KARK CARE

 Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability that can cause persistent challenges in social interaction, communication including non-verbal and behavior. The effects and severity  of symptoms of ASD are different for each individual. 

ASD is usually first diagnosed in childhood with symptoms developing as early as 2 years old however some children develop normally until toddlerhood when they stop acquiring or completely lose previously learned skills.   

People with ASD often struggle socially, emotionally and with communication. Although the severity of ASD can differ from person to person, the following symptoms are common amongst children or adults with ASD:

• have trouble understanding other people's feeling or expressing own feelings

• lose skills they once had

• repeat actions over and over again

• avoid eye contact and want to be alone

• be very interested in people, but not know how to talk or relate to them

All  causes of ASD are unknown however the following causes are factors that may make a child more likely to have an ASD:

• Genes are one of the risk factors that can make an individual more likely to develop ASD.

• Children with a sibling who have ASD are  also at a higher risk of having ASD.

• When taken during pregnancy, the prescription drugs valproic acid and thalidomide have been linked to offspring having a higher risk of ASD.

• Children born to older parents are at a greater risk for having ASD

If you think a loved one may have ASD, contact a doctor or specialist who can do a more in-depth evaluation and make a diagnosis.