Why is drooling common in children with autism. How can excessive drooling be addressed in autistic children. What are the medical and therapeutic options for managing drooling in autism. How do speech and occupational therapy help with drooling control. What dietary changes can impact saliva production in autistic individuals. How does drooling affect social interactions for people with autism. What are the long-term consequences of untreated drooling in autism.

Understanding the Link Between Autism and Excessive Drooling

Drooling is a common issue faced by many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While typically developing children usually gain control over their swallowing and mouth muscles between 18 and 24 months of age, those with developmental disorders often experience prolonged and excessive drooling. This can be attributed to various factors related to autism, including delays in muscle control and sensory processing difficulties.

Excessive drooling in autism is often caused by a combination of factors:

• Low muscle tone in the mouth and face
• Reduced sensitivity around the lips and face
• Difficulty with swallowing
• Overproduction of saliva
• Neurological and attention deficits

These issues can persist into adulthood for some individuals with autism, making it crucial to address the problem early on.

The Impact of Excessive Drooling on Daily Life

Persistent drooling beyond infancy can have significant impacts on various aspects of an autistic individual’s life:

• Social stigma and potential isolation
• Hygiene concerns, especially in group settings like schools
• Skin irritation around the mouth and chin
• Increased risk of dehydration
• Potential for aspiration pneumonia if saliva is inhaled

Do these impacts affect all autistic individuals equally? The severity and consequences of drooling can vary greatly among individuals with autism. Some may experience minimal issues, while others may face significant challenges in their daily lives and social interactions.

Medical Evaluation and Treatment Options for Drooling in Autism

When addressing excessive drooling in children with autism, a comprehensive medical evaluation is essential. This typically involves:

1. Consultation with a pediatrician or pediatric ear-nose-throat specialist
2. Examination of tonsils, sinuses, and salivary glands
3. Assessment of medication side effects that may exacerbate drooling
4. Evaluation of aspiration risk

Based on the evaluation results, various treatment options may be considered:

• Oral motor therapy
• Behavioral interventions
• Medication to reduce saliva production
• In severe cases, surgical interventions

Can medication effectively control drooling in autistic individuals? While some medications can help reduce saliva production, they are typically considered only after other non-invasive interventions have been tried. The effectiveness and appropriateness of medication vary depending on the individual and should be carefully evaluated by a healthcare professional.

The Role of Speech and Occupational Therapy in Managing Drooling

Speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists play a crucial role in helping autistic children develop better control over their oral muscles and reduce drooling. These therapies focus on:

• Improving oral muscle tone
• Enhancing lip closure
• Developing proper swallowing techniques
• Increasing oral sensitivity

Therapists may use various techniques and exercises to achieve these goals:

1. Oral-motor exercises to strengthen muscles around the mouth
2. Practice with closed-lip speech sounds (e.g., “p,” “b,” “m”)
3. Tactile exercises to increase oral sensitivity
4. Chewing and swallowing practice

How long does it typically take to see improvements through therapy? The timeline for improvement can vary significantly depending on the individual’s specific challenges and the consistency of therapy. Some children may show noticeable progress within a few months, while others may require longer-term intervention.

Dietary Considerations and Their Impact on Drooling

Diet can play a role in managing excessive drooling in autistic individuals. Some dietary considerations include:

• Reducing acidic foods that may trigger excess saliva production
• Ensuring adequate hydration to maintain proper saliva consistency
• Incorporating foods that promote oral motor skills (e.g., crunchy vegetables)

It’s important to note that any significant dietary changes should be made under the guidance of a dietitian, especially for autistic children who may already have limited food preferences.

Are there specific foods that can help reduce drooling? While no foods directly reduce drooling, certain textures and consistencies can help promote better oral motor control. Crunchy foods like carrots or apples can encourage chewing and swallowing, potentially reducing drool. However, individual responses may vary, and safety should always be the primary concern.

Behavioral Strategies to Promote Drool Control

In addition to medical and therapeutic interventions, behavioral strategies can be effective in helping autistic individuals manage drooling. These may include:

• Positive reinforcement for dry chin and closed mouth
• Regular reminders to swallow
• Teaching self-awareness of drooling
• Implementing a reward system for drool control

Parents and caregivers can work with behavioral therapists to develop personalized strategies that suit the individual’s needs and capabilities.

