Autism spectrum disorders(ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders that develop during infancy or childhood. They are characterized by significant impairment in social interaction and nonverbal communication. They also exhibit extremely narrow repertoire of interests, and repetitive behaviors. The diagnosis can be done only after comprehensive evaluation by a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist. The research indicates that there is genetic base to the disorder. However no particular gene has been attributed for autism. About 1-2% of population suffers from autism spectrum disorder worldwide. There is no curative treatment available as of today for autism. The course of the disorder continues in adult life and renders significant impairment in many walks of life.
The severity and impairment caused by the ASD varies considerably. A detailed assessment of the symptoms, the baseline functions, family environment and expressed emotions is required to develop a comprehensive treatment management plan. Involvement of the family members is essential to do the same. Because of the nature of ASD, it is difficult for the family members to engage the suffering person into social situations as well as participate themselves.Hence family and society in general need to be educated about not just autism but also about ways to handle a person with autism. The expressed emotions, in particular the expression of hostility and disappointment tend to worsen the suffering for both the person with ASD as well asthe family members.
The important issues that need to be kept in mind while designing the care plan for a person ASD are -
1. Social skills training to reduce impact of symptoms of ASD - In ASD, the social skills are not adequately acquired. They experience significant difficulty in interpreting social cues and appropriately respond to those. In social skills training using simpler techniques of behavior therapy a person can be trained to replicate social skills that they learn during program.
2. Life skills training for independent living - Life skills, particularly involving application of social skills in necessary situations, expanding repertoire of leisure activities are essential part of any program involving care of adult autism. This can help them living independently without or minimal supervision.
3. Medical and psychological management of anxiety/psychosis symptoms if any - Several psychiatric conditions such as anxiety or psychosis may coexist in ASD. Effective pharmacological and psychological treatment can reduce the impairment and improve quality of life significantly.
4. Education and vocational training - Education and vocational training depending on the interest of the person can help him acquire work that can provide sustenance without being dependent on the family or society.
5. Community participation through programs such as supervised group living - Recently there is a paradigm shift happening where adults with autism can come together and live in a community called autistic culture.
6. Creation of employment opportunities as well as ongoing support to sustain the employed status - Support and active involvement from community is required to provide employment to persons with ASD. It is imperative that limitations in social skills as well as nonverbal communication need to be considered to design the work environment or provide adequate support/ supervision for satisfying work experience.
The severity and impairment caused by the ASD varies considerably. A detailed assessment of the symptoms, the baseline functions, family environment and expressed emotions is required to develop a comprehensive treatment management plan. Involvement of the family members is essential to do the same. Because of the nature of ASD, it is difficult for the family members to engage the suffering person into social situations as well as participate themselves.Hence family and society in general need to be educated about not just autism but also about ways to handle a person with autism. The expressed emotions, in particular the expression of hostility and disappointment tend to worsen the suffering for both the person with ASD as well asthe family members.
The important issues that need to be kept in mind while designing the care plan for a person ASD are -
1. Social skills training to reduce impact of symptoms of ASD - In ASD, the social skills are not adequately acquired. They experience significant difficulty in interpreting social cues and appropriately respond to those. In social skills training using simpler techniques of behavior therapy a person can be trained to replicate social skills that they learn during program.
2. Life skills training for independent living - Life skills, particularly involving application of social skills in necessary situations, expanding repertoire of leisure activities are essential part of any program involving care of adult autism. This can help them living independently without or minimal supervision.
3. Medical and psychological management of anxiety/psychosis symptoms if any - Several psychiatric conditions such as anxiety or psychosis may coexist in ASD. Effective pharmacological and psychological treatment can reduce the impairment and improve quality of life significantly.
4. Education and vocational training - Education and vocational training depending on the interest of the person can help him acquire work that can provide sustenance without being dependent on the family or society.
5. Community participation through programs such as supervised group living - Recently there is a paradigm shift happening where adults with autism can come together and live in a community called autistic culture.
6. Creation of employment opportunities as well as ongoing support to sustain the employed status - Support and active involvement from community is required to provide employment to persons with ASD. It is imperative that limitations in social skills as well as nonverbal communication need to be considered to design the work environment or provide adequate support/ supervision for satisfying work experience.