What is Autism?

Autism, also known as autism or autistic disorder, is a representative disease of pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). "DSM-IV-TR" classifies PDD into five categories: autism, Retts syndrome, childhood disintegrating disorder, Asperger syndrome, and unspecified PDD. Among them, autism disorder and Asperger syndrome are more common. The prevalence of autism has been reported differently. It is generally believed that it is about 2 to 5 per 10,000 children, the ratio of male to female is about 3 to 4: 1, and boys are 3-4 times more than girls ^[1] .

The first clinical description of autism was in the 1940s. In 1943, American doctor Kanner reported 11 patients and named them "early infantile autism." He described the characteristics of this group of patients as: severe lack of emotional contact with others; weird, repetitive ritual behavior; silence or significant abnormalities in language; high level of visual-spatial skills or mechanical memory and other aspects Contrast learning difficulties; smart, alert and attractive appearance. Initially, such patients reported by Kanner were considered to be

Although the cause of autism is not fully understood, current research suggests that certain risk factors may be related to the onset of autism. The risk factors that cause autism can be summarized as: heredity, infection and immunity, and physical and chemical factor stimulation during pregnancy.

The disease usually starts within 36 months and is mainly manifested in three core symptoms, namely: social communication disorders,

Diagnosis should be based on a comprehensive history, physical and nervous system examination, mental examination, and auxiliary examination results.

The main points of diagnosis include: the onset of disease within 36 months; the main manifestations of social communication barriers, communication barriers, narrow interest and stereotyped behavior; except Rett syndrome, Heller syndrome, Asperger syndrome Disorders such as speech, speech and language development. Atypical autism is diagnosed if the child is onset after 36 months or does not have all the core symptoms.

The diagnostic criteria of DSM-IV autism are introduced as follows:

Autism diagnosis criteria include A, B, and C.

A. In the following three items (1), (2), and (3) (a total of 12 sub-items), at least 6 sub-items must be met, including 2 of (1) sub-items, (2), (3) ) At least 1 sub-item.

(1) The qualitative damage of social communication is as follows: a. The application of non-verbal communication behavior has significant damage, such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expressions, body posture and gestures. b. Cannot associate with peers. c. Can't spontaneously share joy, interests, achievements, etc. with others (for example, things that are interested in themselves should not be brought or pointed to others). d. cannot interact with people socially and emotionally.

(2) The qualitative impairment of communication ability is as follows: a. Speech development is completely undeveloped or delayed, without accompanying attempts to compensate by other means (such as gestures or imitating actions). b. Those who have a certain ability to speak also have a significant impairment in their ability to raise topics and maintain conversation. c. Use rigid or repetitive language or special language that only you can understand. d. Lack of spontaneous disguise games or games that imitate daily life corresponding to their age.

(3) A restricted, repetitive, or rigid format of behavior, interest, or activity is as follows: a. There is one or more fixed, repetitive, and limited interests, the extent and content of which are abnormal and not easy change. b. Stubbornly follow a special, meaningless routine or ritual. c. Stereotactic and repetitive behaviors, such as finger fluttering or twisting, complex whole body movements, etc. d. Focus on only the parts of things that last long.

B. Before the age of 3, at least one of the following three aspects has been delayed or dysfunctional:

(1) Social interrelationships.

(2) Speech used for socializing.

(3) Symbolic or imaginary games.

C. The above symptoms cannot be used with Rett disorder or childhood disintegrating disorder (infant

1. Rett syndrome

Only seen in girls, usually onset from 7-24 months, normal development before the onset, slowing down skull development after the onset, rapid loss of speech ability, social communication ability, etc. Purposeful motor skills are also lost, and stereotypes of the hands (handwash-like movements or stereotyped twists of fingers) occur. Often accompanied by excessive breathing, gait instability, and trunk movements

The disorder has a chronic course and has a poor prognosis. About two-thirds of the children will not be able to live independently in adulthood and will need life-long care and maintenance. Factors affecting prognosis include: IQ, communication language at the age of 5, and education and training. Early planned medical and orthopedic education and long-term adherence can help improve the prognosis.

Prevention is an important measure to reduce the risk of autism birth. In the early stages of pregnancy, that is, the formation and development of embryonic neural tubes, avoid drug abuse, especially antiepileptic drugs; avoid viral infections; avoid environments with large changes in hot and cold temperatures; and avoid major mental stimulation and trauma Wait.