How can parents effectively implement these strategies at home? Consistency is key when implementing behavioral strategies. Parents should work closely with therapists to learn proper techniques and integrate them into daily routines. Regular practice and positive reinforcement can help make these strategies more effective over time.

Assistive Devices and Tools for Managing Drooling

Various assistive devices and tools can help manage drooling in autistic individuals:

• Dental appliances to assist with lip closure
• Chin cups to catch drool
• Specially designed clothing to absorb excess saliva
• Discreet wristbands or necklaces that vibrate to remind the individual to swallow

These tools can be particularly helpful in social situations or school settings where drooling may be more noticeable or problematic.

Are there any innovative technologies being developed to address drooling in autism? Research is ongoing in this area, with some promising developments in smart wearable devices that can detect drooling and provide timely reminders to swallow. However, these technologies are still in the early stages and are not yet widely available.

Developing Good Posture and Positioning

Proper posture and positioning can significantly impact drooling control. Poor muscle control of the trunk, neck, and head can lead to a downward head tilt, causing saliva to pool at the front of the mouth. Occupational therapists can help by:

• Teaching proper trunk control exercises
• Demonstrating head support techniques
• Recommending seating adjustments to promote better posture
• Providing strategies for maintaining proper positioning during various activities

How does improved posture contribute to drool control? Better posture helps keep the head in a more upright position, which naturally encourages saliva to flow towards the back of the mouth for swallowing. This can significantly reduce visible drooling and promote more automatic swallowing.

Building Oral Muscle Strength and Control

Strengthening oral muscles is crucial for better drool control. Speech and occupational therapists use various exercises to help build muscle tone around the mouth, including:

• Practicing lip closure around objects like straws or spoons
• Pronouncing closed-lip speech sounds
• Blowing exercises to strengthen cheek muscles
• Tongue exercises to improve coordination and strength

These exercises are often presented in a playful manner to engage children and can be continued at home with parental support.

How frequently should oral muscle exercises be practiced? For optimal results, short practice sessions (5-10 minutes) should be conducted multiple times daily. Consistency is key, and incorporating these exercises into daily routines can help make them a habit.

Increasing Oral Sensitivity

Many autistic individuals with drooling issues may have reduced oral sensitivity. Therapists use various tactile exercises to help increase awareness in the lips, tongue, mouth, and chin. These may include:

• Blowing bubbles
• Making exaggerated facial expressions
• Using different textures and temperatures in the mouth
• Practicing awareness of dry versus wet sensations

Increased oral sensitivity can help individuals become more aware of when they are drooling, prompting them to swallow more frequently.

Can increased oral sensitivity lead to sensory issues in some autistic individuals? While increased oral sensitivity is generally beneficial for drool control, it’s important to approach these exercises gradually and be mindful of individual sensory preferences. Some autistic individuals may initially find certain textures or sensations uncomfortable, so therapists work to introduce new sensations slowly and in a supportive manner.

Mastering Proper Chewing and Swallowing Techniques

For many autistic children, excessive drooling during meals can be a particular challenge. Speech and occupational therapists can work on developing proper chewing and swallowing techniques through:

• Step-by-step breakdown of the chewing process
• Practice with various food textures
• Techniques to improve tongue movement during eating
• Strategies to ensure complete swallowing

These skills not only help reduce drooling but also improve overall eating habits and nutrition.

How can parents support the development of proper chewing and swallowing at home? Parents can reinforce these skills by modeling proper chewing and swallowing, providing verbal cues during meals, and offering praise for good technique. It’s also helpful to practice these skills when the child is slightly hungry but not overly so, as this can help maintain focus on the task.

Long-term Management and Monitoring of Drooling in Autism

Managing drooling in autism is often a long-term process that requires ongoing attention and adaptation. Key aspects of long-term management include:

• Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers
• Adjusting strategies as the individual grows and develops
• Monitoring for any health complications related to chronic drooling
• Addressing social and emotional impacts as the individual becomes more aware of the issue

It’s important to remember that progress may not always be linear, and setbacks can occur. Patience and persistence are crucial in managing this aspect of autism.

How often should drooling management strategies be reassessed? It’s generally recommended to reassess drooling management strategies every 6-12 months, or more frequently if there are significant changes in the individual’s condition or if current strategies are not effective. Regular communication between parents, therapists, and healthcare providers is essential for optimal management.

