Hello Everyone,
I hope this week has treated you well.
IN the last few weeks, I have had many emails requesting information on different types of illnesses. It just brings to light how many individuals and their families are suffering from these disorders and even more so, how much they want others to understand it. Today, I will be speaking about autism as it was requested, but mostly because I have seen first- hand how misunderstood it is.

What is Autism?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which results in impairments in many regular activities such as both verbal and non-verbal communication, social interaction, learning ability and overall behavioural skills. It is diagnosed at a very young age, usually in the first two years of life and continues throughout adulthood. Autism is more common among boys than girls and is often confused with mental disabilities. While those with autism do have disabilities, they can sometimes have superior abilities. For example, some are exceptionally good at math or art.

Autism can be mild or severe and therefore falls on a spectrum. Many with autism remain non-verbal, have an academic disability and have additional mental and physical health issues. These range from stomach issues and seizures to anxiety and phobias.

What are the signs/ symptoms of autism?
Autism is mostly characterised by repetitive, compulsive and restricted behaviour. Their overall development is slower than non-autistic children, meaning, they may take a longer time to walk or talk. The repetitive behaviour can happen when they are angry or excited for example, body- rocking or clicking of the tongue.
Issues with sleeping and sensory processing are common. This means that these individuals are very sensitive to loud sounds, bright light or sharp-tasting things. Most people with autism also suffer from Pica, which is the tendency to eat objects which are not food. This can be very dangerous and may require full supervision.

Children with autism typically like routine. They like to eat the same foods, watch the same T.V. shows and use the same hygiene products. Change is not taken well and often results in disrupted behaviour or outbursts.
Fixations on material items or even people are common and tends to calm them down. This is important as self-harm is common in those with autism. This can be anything from hitting themselves to poking their eyes when they become angry/stressed. They do not understand and process situations normally. For example, they do not understand the concept of ‘waiting their turn’ in a line. They may not even respond to their own names.

Those with autism are not well in social situations and may not make any eye contact at all. There seems to be a lack of understanding, sympathy and empathy. It is difficult for autistic individuals to understand that others may want or feel differently than they do.
All of these symptoms of course negatively affect their relationships with parents, siblings and peers.

It is important to remember that the autistic individual cannot help their disrupted behaviour just the same that a depressed individual cannot but be depressed. Their behaviour can change over time through positive reinforcement, but cannot be beaten or ‘punished’ out of them in any way.

What are the risk factors for autism?
Like many other illnesses, autism has a strong genetic connection. For example, studies show that those with a parent or sibling with autism are about 25 times more likely to develop it than the general population.
Research also shows that environmental factors may increase the risk for autism.

Pregnant women who are exposed to air pollution, for example, heavy metals or pesticides, increase the changes of the baby developing autism. Alcohol, illegal drugs and infectious diseases such as Rubella during pregnancy also increase the risk of autism. Children who were born prematurely or underweight are more at risk. Some studies also show the advanced age of either parent is also a risk factor.
Autism is also caused by chromosome abnormalities and rare mutations. Feel free to ask your doctor more about this.

How is autism treated and managed?
While autism cannot be cured, there are interventions that result in reduced negative symptoms and increased life skills and abilities.
Medication is not always needed for autism, but it does lower subsequent symptoms such as stress, anxiety and anger.
Therapies and home routines are better at managing autism. For example, therapies that focus on communication, social skills and self-care are very effective. A family member or friend can feel helpless in this situation, but there are a few things that you can do.

Go with them to the nearest health-care provider if you believe he/she may be suffering from autism. Keep a detailed list of their likes and dislikes for everyone to see. Make pictures for them to better express how they feel, especially those who are non-verbal. For example, draw faces showing happiness, sadness, anger etc., so that the autistic individual can show those around them. It is frustrating if they believe that others do not understand how they feel. You can also show it to those affected to allow them to understand how you feel.
If you feel as if you may need help with your autistic loved one, you are not alone.

Not only can your doctor help you, there is a school specifically for autistic children within our community. It is located in Region Four. The Step by Step School was established in 2011 in order to bring education and support to children diagnosed with Autism Disorder.
School Address: Lot 3, Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara, Guyana
Phone numbers: Guyana (592) 233-5992 or (592) 222-2633 or (592) 231-4172
Email addresses:  sjismail1@gmail.com or vanessaseebarran@yahoo.com
Facebook Page: Step by Step Guyana

Thank you for reading and please send in any topics to caitlinvieira@gmail.com. Also please remember when you can come see me.

Georgetown Public Hospital :Monday- Friday – 8am- 12pm
Woodlands Hospital: Outpatient Department
Drug and Alcohol group meetings – Mondays 4:00pm
Good mental health group meetings- Wednesdays 4:00pm
Suicide Prevention Helpline Numbers: 223-0001. 223-0009, 623-4444, 600-7896
Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!