Autism is quickly increasing in society, with more people being diagnosed than ever before. It impacts the social interaction and communication of individuals, making them feel left out. According to the CDC, around 1 in 36 children in the US are diagnosed with autism. Despite this huge population, autism wasn't always accepted. Gladly, the emergence of neurodiversity is changing how everyone perceives neurological conditions like autism.
Keep reading to learn more about autism and neurodiversity and the top trends in autism treatment.
Neurodiversity and Autism
Typically, neurodiversity is a beautiful concept that involves understanding the human brain's function and considering the diversity of sensory abilities, motor skills, and social comfort.
To put it simply, neurodiversity tells us that there are natural variations in how the human brain works. If you are neurodivergent, your brain functions differently from that of other neurotypical people.
It generally refers to the diversity of all brain conditions but is often used in the context of autism spectrum disorder. This concept first came in the 1990s in neurodivergent-led online spaces and focused on creating a healthy society where there's no discrimination based on differences in brain functionality.
Just like biodiversity led to the foundation of an inclusive physical environment, neurodiversity results in the formation of a sustainable cognitive environment. It gives autistic people a chance to celebrate themselves for who they are and how they exist. They can do things, whether it's dancing, cooking, or simply living, without getting any judgment or weird expressions.
Top Trends in Autism
Now that you are aware of neurodiversity and its connection with autism, let's look at the top trends in autism treatment that you should be aware of:
Early Intervention Program
One of the common trends that is seeing traction in Autism is early detection and intervention. Research shows that pinpointing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as quickly as possible can improve the developmental outcomes of autistic people.
Therefore, you should keep an eye on symptoms such as:
Kids not responding to their names
Limited or repetitive patterns of behavior
Poor eye contact, as well as a lack of facial expressions
Get anxious in social situations
Hard to comprehend what others are thinking or feeling
Find it difficult to make friends and many more
Once you identify any or all such signs in a kid or adult, opting for targeted intervention programs is mandatory. They will resolve ASD challenges like sensory overload, poor social intervention, and other behavioral issues so people can lead a better quality of life.
Some common programs in this regard include Social Skills Training, Behavioural Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Occupational Therapy.
Rise of Technology in ASD
Another trend that's seeing much hype in autism is the usage of technology to detect and treat ASD.
For instance, you may use augmented or virtual reality apps and software to depict natural human interaction. This will significantly lower the social anxiety in autistic people and also develop and polish their learning skills.
In addition, autistic kids and adults can both play games with specific rewards at the end. You can also encourage them to play maths skill games to increase their learning capabilities and make them more confident.
If you have an autistic family member or kid who's struggling to communicate or speak, you can rely on augmentative and alternative communication apps. Popular names include Otsimo, Touch and Learn, and Proloquo2Go, which improve the emotions of the affected and also equip them with a huge variety of vocabulary.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Nowadays, everyone demands personalization, especially when it comes to treating ASD. Why? Well, no two brains are created equal, which means what works for one person may not work for the other.
Therefore, professionals now spend more time creating personalized treatment plans, taking into account the needs, strengths, and challenges of the autistic.
They carefully analyze the sensory activities, communication styles, and cognitive abilities to develop therapies that truly support an individual's growth. This not only results in better treatment but also improves the overall results and satisfaction.
CRISPR-Cas9 Technology and Genetic Research
Another unique trend in autism treatment is advancements in genetic research to understand and treat the genomes responsible for causing this neurodiversity. CRISPR-Cas9, also known as Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, is a gene editing tool that helps with this.
It enables scientists to explore the genomes that carry variations (autism characteristics). They can then use this biological tool to further create animal models that truly mimic the Autism Spectrum Disorder and take effective steps to prevent it. So how does all this happen? The process of using CRISPR-Cas9 technology to treat autism is simple:
A guided RNA targets a specific location where genetic variations associated with autism exist.
The Cas9 enzyme then acts like molecular scissors, cutting the DNA at the target site.
Scientists can then either disable a problematic gene or correct mutations.
For instance, researchers have used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to edit a specific receptor called mGluR5 in the brains of mice having Fragile X Syndrome, a genetic condition linked to autism.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): Improving Communication Skills
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is also being used to help people with autism or neurodiversity. It's a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate particular regions of the brain and treat mental conditions like autism and depression.
In this, a coil is placed on the head of the autistic person, and a stimulator sends magnetic pulses through the coil. It creates an electric current that activates or awakens different brain regions.
This technique improves the language and social communication skills of autistic children. They find it easy to express their emotions and communicate with others, blending into the community.
Holistic Approach to Therapy
Holistic approaches to therapy are also becoming popular in easing ASD. These methods integrate behavioral, sensory, nutritional, and emotional support to create a well-rounded treatment plan. Individuals can participate in music therapy, art therapy, and animal-assisted therapy to express themselves and develop important skills.
ABA Therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis is an effective intervention for ASD that is adaptable and enhances the quality of life of autistic persons. It aims to increase positive behavior and reduce negative behavior.
The main concept is quite interesting: whenever your child or anyone having autism does a good thing, you appreciate it by giving them rewards. This increases the likelihood of positive behavior or actions happening again.
On the other hand, you have to ignore and discourage the negative behaviour so it's less likely to happen again. While some people criticize the rigid or inflexible approach of ABA therapy, it has proven results in improving the social skills, communication, and daily life skills of autistics.
When to Take Medications?
If you have tried all the non-invasive therapies and approaches and the ASD is still not getting better, it's time you have to take medications. Here are some scenarios where shifting to medicines becomes essential to treat autism:
Your child's autism symptoms are negatively impacting their ability to indulge in meaningful activities, whether at home or at school.
They are becoming highly aggressive and also cause self-injuries.
Their mental health is disturbed due to the lack of emotions and learning challenges.
For instance, Nirsevimab is a unique drug that has appeared as a ray of hope for people suffering from autism and their families. Its mechanism of action revolves around modulating neurotransmitters in the brand. It interacts with a specific protein in your brand and influences gene expression and cell division in brain cells, ultimately lowering autism symptoms.
Nonetheless, it's important to consult a professional doctor to get the right medication instead of experimenting at home. Keep track of your loved one's progress over time to see if the drug is effective or not.
Note: Medications do not always directly treat Autism Spectrum Disorder; however, they can reduce the symptoms associated with this condition so people can enjoy their life just as others.
FAQs
What are the most successful treatments for autism?
The most successful treatments for autism available today include applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy, physical therapy, and pharmacological therapy.
How do we reduce self-talk in autistic kids?
To reduce self-talk in autistic kids, you've to engage them with different toys and activities such as Lego, puzzles, painting, homework, and some family games.
Is autism genetic?
Yes, autism is highly genetic. It is estimated that at least 50% of risk comes from common genetic variations passed down in families, while another 15% to 20% is due to spontaneous mutations and inheritance patterns.
Conclusion
The relationship between neurodiversity and autism implies that autism isn't something to be “fixed” but to be “accepted and embraced.” If your kid or any loved one is going through a challenging time mentally, you don't have to navigate it alone, as we at Peace of Serenity Psychiatry stand with you in every such situation. We can handle mild to severe ASD cases and offer comprehensive solutions that result in lasting positive change.
Contact us today to book online or in-person psychiatry services and take a step toward a better future for your loved ones!
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