The Psychological Impact of Drooling on Autistic Individuals

As autistic individuals grow older, they may become increasingly aware of their drooling and its social implications. This awareness can lead to:

• Decreased self-esteem
• Social anxiety
• Reluctance to participate in social activities
• Frustration with ongoing drool management efforts

Addressing these psychological aspects is an important part of comprehensive drool management. Mental health professionals can work with autistic individuals to develop coping strategies and build self-confidence.

How can parents and caregivers support the emotional well-being of autistic individuals struggling with drooling? Open communication, empathy, and positive reinforcement are key. Encourage the individual to express their feelings about drooling and its impact on their life. Celebrate progress, no matter how small, and focus on the individual’s strengths and abilities beyond this particular challenge.

Integrating Drool Management into Daily Routines

Successfully managing drooling in autism often requires integrating various strategies and techniques into daily life. This may involve:

• Creating a schedule for oral motor exercises
• Incorporating reminders to swallow throughout the day
• Adapting meal routines to support proper chewing and swallowing
• Ensuring proper positioning during various activities

Consistency in applying these strategies across different settings (home, school, social situations) can lead to more significant improvements over time.

How can schools be involved in supporting drool management for autistic students? Collaboration between parents, therapists, and school staff is crucial. Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) can include accommodations for drool management, such as scheduled breaks for oral care, use of assistive devices, or support from school staff in implementing management strategies. Educating classmates about autism and drooling can also help create a more supportive environment.

Innovative Research and Future Directions in Autism and Drooling Management

As our understanding of autism and its associated challenges continues to grow, researchers are exploring new avenues for managing drooling. Some areas of ongoing research include:

• Neurofeedback techniques to improve oral motor control
• Advanced wearable technologies for drool detection and management
• Personalized treatment approaches based on genetic and neurological profiles
• Novel pharmaceutical interventions with fewer side effects

These emerging areas of research hold promise for more effective and targeted interventions in the future.

How can families stay informed about new developments in drooling management for autism? Staying connected with autism support organizations, attending conferences, and maintaining regular communication with healthcare providers can help families stay up-to-date on the latest research and treatment options. Many organizations also offer newsletters or online resources that provide information on recent advancements in autism care.

Managing drooling in autism requires a multifaceted approach that combines medical evaluation, therapeutic interventions, and consistent practice of management strategies. While it can be a challenging aspect of autism, with proper support and intervention, many individuals can achieve significant improvements in drool control, leading to enhanced quality of life and social interactions.

Autism and drooling: Why so common? What helps?

Our 3-year-old was recently diagnosed with autism. He has made progress and is now talking, requesting and labeling. But he drools all the time, and we have to wipe his face constantly. How can we help him not drool?

Today’s “Got Questions?” answer is by behavior analyst Kara Reagon, Autism Speaks associate director for dissemination science.

Editor’s note: The following information is not meant to diagnose or treat and should not take the place of personal consultation, as appropriate, with a qualified healthcare professional.

Everybody drools – at least to start. Typically developing infants start to gain control of their swallowing and mouth muscles between 18 and 24 months of age. But it’s common for children with developmental disorders to drool excessively and for longer than is typical with other children. This includes children with autism, many of whom have delays and difficulties with muscle control and sensitivity.

What causes excessive drooling?

Typically, drooling involves low muscle tone, a lack of sensitivity around the lips and face, difficulty swallowing and/or excessive production of saliva. A variety of neurological and attention deficits can contribute to these issues – as is often the case among children – and sometimes adults – who have autism.

You are right to be concerned. Drooling becomes socially stigmatizing when it continues beyond infancy. It’s also unhygienic – an important issue as your son enters group settings such as preschool.

That said, drooling in some situations – for instance, while sleeping – is generally harmless unless it’s so excessive that your child is inhaling saliva.

So let’s focus on your son’s tendency to drool during the day.

Evaluation and treatment options

First, it’s important to discuss your son’s drooling with his pediatrician or a pediatric ear-nose-throat specialist to address or rule out serious underlying medical conditions. This will likely involve an examination of his tonsils, sinuses, and salivary glands. Also, certain medications can worsen drooling – another issue to discuss with your son’s doctor. In addition, the doctor should evaluate whether your son’s drooling is resulting in his inhaling saliva into his lungs – putting him at risk for pneumonia.

Treatment options should be tailored to your son’s needs and may require further evaluation – for instance by a speech-language pathologist or occupational therapist experienced in oral-sensitivity and muscle tone issues.  

