How we can teach people with Autism and How they can teach us

1.How we can teach people with Autism?

In USA , the probability of Autism is 1 in 150 person. It arises from common genes. Subtle traits run in the family. But genes does not set the absolute limit to learning.

What made my child Autistic?

Following factors are responsible:

• Genes:-

i) Copy:- no variation( older father): ~10%

ii) Single: - gene mutation : rare cases

iii) Multiple interaction risk genes : - most cases

• Environment: -

Chemical exposure for e.g. pesticides, pollutants.

• Other undiscovered factors

Gene can not be changed in life time but environment can changed which trigger Autism.

Gene that causes Autism may carry by most of the population (50%).

Therefore, genes at risk and environmental factor cause Autism.

Myths:-

a) Vaccines do not cause Autism, it may precipitate Autism.

b) Chelation can’t treat Autism can be dangerous.

c) Leuprolide ( lupron) is dangerous and can’t treat Autism.

d) Most dietary supplements sold for Autism do not work.

e) Most “Sensory integration” therapies (e.g. Tomatis) do not actually address and do not work. There is no scientific study but treatment is harmless.

f) Current medicines treat symptoms not causes.

g) Psycho-medication intervention may help.

For example, serotonin reuptake inhibitors decreases repeated behaviour.

Atypical antipsychotics e.g. Vispedol for irritability, aggration.

Stimulants and Non-epinephrine reuptake inhibitors for ADHD like symptoms.

Anti-convulsant for seizure.

Treating other aspect of Autism:-

• Digestive / intestinal problem( MET gene):- MET gene linked with Autism and gastrointestinal problem as it has expression in brain and intestine. It acts as Proton Pump Inhibitor( PPI).

Medicine:- Dr reddy’s omez Insta – with meal . if child doesn’t show any discomfort after meal then it can be continued.

• Sleep disorder (ASMT gene): - responsible for synthesis of harmone Melatonin in brain and regulation of day-night cycle.

Medicine:- Melatonin- 3-5 miligram at bed time for whole life.

• Allergies or immune dysfunction:-

- Family history

- Allergic tests (by doctor or your own) should be done.

If family history of allergic factors is there then there is possibility of that allergy present in Autistic child. so accordingly it should be treated.

• Mood and Cognition:-

Medicine:- fish oil or other ‘Omega-3 fatty acids’.

Which Psycho-educational intervention works?

a) Applied behaviour analysis (ABA):- child centered approach should be followed.

b) Floortime (Stanley Greenspan):- Floortime approach “is a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach that focuses on the emotional development of the child.” Floortime can be considered a child-centered approach to autism intervention. It is a natural learning process.

c) Relationship Development Intervention (RDI):- (Steve Gutstein)

Focuses on quality of life. RDI goes beyond teaching an autistic individual social and life skills. The foundations of the program include fostering genuine relationships, creating a desire and ability to live in a dynamic world, and self-empowerment.

d) Rapid Prompting Method(RPM):- (Soma Mukhopadhyay , Portia Iversen)

RPM is a type of therapy that may help improve communication skill for people with autism.Through this process independent communication is achieved.

RPM helps:-

- Decreases repitative behaviour

- Increases frequency and complexity of communication

- But Overt gaze decreases communication capability.

- RPM’s most effective type of prompting is Visual not involved physical contact with the child.

Research on Autism attention: Belmonte 2000,2003

This study adds a new type of electrophysiological evidence to indicate abnormal shifting and distribution of attention in autism.

Brain activity recorded from Frontal part of brain through EEG shows that brain respond to a stimulus in 6 seconds (3 sec takes blood flow/oxygenation in brain and 3 sec takes to respond).

2. How they can teach us?

Curing autism means to us:-

- Give people communication abilities to show their unique insight with the rest of social world.

- Do not delete those insight.

Ques: - Can research make life better for Autistic child?

Ans: - Yes, therapy and research do not produce immediate effect, but we do it because it is right thing to do to the individual person or person with autism.