASD, will be relieved to learn of one measure that may assist to prevent their child from developing autism.
According to a National Center for Biotechnology Research, periconceptual folic acid usage during pregnancy may lessen the risk of ASD in children born to women with low folate absorption. The findings, which are the outcome of a study conducted by the UC Davis MIND Institute, are consistent with earlier research.
According to Rebecca J. Schmidt, the lead author, they show that taking folic acid in the months before getting pregnant and during the first trimester of pregnancy leads to better neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Folic acid dose, brand, and frequency of administration during the three months preceding pregnancy
Consumption of additional vitamins, supplements, and breakfast cereal
The findings revealed that they had consumed less folic acid than mothers of usually developing children.
It’s reassuring to know that if you’re thinking about establishing a family, maintaining your folic acid intake is 0.6 milligrams throughout the first month of pregnancy will benefit your child’s developmental health. It is critical to take all steps that can help prevent ASD.
2. Autism Symptoms Improve With Age
This information gives parents and loved ones of children and adults with ASD hope and confidence, yet it is one of the fewer recognized facts about autism.
The studies were drawn from service organizations, schools, and clinics.
Changes in symptoms and behavior were investigated through interviews.
According to Paul T. Shattuck, an assistant professor of social work at Washington University in St. Louis who worked on a related study, the percentage of those who improved was always greater than those who worsened, and any significant symptom change was towards improvement, though there was a middle group who showed no change.
In a Study, Those who were identified with ASD at a young age are now functioning on par with their mainstream counterparts.
Language, face recognition, communication, and social interaction impairments that children with ASD typically confront were no longer evident, and the verbal IQs of children with high functioning autism were somewhat lower than those of the optimal outcome group.
Although the number of ASD youngsters who may lose their diagnosis as they grow older is unknown. It does suggest that their development can improve positively even in a typical classroom setting. This is encouraging news for parents and families with children who do not get special education.
3. ASD Children’s Elopement Behavior Is a Significant Stressor
One of the most concerning behaviors mentioned by parents and families of ASD-diagnosed children is elopement behavior, which is defined as a dependent person’s habit of leaving a safe place overseen by a responsible person, potentially putting himself in danger. When their children walked off, parents were previously branded as poor and negligent. This diminishes their trust.
The large number of anecdotes related by caregivers who care for autistic children prompted a study on the proclivity of these children to elope. The findings indicate that it is yet another indication of autism.
The figures on the level of stress endured by eloping families are startling:
43 percent said it made it difficult for family members to sleep.
62 percent said it prevented them from participating in outdoor activities.
It was one of their autistic child’s most traumatic actions, according to 56% of parents.
Half of those polled said they didn’t know how to avoid or deal with elopement.
Interventions to assist families with ASD children must be designed and implemented. This should involve training for the community of caregivers and educators that are in charge of the child. As a result, the report’s findings provide positive assistance to parents who are constantly concerned that their child may elope and endanger himself.
4. Brain Responses Improve With Early Intervention
You’re probably aware that behavioral therapy can help children with ASD improve their cognitive and verbal skills. However, you may not have heard that these therapies can alter the biological elements in the brain that underlie autism.
An early behavioral intervention can be used to modify brain function. It is suggested that children be evaluated for autism twice throughout their first two years of life. If they are diagnosed with ASD, they should begin therapy right away.
5. When peers are taught how to interact with one another, their social skills improve.
According to one study, children with ASD improve more when their classmates are taught the best ways to interact with them. This knowledge is reassuring to any parent who is concerned about his or her autistic child being distressed in the school or missing pals on the playground.
the group in which peers learned how to communicate with ASD children and demonstrated improved social skills both in the classroom and on the playground
This technique benefits both typical and ASD-diagnosed children since it teaches them social behavior skills, cooperation, and tolerance.
Facts Inspire Hope
Awareness of advancements in autism research fosters hope for people dealing with the stress of living with an ASD family member. Trials are conducted to discover causes, methods of diagnosis, and therapies. It is critical to stay current on developments that may benefit you or someone close to you whose life has been impacted by autism.
