Autism

Autism is a disorder of brain development characterized by impaired social interaction, impaired communication and repetitive behaviors and restricted interests. Autism spectrum disorders include related conditions with milder signs and symptoms and variation in the cognitive function of the individual. Autism and autism spectrum disorders first appear during infancy or childhood follow a steady course and continue throughout life.

The causes of autism has a strong contribution by genetic factors, however, environmental factors may also contribute to the causation of autism. It is believed that the cause of autism is complex, with one or more predisposing genetic factors with added influence from the environment. Ongoing studies aim at the identification of the different environmental and genetic causes.

The Shafallah center will continue to use a curriculum that acts as a platform for targeted goals for students with autism which reflects the different developmental skills needed by children with autism such as: social interaction skills, communication skills, language skills, play skills, independent and daily life skills, mobility and gross motor skills, fine motor skills, attention skills

The Shafallah Center had entered into a partnership agreement with Autism Speaks with the primary goal of leveraging the Shafallah’s strengths to enable immediate and long-term advances in the discovery of the causes of Autism, as well as, the early treatment concept. The Shafallah center is using the vast experience of Autism Speaks to develop a comprehensive research program leading to the discovery of genetic factors responsible for autism spectrum disorders. In parallel, several other programs aiming at capacity building are being developed. These programs include the refining and adaptation of the autism diagnostic tools, training psychologists and psychiatrists on the efficient use of these tools, development of an expandable in-house registry for Autism patients and increasing the awareness of the health care providers in Qatar to the early identification of Autism patients. Also, the Shafallah Center takes advantage of the experiences gained from community-based awareness campaign in the development of similar community-based awareness campaigns in Qatar

Autism facts for families

Most infants and young children are very social individuals who need contact with others to thrive and grow. They smile, cuddle and laugh; occasionally however, a child does not interact in this expected manner. Instead, the child seems to exist in his or her own world living with repetitive routines, odd and peculiar behaviors, problems in communication, and a total lack of social awareness; i.e. Autism.

Autism is usually identified by the time a child is 30 months old. It is often discovered when parents become concerned that their child may be deaf, with delayed speech, resists cuddling, and avoids interaction with others. Not all children with ASD have the exact same symptoms, but the criteria are somewhat standardized. The severity of autism varies widely. While some children are very bright, other children with autism function at a much lower level. Mental retardation is commonly associated with autism.

Red Flags” that are absolute indications for immediate evaluation include:

The cause of autism remains unknown, although current theories indicate a problem with the function or structure of the central nervous system. What we do know, however, is that parents do not cause autism. There is also a substantial contribution by genetic factors to the cause of autism.

Although there is no cure for autism, appropriate specialized treatment provided early in life can have a positive impact on the child's development and produce an overall reduction in disruptive behaviors and symptoms. The primary goals of treatment are to maximize the child's ultimate functional independence and quality of life. This can be achieved by facilitating development and learning, promoting socialization, reducing odd behaviors, and educating families and teachers. Parents are encouraged to learn as much as they can about all the different treatments available.