آٹزم، یا آٹزم سپیکٹرم ڈس آرڈر، ایک پیچیدہ ترقیاتی حالت ہے جو اس بات پر اثر انداز ہوتی ہے کہ ایک شخص کس طرح بات چیت کرتا ہے، دوسروں سے کیسے تعلق رکھتا ہے، اور اپنے آس پاس کی دنیا کا تجربہ کرتا ہے۔ یہ عام طور پر ابتدائی بچپن میں ظاہر ہوتا ہے اور اس کی خصوصیات سماجی تعامل، مواصلات کی مشکلات، اور محدود یا دہرائے جانے والے رویوں اور دلچسپیوں کے ساتھ چیلنجوں سے ہوتی ہے۔ آٹزم ایک سپیکٹرم ڈس آرڈر ہے، یعنی یہ ہر فرد کو مختلف طریقے سے اور شدت کی مختلف سطحوں کے ساتھ متاثر کرتا ہے۔ آٹزم کے شکار کچھ افراد کو اپنی روزمرہ کی زندگیوں میں اہم مدد کی ضرورت ہوتی ہے، جب کہ دیگر آزادانہ طور پر رہتے ہیں اور کچھ شعبوں جیسے ریاضی، موسیقی یا فن میں مہارت حاصل کر سکتے ہیں۔
Neuro Psychiatrist, Psychiatrist, Neurologist
MBBS , FCPS (psychiatry) , MCPS(Neurology) , IFAPA (USA) , Member Royal College of Psychiatrist (London)
Psychologist
MSc (Psychology), Diploma (Clinical Psychology), BTTC (Behavioral Therapy Training Course), ADCP, Training of Addiction Professionals of Pakistan, DHMS
Psychologist
MSc (Applied Psychology) Certification in Psychiatry Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Psychology, MS Level in Subjects organizational Behaviour & Management
Psychologist
Ms Applied Psychology ( PU ) , ADCP (SDC) , Mental Health Expert ( APA, USA ) , Training in Sensory Integration Therapy ( TCHAICH) . Member American Psychological Association ( USA) & Pakistan Psychological Association ( PPA )
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, relates to others, and experiences the world around them. It typically appears in early childhood and is characterized by challenges with social interaction, communication difficulties, and restricted or repetitive behaviors and interests. Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning it affects each person differently and with varying levels of severity. Some individuals with autism need significant support in their daily lives, while others live independently and may excel in certain areas like mathematics, music, or art.
Autism symptoms often appear in early childhood. Contact a physician if you notice these symptoms:
Delayed speech
Avoiding eye contact
Not responding to their name
Difficulty understanding others' feelings
Repetitive behaviors or movements
Strong attachment to specific routines,
intense interests
Difficulty adjusting to changes
Contact your doctor immediately if you notice:
Loss of previously acquired skills
Self-injurious behaviors
Significant sleep problems
Extreme behavioral challenges
Regression in development
Autism causes include different factors such as:
Genetic factors affecting brain development
Certain genetic mutations
Having an immediate family member with autism
Advanced parental age at time of conception
Complications during pregnancy or birth
Exposure to environmental toxins during pregnancy
Maternal infections during pregnancy
Prenatal vitamin D deficiency
Extreme premature birth
Metabolic imbalances
Immune system abnormalities
Combinations of genetic and environmental factors
Some risk factors of autism you can control, others you can't, such as:
Family history of autism
Having certain genetic conditions
Very premature birth
Low birth weight
Maternal health conditions during pregnancy
Exposure to environmental toxins
Older parental age
Complications during birth leading to oxygen deprivation
Maternal immune system disorders
There is no known way to prevent autism, but these measures may help optimize development:
Taking prenatal vitamins before and during pregnancy
Regular prenatal care
Avoiding alcohol, drugs, and smoking during pregnancy
Reducing exposure to known toxins during pregnancy
Managing chronic health conditions before pregnancy
Waiting at least one year between pregnancies
Seeking prompt treatment for infections during pregnancy
Protecting against exposure to air pollution when possible
Early screening and intervention for developmental concerns
Reducing stress during pregnancy
Maintaining good nutrition during pregnancy
Avoiding unnecessary medications during pregnancy
When someone reaches the doctor with autism symptoms, doctors work through these steps:
Developmental screenings during regular checkups
Comprehensive developmental evaluations
Autism-specific screening tools
Parent interviews about child development
Observation of behavior and social interactions
Speech and language assessments
Cognitive and intellectual assessments
Sensory processing evaluations
Medical examinations to rule out other conditions
Genetic testing in some cases
Assessment of adaptive functioning skills
Multidisciplinary team evaluations
Autism treatment depends on individual needs and challenges:
Behavioral Therapies:
Applied Behavior Analysis
Early Start Denver Model
Pivotal Response Treatment
Verbal Behavior Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Social skills training
Play therapy
Relationship Development Intervention
Educational Interventions:
Individualized Education Programs
Special education services
Structured teaching approaches
Visual supports and schedules
Assistive technology
Speech therapy
Occupational therapy
Physical therapy
Medical Approaches:
Treatment of co-occurring conditions
Medications for specific symptoms
Management of sleep issues
Addressing gastrointestinal problems
Nutrition support
Seizure management, if needed
Support Services:
Family education and training
Parent coaching programs
Respite care
Support groups
Transition planning for adulthood
Vocational training
Independent living skills development
Community inclusion services
Autism can lead to challenges if appropriate supports are not provided:
Social isolation and difficulty forming relationships
Communication barriers
Academic challenges
Bullying and social rejection
Anxiety and depression
Family stress
Difficulty finding and maintaining employment
Challenges with independent living
Sleep problems
Sensory sensitivities affecting daily functioning
Self-injury in some cases
Increased risk of exploitation or victimization
Gastrointestinal issues
Feeding and eating difficulties
The effects depend on the individual's specific challenges, strengths, and the support systems available to them.
Marham enables you to communicate with experienced healthcare professionals to obtain professional guidance. Through Marham, you can find the best specialist for autism who provides expert treatment advice.
The Marham platform strives to offer expert-reviewed information, including error elimination, to all its consumers. Patients should always consult experts for medical advice instead of relying on this information. The information available on this page is for general information purposes. Always seek medical advice from your doctor before any treatment and therapy.