Speech and occupational therapists can help your son improve his oral muscle tone, lip closure and swallowing. In some cases, the therapist may suggest a dental appliance or chin cup to assist in lip closure, tongue positioning and swallowing.

It may also help to reduce the amount of acidic foods your son is eating – as they can trigger the production of excessive saliva. But it’s important to work with a dietician before introducing any significant change to your son’s diet – particularly if he’s already a picky eater.

The goals of therapy

Generally drooling can be addressed through occupational and/or speech therapy that focuses on the following:

1. Develop good posture and positioning
Sometimes, poor muscle control of the trunk, neck and head results in the head tilting downward. In this position, saliva tends to pool at the front of the mouth and spill from parted lips. The therapist can help you position your child in ways that encourage proper trunk control and head support.

2. Build oral muscle strength and control.
Therapists use a variety of playful oral-motor exercises to help children build muscle tone around the mouth. For instance, the therapist may have your son practice closing his lips around a straw, spoon or a piece of food and/or practice pronouncing closed-lip speech sounds such as “p,” “b” and “m.” The therapist will show you how to continue these exercises at home, with lots of encouragement in the form of praise and/or small rewards.

3. Increase oral sensitivity. Similarly, therapists have a variety of tactile exercises that can help your child develop sensitivity in the lips, tongue, mouth and chin. This includes building awareness of dryness versus wetness – so your child becomes aware when he’s drooling. Playful oral-sensitivity exercises can include blowing bubbles, making exaggerated sounds involving the lips such as “oooo,” “eeee” and “puh-puh-puh.” Again the therapist will give you guidance on how to practice these exercises at home.

4. Practice proper chewing and swallowing. Does your child drool excessively while eating? If so, you and the therapist can work with your child to master the steps of proper chewing and swallowing. It’s helpful to practice these exercises when your child is hungry enough to enjoy a snack but not ravenous. In general, the therapist will show you how to model, or exaggerate, appropriate chewing motions (closing the teeth and then the lips, etc. ) and encourage your child to do the same. It can help to give your son a hand-held mirror so he can watch himself perform these steps. As always, remember to encourage and praise, as in:

“That’s great. You’re chewing your cracker. Awesome, you swallowed the cracker! Good eating.”

5. Practice wiping with a napkin or handkerchief. While your child is learning to become aware of wetness on his face, it’s important to encourage the socially appropriate practice of wiping with a napkin or handkerchief. For mealtimes, I suggest teaching him the habit of “wipe, wipe, swallow” – wiping one side of the mouth and then the other before swallowing. Consider attaching the napkin to a wristband during meals to encourage this habit.

You mention that your son drools continuously. So you’ll also want to teach him the habit of wiping with a handkerchief when not at the dinner table. This includes helping him learn to keep a clean handkerchief handy in a pocket. Another option is have your son wear wrist sweatbands and encourage him to use them to wipe each side of his face regularly.

Both at the dinner table and away, you’ll want to cue your child – perhaps by properly wiping your own mouth – when you see him drooling.

6. Put it all together with rewards.
Be sure to create a reward system to reinforce each step your child takes with chewing, swallowing, wiping and most importantly keeping a clean, dry face. At age 3, you may want to keep this simple – with lots of praise and small rewards. But your son may be old enough to enjoy a token system that involves earning larger rewards such as a favorite activity with you.

One of my favorite resources is How to Stop Drooling, by speech-language pathologist Pam Marshalla. 

Got more questions for our behavioral and medical experts? Send them to GotQuestions@AutismSpeaks. org.

Is Excessive Drooling a Symptom of Autism?

In This Article: What Causes Excessive Drooling in Children? Signs of Autism in Older Babies and Toddlers Excessive Drooling Is a Sign of Other Birth Injuries What to Do if Your Child Is Drooling Excessively Excessive Drooling and Preventable Birth Injuries Discuss Your Concerns With a Birth Injury Lawyer

As the parent of a newborn, it’s normal to feel concerned if your child shows signs of abnormal behavior. Many parents express concern when their child experiences excessive drooling, even when their child enters the toddler phase. But is excessive drooling always a symptom of autism? 

While it can signify a neurological disorder, excessive drooling can also be a sign of other birth injuries. Our guide explains the common causes of extreme drooling in children and what to do if your child exhibits excessive saliva production.

