Autism on HWN FAN COLUMN

Still on autism, who is at risk? Autism can affect anyone but boys are more likely to have it, families with one autistic child are likely to have another and it is also thought that perhaps children born to older parents are more at risk.

Regarding treatment, please note that there is no cure, but autistic children can live full and happy lives if this is discovered on time. The focus is on their areas of concern: communication and social interaction. Family therapy sessions focus on equipping families with the skills to take care of these children and interact with them in a way that encourages them to interact socially; educational therapies aimed at providing structured learning programs have also been successful, and usually these involve a team of specialists. Other programs aimed at addressing their communication and behavioural skills help reduce the problems associated with this area of their lives and teach them new skills.

There are no drugs for the treatment of autism but some meds are given to treat the symptoms that arise.

For instance, drugs may be given if the child is too hyperactive etc.
There’s a support group for autism in different countries. In Nigeria, the Nigerian Autistic Society could be a useful resource.

Have a great day!

[HWN/Dr Oyeyemi Olusegun Adeniyi]