Autism

What Causes Autism?

 

The exact cause of autism is unknown. However, autism is caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. 

 

According to the National Center for Health Research possible causes of autism include pesticides, heavy metals, premature birth, and older fathers. If a family member has autism there is also a higher correlation. The prevalence of autism is higher in geographical areas such as California, Texas, North  Carolina, and Utah. Prenatal exposure to rubella, pregnancies spaced less than a year apart, if the mother took antidepressants during pregnancy, and mothers with arthritis and celiac disease are also thought to be possible causes. It should also be noted autism is less common in developing worlds.

 

What are the “Red Flags” of Autism?

• Poor or fleeting eye contact

• Self-stimulatory behaviors (hand flapping, rocking, oral seeking)

• Perseveration on activities of choice

• Lack of joint attention

• Not responding to their name

• Poor imitation skills

• Difficulty with imaginative play

• Display less emotions

• Poor emotional regulation skills

• Difficulty with social interactions

• Poor understanding of  body language, vocal tone, and other non-verbal social cues.

• Egocentric

• Difficulty with changes in routine

• Prefers solitude and to play alone

• Sensitivity to noises, smells, and tastes

• Repetition of words (echolalia)

• Difficulty transitioning

• Need for routine and “sameness”

• Gestalt Language Processing

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What is Gestalt Language Processing?

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Gestalt Language Processing is a way that some individuals, particularly children with autism or language delays, acquire and use language. Instead of learning language through single words and building up sentences gradually (the "analytic" approach), gestalt language processors learn and use chunks or phrases of language as whole units.

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Key features include:

1. Echolalia: Many gestalt language processors may initially repeat phrases they've heard from others, media, or songs, often without understanding their full meaning. This can be immediate or delayed.

2. Scripting: They may use memorized phrases or scripts in specific contexts, which can help them communicate or express themselves.

3. Gradual Deconstruction: Over time, these children may start to break down these chunks into smaller parts, gradually creating original sentences and using language more flexibly.

4. Contextual Learning: Language is often learned in context, making it important to provide meaningful and varied interactions to help them expand their language use.

 

Understanding gestalt language processing can help caregivers and educators provide the right support to facilitate language development in these individuals.

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What is the Treatment for Autism?

 

Although  there is no cure for autism, early intervention is critical. Treatment  focuses on the core deficits of children with autism and targets initiating spontaneous communication in functional activities, engaging in reciprocal communication interactions, and generalizing skills to home and community environments.