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What Causes Excessive Drooling in Children?

Parents should keep in mind that drooling is normal for the first two years of a child’s life. Research from Healthline reports many causes of drooling, and infants do not develop control of swallowing and mouth muscles until they are 18 to 24 months old. It’s also common for infants to drool while they are going through the teething process.

While excessive drooling can be a sign of autism, it is much more recognizable in older children. Excessive drooling in infants and toddlers can stem from a variety of causes, including:

• Eating a diet high in acidic content, causing excessive saliva production
• Low muscle tone or structural issues
• Difficulty or unwillingness to swallow saliva
• Neurological disorders or birth injuries that produce excess saliva
• Allergies and above-the-neck infections (such as strep throat or tonsil infections)

Excessive Drooling and Autism

For children with autism, sensory input, neurological concerns, and attention deficits lead to excessive drooling. Neurotypical children learn to seal their mouth and swallow between one and a half and two years old, but developmentally delayed children do not.

Children with autism may drool because they lack sensory nerves around the mouth and lips. In other cases, poor muscle control around the neck causes the child to tilt downward, creating a pool of saliva.

Not only is excessive drooling unsightly, but it is also unhygienic. The good news is that with the right autism therapy, you can reduce drooling in your child. Developmental therapists help children with autism strengthen their oral muscles and adapt better posture to prevent excessive drooling.

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Signs of Autism in Older Babies and Toddlers

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most common developmental diagnoses in America. Statistics on autism spectrum disorder from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that one in 54 children receive an ASD diagnosis.  

While excessive drooling can be a symptom of ASD, there are usually other indications a child has a developmental disorder. In older babies and toddlers, this may include:

• Avoiding eye contact
• Seeming not to care about watching people
• Failing to respond to their name
• Repetitive motions (such as arm flapping)
• Unusual play habits (like sorting and lining up their toys)
• Missing developmental milestones

If you have concerns about your child’s development and wonder if it could be due to ASD, speak to a trusted pediatrician. You can request a screening to determine if your child is behind in meeting developmental milestones.

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Excessive Drooling Is a Sign of Other Birth Injuries

While excessive drooling is a sign of autism, drooling in young babies can signify another cause. Generally, autism symptoms do not begin until a baby is at least one year old.

In most cases, excessive drooling is the result of teething. However, brain damage due to birth injuries can increase saliva production and cause abnormal drooling in young children.

Cerebral Palsy

Brain damage during pregnancy, delivery, or shortly after birth can lead to cerebral palsy symptoms in your child. Due to the area of the brain involved, cerebral palsy often affects muscle control and coordination. This includes oral and throat muscles, making it difficult to close the mouth and swallow excess saliva.

Facial Palsies

Facial palsies, such as Bell’s palsy, occur because of nerve damage on one side of the face. Babies with this condition will likely have one side of the face that droops. As a result, they might not have the ability to move the affected side of the face, leading to excessive drooling.

Neonatal Stroke

A stroke or hemorrhage shortly before or after birth can lead to paralyzed muscles, impaired muscle control, or a lack of muscle coordination. If the child suffered injuries in areas of the brain that control the mouth and throat muscles, it may make it difficult to swallow saliva.

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What to Do if Your Child Is Drooling Excessively

If your child excessively drools, discuss your concerns with your primary care doctor or a pediatric ear-nose-throat specialist. The medical professional can examine your child’s tonsils and salivary glands to determine they are playing a role in saliva production. They will also review your child’s medications, as some prescription drugs can cause excessive drooling.

If everything looks normal, your doctor may administer neurological tests to detect if a birth injury is causing the excessive drooling. The tests will look for brain trauma and cognitive impairments that may be contributing to developmental delays.

If the tests reveal your child has autism, you can work with medical professionals and therapists to teach your child how to stop drooling and enforce proper chewing and swallowing techniques. If your child is drooling due to a birth injury, you can seek the assistance of a qualified birth injury lawyer and file a claim against the at-fault party.

Excessive Drooling and Preventable Birth Injuries

In some cases, your child’s condition may stem from a birth injury. For example, your doctor may have committed an act of medical negligence during the pregnancy or delivery that caused this condition.

If you or your birth injury attorney can prove that your child’s condition occurred because of medical malpractice, you may be able to hold the doctor or medical facility responsible. You could recover compensation to help pay for your child’s care, treatment, and pain and suffering.

