True autism, fake autism How are they similar or different?

• Autism is caused by a brain abnormality. More than a result of the environment Resulting in children’s development being delayed. Unable to develop social and language skills appropriate for their age Observed before children are 2 years old, which becomes more obvious and severe after 3 years of age.
• Pseudoautism It is not caused by a brain abnormality. But it comes mainly from upbringing.
• If you suspect that your child is truly autistic or pseudo-autistic It is recommended to take your child for developmental check-ups with a specialist doctor. In order to clearly and correctly diagnose the symptoms You should not be complacent because the first 5 years of a child is the age when the brain is fully developed. If not properly cared for and corrected, it may cause long-term, irreversible abnormalities in the child.

Due to the economic situation, parents have to work outside the home. Technology is advancing in today’s world. Make it easier to raise children by letting them watch television. or play with communication devices Such as tablets and smartphones too much, resulting in children living with one-way communication (One-way communication), lacking stimulation in two-way communication (Two-way communication), not talking or interacting. with others Until the child has communication delays and has abnormal social development.

And in the end it was found that the child did not speak, spoke slowly or spoke cartoon language. Including not knowing how to play with other children Does not respond to eye contact when talking Does not share interests with others Unable to express my own needs It may be severe to the point of being expressed in yelling and rage  , many of which are the same or similar to those of children in the autistic group. Until a question arises in the minds of parents: is their child “true autism” or “pseudo-autism”?

What is true autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder)?

Autism ( Autism Spectrum Disorder ) is a group of symptoms that involve brain abnormalities. Resulting in children’s development being delayed. Unable to develop social and language skills appropriate for their age It is characterized by repetitive, inflexible patterns of behavior, activities, and interests. Characteristics appear before the age of 3,
although at present no clear cause of the disorder has been found. But there is clear evidence to support it being caused by abnormal brain function rather than being a result of the environment. But with advanced and modern medicine Can help children in the autistic group develop their potential much better. Especially if diagnosed, appropriate care and assistance should be given in a timely manner at a young age. and do it continuously

True causes of autism

Every country around the world has a tendency for children to be born with autism. It is found in more males than females. The exact cause of the disease is still unknown. But factors promoting disease have been identified as follows:

• Genetics: About 10 – 20% of autistic children have abnormalities in specific parts of their chromosomes or genes, which corresponds to certain genetic diseases, such as Fragile X syndrome or Rett syndrome. Syndrome (Rett syndrome) In addition, higher rates of autism have been found in fraternal twins. or a sibling who has been diagnosed with autism And it was found that older parents had a higher risk of having children with autism.
• Environmental factors (Environmental factors)  complications or use of certain medicines by the mother during pregnancy. It affects the fetus being born with autism. In addition, exposure to chemicals such as pesticides, heavy metals, and air pollution PM2.5 may be risk factors for autism.

Spot symptoms of true autism

Autism shows symptoms that vary in the description of the impairment and the degree of severity. Including having other diseases as well. The unusual symptoms of autism can be observed from the age of 2 years, which become more clear and severe from the age of 3 years onwards. The symptoms that can be observed are as follows:

• Socially, living in your own world. Not paying attention to surroundings, calling, not turning, not making eye contact
• Language: Starts to speak slowly or has not yet spoken when he has reached the appropriate age. Speaks repeatedly, talks in circles, repeats words, cannot have a continuous conversation.
• In terms of behavior, doing things over and over again, being inflexible, eating the same food over and over and refusing to change. If the routine you used to do has changed from before It will show that it is upset, irritated, and frantic. In addition, it can be observed that it likes to spin, sway, tiptoe, shake hands, play with hands, and make sounds.

in children with autism It was found that approximately 70% of children were hyperactive and 50-70% were found to have intellectual disabilities. At the same time, it was found that 10% of autistic children had special abilities in other areas.

True Autism Treatment

Currently, there is no specific drug to treat autism. Treatment is therefore palliative as follows.

