DOCTOR specialist pediatrician from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Rini Sekartini, said that children on the autism spectrum can be supported by their potential to become great people.
“During toddlerhood, identify your child’s abilities or strengths. Both in terms of art and science. Once identified, it is best to provide a larger portion of training for these activities, invite them to compete or hold an exhibition of their work,” said Rini, quoted on Tuesday (30/4 ).
He explained that the autism spectrum is a disorder of brain neurodevelopment in early life, characterized by deficits in 2 domains, namely social interaction, communication, behavior and activities in the form of stereotypical, repetitive, restrictive behavior patterns and limited interests.
“ASD (autism spectrum disorder) is not just a functional disorder but is based on organic disorders such as changes in brain neurochemistry, neuroanatomical abnormalities and genetic factors,” he said.
He explained that autism is not an infectious disease and treatment can be done, including improving children’s behavior, as well as their ability to adapt and socialize.
According to him, this treatment requires a long time, and the role of parents and other family members is crucial in this matter.
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Families, he said, are obliged to repeat the exercises carried out such as speech and occupational therapy. All family members need to be united in helping children with autism to develop and become independent.
“Therapy can help improve a child’s function and ability, but the main and first therapy is the family,” he said.
He explained that there are two risk factors for autism, namely genetics and environment.
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Regarding genetic factors, he said, if someone has a brother, sister, twin sister, or parents who are autistic, it is very likely that someone also has autism.
“For example, if one identical twin is diagnosed with ASD, the chance that the other twin will also be autistic is 60% -90%,” said Rini.
As for other risk factors, he said, such as premature birth, or very low birth weight.
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He also said the risk of autism was higher in children with tuberous sclerosis than in those who did not suffer from the disease.
He also mentioned that autism is more common in boys than girls.
“Studies show parental exposure to heavy metals and other environmental toxins during pregnancy,” said Rini.
He also said that, among other environmental factors, some studies have also shown a link between certain viral infections or metabolic imbalances and the possibility of being born with autism.
“Children born to older parents also have a greater chance, according to the CDC,” he said.
There are also prenatal factors or during the child’s pregnancy, he said, including obesity, fever, poor nutrition, air pollution and exposure to pesticides. (Ant/Z-1)
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