Discuss Your Concerns With a Birth Injury Lawyer

If your child sustained traumatic injuries during pregnancy or delivery, your family deserves justice. When you call skilled attorneys at the Birth Injury Lawyers Group, you can receive a free case review and consultation. We will discuss your child’s diagnosis and determine if the birth injury resulted from medical malpractice. Contact us now to get started.

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What are the symptoms of autism?

The features of autism are very broad and affect a wide variety of disorders. However, they may vary from child to child. There are 9 groups of main symptoms.

• Speech disorder. Children with autism often start talking much later than their peers. And when they start, they have an extremely small vocabulary (up to 15 words by the age of 2). This does not mean that they have a bad memory, and they are not able to memorize new words. They just rarely use them in speech. Children with ASD often refer to themselves in the 3rd person.
• Motility disorders. Children with ASD often have problems with the development of motor skills: poor coordination, walking on tiptoe, inability to ride a bicycle, amazing balance and at the same time phenomenal clumsiness, increased salivation due to poor muscle tone.
• Problems in socialization. Children with autism experience communication problems. It is difficult to establish eye contact with them – they avoid looking into the eyes of the interlocutor. Often they ignore the speaker as if they were blind or deaf. Being in society, children with autism experience discomfort and anxiety. They do not have abstract thinking, so reading other people’s emotions, jokes, sarcasm, phrases in a figurative sense may be incomprehensible to them. This also prevents them from communicating with people.
• Hypersensitivity. Children with ASD are overly sensitive to loud noises, bright lights, touch, smells, etc. Therefore, in a new place or situation, they are usually uncomfortable and scared. The more various stimuli around, the more likely that the child will not cope with such a load and lose control. Hypersensitivity is also related to the fact that children with autism do not like to be touched, hugged, picked up. Often they cannot stand loud noises, including music. Pungent odors (household chemicals, for example) can also become an irritant. A child can be very attached to everything familiar and have a hard time accepting changes. This can even manifest itself in the fact that he wears the same clothes, eats the same foods (from a very limited list), etc.
• Attacks of aggression. It is difficult for children with ASD to control their emotions, so a strong upset, failure can cause them to have an outburst of anger, provoke a tantrum. At the same time, aggression in children with autism can be directed at others or at themselves. For example, a child may bite or scratch himself, pull out his hair, or bang his head hard on a hard surface.
• Poor interest in toys. Due to poorly developed abstract thinking, children with ASD are not capable of imaginary actions (to stir non-existent tea in a cup with an imaginary spoon, etc.). Such children also do not know how to play with toys, so they often use them outside the box: they can turn the wheels of the typewriter for hours instead of rolling it on the floor. It often happens that children with autism get used to one toy and refuse to play with others. They are very interested in household items with moving elements: a fan with its rotating blades, a washing machine. They can “stick” their eyes to such everyday objects for a long time and not pay attention to any external stimuli.
• Stereotypical behavior, fear of change. Autistic children often perform the same actions for a long time: repeating the same word, running in circles, swaying from side to side, spinning, etc. Rituals and routines are extremely important to them. If it is violated, they fall into panic, aggression.
• Sleep disturbance. Many children with ASD suffer from sleep disorders: they often wake up at night, confusing night and day.
• Violation of the sense of danger. Sometimes children with ASD act as if they have no self-preservation instinct. If they are interested in something, they will not pay attention to the fact that they may be in a life-threatening situation. There is also a reverse situation, when children with autism are excessively anxious and fearful.

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What is autism and where does it come from. Let’s explain in simple words – The secret of the company

Autism is called a whole group of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) – this is how the disease is usually called in medical sources.

Simply put, , autism, or ASD, is when a person has difficulty communicating with other people. And he has a peculiar perception of the world and atypical behavior. For example, he is fixated on a topic or repeats the same actions too often.

Autism is quite common. Every 160 newborns in the world have ASD. At the same time, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the country in 2021 every 44 babies were born with autism.

Where does autism come from

There is no one common cause of ASD. Experts agree that the disorder can be caused by the action of adverse genetic, environmental and psychological factors.

One of the most common causes is heredity. So, according to research, in a child with autism, on average, 5% of relatives have the same disorder. Therefore, to track the entire chain of hereditary causes, experts take into account the microsymptoms of ASD in each parent.