• Give medicine according to symptoms To reduce behavioral problems and adverse reactions The response to medicine in each child is different.
• Holistic treatment This treatment aims to help children develop better communication and social skills. Reduce unwanted behavior and develop the potential in children as much as possible The most effective period of treatment is during the first 3 years of life.
• Treating co-morbidities such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or intellectual disability. or violently aggressive mood

Virtual autism

Virtual autism is a condition in which children have symptoms similar to autism but do not have a real disease. Children in the pseudo-autistic group are caused by a lack of proper care and development stimulation. Lack of appropriate learning and play , spending too much time in front of the screen. Especially during the COVID situation who must be separated from friends and study online. However, if children in the group with artificial autism receive appropriate developmental support Symptoms that may seem similar to autism can disappear.

Causes of pseudo-autism

As mentioned The main cause of pseudoautism is not genetic. or from brain abnormalities But it was born from an upbringing that did not stimulate development. As a result, children have delayed development and are not fit for their age, as follows:

• Use technology to raise children such as television, smartphones, and tablets because parents do not have time. Or want your child to stay still? Therefore, the child receives one-way communication, plays alone, does not have the opportunity to play with friends. or practice socializing appropriately according to age
• Parents as you wish There is no training for children to help themselves.
• Parents who worry too much about their children Forbidden to do this or that until the children were afraid and did not dare to express themselves. or learn by yourself
• Parents rarely communicate, talk or play with their children.
• Parents who do not let their children play outside It may cause your child to have no friends. and do not know how to learn to live together in society

Pseudoautism What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of pseudoautism may be similar or different from true autism. Symptoms that may be considered pseudo-autistic can be observed as follows:

•  like to play alone Not interested in children of the same age
•  Doesn’t make eye contact when talking
•  Unable to express my own needs
• Often expressed by shouting
• Speak slowly, speak cartoon language or speaking without understanding the meaning
• Addicted to communication devices such as tablets and smartphones without paying attention to other activities.

The difference between true autism and pseudo-autism

Observing whether a child is truly or artificially autistic You may need to go back and check your family history first. that the symptoms observed and thought the child was abnormal Is it likely to be caused by abnormalities in the child’s brain since they were in the womb? Because artificial autism symptoms are primarily caused by upbringing. If the history of the fetus does not have abnormalities It may be seen that the child is artificially autistic.

Diagnosis of true autism and pseudo-autism

Parents or guardians who suspect that their child is truly autistic or pseudo-autistic with no history of abnormalities during pregnancy but want to find a conclusion It is recommended to take your child for developmental check-ups with a specialist doctor. In order to clearly and correctly diagnose the symptoms You should not be complacent because the first 5 years of a child is the age when the brain is fully developed. If not properly cared for and corrected, it may cause long-term, irreversible abnormalities in the child.  

Treatment of children with true autism and pseudo-autism

Treatment of autistic children and children with pseudo-autistic conditions When passing the assessment and diagnosed by a specialist doctor will enter treatment by a team of various professionals occupational therapist Adjust the level of sensations in various areas appropriately, reduce naughtiness and restlessness, and promote various skills. In living life as follows

• Speaking practice for proper communication whether it be developing vocabulary, pronouncing sounds, creating sentences Practice social communication
• Occupational therapy, trained by an occupational therapist For children to practice and learn various activities
• behavioral therapy Focus on creating and reinforcing good behavior. Reduce unwanted behavior
• family therapy This will become more evident and severe from the age of 3 years onwards, emphasizing problem-solving skills. Helps promote and stimulate child development Including taking care of parents’ minds

Tips for preventing pseudo-autism

As mentioned Pseudoautism is caused by the environment. Therefore, raising children properly It will help prevent symptoms of pseudo-autism as follows.

• Abstain from all types of screen media before the age of 2 years. If older than 2 years, watch the screen for no more than 1 hour per day. This should be watched together with parents.
• Talk and play with your child more. Leave time for children to interact. Practice making eye contact when speaking.
• Role playing, such as letting your child be a teacher, doctor, or chef according to your child’s interests.
• Let children exercise regularly for about 30 minutes per day.
• Train children to help themselves.
• Go out and play with children the same age.

Although true autism can be treated to improve behavior, it cannot be cured. At the same time, artificial autism can be treated and behavior taken care of to return to being a normal child. But both real and artificial autism have family as their most important support. It is a factor in helping to treat and adjust children’s development. Therefore, parents and guardians should pay close attention and observe children’s symptoms closely. If in doubt or unsure Children should be taken to see a doctor for evaluation and treatment. Including proper and appropriate treatment from an early age.