Complications of pregnancy in the mother can also be the cause of ASD in a child. In particular, these are viral diseases or complex toxicosis, leading to a lack of oxygen in the fetus and brain damage. Or even a special kind of diabetes.

Symptoms of autism in children

ASD manifests itself in different ways. It can be difficult for a non-specialist to identify commonalities in patients diagnosed with autism.

Some experts believe that the first manifestations of autism can already be seen in infants, but there is no consensus on this issue. After a year, the symptoms appear brighter, and by the age of two or three, the disorder can already be diagnosed.

Symptoms may improve with age and sometimes disappear completely, but in most cases they persist throughout life.

Specialists identify a triad of symptoms of autism in children:

1. Violations in the sphere of social interaction . The child seems to be tuned “to his own wave”, does not show interest in other children, refuses general games and entertainment. It is difficult to interest him, he does not repeat the actions, movements and sounds of an adult. He also:

• does not notice when parents leave or return;
• gets frustrated when an adult tries to join the game;
• sits alone in the crib and makes loud, monotonous cries;
• does not smile in response to a smile;
• does not respond to the name;
• resists hugs and kisses, does not go to the hands even to parents.

2. Communication disorders . Children with autism tend to learn to speak later than their peers and often do not use gestures. To state what they want, they can use the adult’s hand as a tool by bringing it to the subject. In cases where speech appears, do not use words to communicate. Worse than peers understand the speech addressed to them and fulfill requests. Also such children:

• avoid eye contact;
• repeat words not addressed to anyone.

3. Conduct disorders . They are manifested in the originality, limitations and stereotyping of interests and activities. For example, a child:

• shows an unusual interest in household items (air conditioner, remote control, etc.), can freeze for a long time and look at them;
• spins around its own axis;
• brings objects very close to face and rotates;
• does not play with toys as usual, but, for example, is interested in only one part, spins the wheel of a car, the blade of a helicopter, etc. ;
• often swings his arms many times;
• line up toys;
• plays with fingers in front of his eyes;
• tries to eat inedible objects – bed linen, curtains;
• sways from side to side for a long time while sitting in place;
• clicks the switch for a long time, turning the light on and off.

In addition to this triad, there are other additional signs of autism.

Impaired motor skills

• walks on tiptoe;
• estimation of the distance to the object is broken, this leads to awkwardness;
• poor coordination, difficulty learning to climb stairs;
• cannot ride a bicycle;
• cannot grasp and hold small objects;
• amazing ability to maintain balance with general clumsiness;
• problems with the regulation of the tone of the muscles of the mouth, salivation.

Heightened sensitivity

• can hardly tolerate a number of stimuli acceptable to peers: noise, music, smells, touch, light, etc. Because of this, it is difficult for the child to be in an unusual environment;
• among autistic children there are children who do not feel pain at all or with reduced sensitivity to it. It happens, and vice versa, increased sensitivity to pain;
• does not accept new things: balloons, cake candles, etc.;
• resists washing, undressing, combing, cutting, seat belts;
• may not react at all to loud sounds, but turn around or flinch when they hear a faint sound.

Self harm

• pulls out his hair in tufts;
• knocks head against a hard surface;
• bites and scratches himself, peels off the skin.

This behavior is usually caused by curiosity or decreased sensitivity to pain. The harm can be serious.

Violation of the sense of danger

• lack of self-preservation instinct;
• does not recognize dangerous situations;
• ignores his own negative experience, seeks danger again and again, breaking the rules.

Eating disorders

• excessive sensitivity to the taste of food, agrees to eat only a certain set of foods;
• regular or frequent diarrhea or constipation.

Sleep disorders

• confuses day with night;
• short periods of sleep, waking frequently during the night;
• difficult to put to sleep.

Symptoms of autism in adults

They are also divided into different groups.

Emotions and behavior

Emotional and behavioral symptoms in adults with autism are similar to those of children. This may be repetitive behavior, an unusually strong reaction or lack thereof to sensory stimuli (touch, sound, light, smells). In addition, adults with ASD may have a stronger emotional response to disappointments or a change of scenery.

Communication

Adult patients with ASD may have speech problems: it can be harsh, robotic, and it is difficult for such patients to change their tone of voice (for example, lower their voice if necessary). Speech in a person with autism can be repetitive, built using the same phrases. At the same time, the vocabulary is increased in those areas in which the patient is interested. He is hyper-focused on one area, he wants to constantly talk about it with others.

Adults with autism may not understand other people’s cues, such as gestures, facial expressions, or body language. They also avoid or don’t feel the need to make eye contact with their opponent. At the same time, a person with ASD is not always closed, he can love communication.

There is an opinion that people with autism lack empathy. But, according to a number of studies, patients with ASD have empathy, they just need to learn how to “turn it on”.

Movement coordination

Some adults with autism, like children, are clumsy and find it difficult to perform simple tasks such as walking or tying their shoelaces. This symptom is not taken into account in the diagnosis, since it is not always present.

There are a number of features of people with ASD that can be regarded as positive: this is an amazing concentration, attention to detail, the ability to do one thing for a long time and scrupulously.

Classification of autism

Autism in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is located in a separate group of general disorders of psychological development and has the code F84

Specialists divide patients with ASD into two groups: high-functioning and low-functioning. At one end of this scale are people with severe disabilities who require comprehensive care, at the other end are patients who have a chance of independent living in the future. The place on this segment is determined by the doctor.

However, this division has caused criticism of the environment of people with ASD. They pointed out that non-verbal patients are low-functioning on this scale, but their thinking and ability to communicate are all right.

Therefore, autism is often divided not into clinical forms, but according to the degree of need for support – from full and constant support of a person or partial guardianship to complete independence.

Does acquired autism happen?

It happens that a child develops normally, and then loses some skills, stops talking and is not interested in others. After that, a number of specialists diagnose “acquired autism”. The causes are usually cited as DTP vaccinations, severe stress, head injuries, and serious illnesses.

However, there is no official confirmation of the theory of acquired autism. Experts believe that autism is most likely a hereditary rather than an acquired disorder. In their opinion, diseases, injuries and vaccinations can become a trigger, after which the disease begins to progress.

The horror story about vaccinations did not come about by chance. Rumors that autism may be due to vaccination began to disperse after an article published in the respected medical journal The Lancet in 1998 year. The author of the material, Andrew Wakefield, assured that the weakened measles virus from the vaccine causes inflammation in the intestines, after which autism occurs. He called for abandoning the complex vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella in favor of single vaccines.

At the same time, Wakefield patented his own measles vaccine a year before the article was published. The doctor was caught lying, his material was withdrawn from the magazine, and the man himself was deprived of the right to practice medicine.

The story caused a wide resonance among scientists and physicians. Studies have shown that the prevalence of autism among vaccinated and unvaccinated children was the same.

How autism is diagnosed

There are no instrumental methods or tests that can diagnose ASD with 100% probability. The child needs professional supervision. It may include games, conversations, parental surveys about the behavior of the child at home, about developmental features.

In Russia, the diagnosis is made by a psychiatrist. Allied professionals – pediatricians, neurologists, neuropsychologists and psychologists – can draw the attention of relatives to disturbing symptoms and recommend a doctor’s consultation.

If parents are concerned about their child’s behavioral anomalies, they can take the M-CHAT-R, a special autism test for young children. It is intended for children aged 16-30 months. The test contains 20 closed-type questions (answers “yes” or “no” are implied), at the end points are calculated, and in accordance with the resulting number, the degree of risk is determined.

Is it possible to cure autism

There is no drug therapy for ASD. Medications only help to deal with comorbid disorders: reduce the severity of behavioral problems (for example, hyperactivity or irritability), eliminate sleep disorders, gastrointestinal tract and neurological disorders.

The main therapy is education. For each child with ASD, this process will be individual. Some people need very intensive help to master the skills of speech and behavior in society, and someone can learn complex things on their own, needing only a little support.

Autism Facts

• Patients with ASD can have children. There is a chance that babies will be born without autism. If only one parent has ASD, then the chances are 50/50, if both have it, then about 25%.

• April 2 is World Autism Day. Every year, since 2008, campaigns, educational and other events dedicated to the problem of autism have been held around the world.

• In solidarity with people with autism and their loved ones, to draw public attention to the problems of ASD in the world, the Autism Speaks Foundation annually hosts the Light It Up Blue campaign. Blue is the official color of the organization. In countries participating in the action, buildings are illuminated with blue spotlights. In the Russian Federation, the action has been held since 2013. (autizm-1603608437.html)

• “Remarkable progress has been made in raising awareness and acceptance of autism in recent years, thanks in part to the many outstanding autism advocates who work tirelessly to bring the autism experience to the general public,” the UN website says.