Rewansh is my 6-year-old son (born 2016). He was born full-time, and through natural normal delivery.
When he turned 2.5 years, till then I could observe that the kid lacks in social skills, would avoid loud noises, resist to some textures in clothing and likes only semi-solid food. He would also avoid eye contact and in fact his left eye started to show lazy movement.
Rewansh could understand simple verbal communication, but he would only communicate through gestures or simple vocalizations. He would be fascinated by balls, lights, and wheels of the wheeled toys.
He also showed repetitive behavior patterns and had unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel.
This was the time to seek expert help. He was assessed at National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) and diagnosed with Autism. The exerts recommended occupational and speech therapy for him.
This did not come to me as a surprise since by then I was sure that my child needs help. Somewhere in my heart and mind, I was prepared for it.

Here the journey begins...
#autistic #autisticteens #neurodiversity #neurodiverse #neurodivergent #autismparents #autismpride #asd #pride #loveislove #autismawareness #autismacceptance #forabettertomorrow #autismadvocate #specialneeds #specialneedsparenting #sensitivity #singledad #dadson #kidson #dadslove #compassion #love

Autism is a spectrum disorder which means autistic people can have varying support needs. One-third of autistic people also have a learning disability. The autism spectrum isn't linear, and many people talk about the 'spikey profile.' This means an autistic person could be a leading expert on nuclear physics but unable to remember to brush their teeth or clean their clothes, also called ‘Asperger’s syndrome. Some people with ASD may have advanced conversation skills whereas others may be nonverbal. Some people with ASD need a lot of help in their daily lives; others can work and live with little to no support.
Some autistic people will have high support needs, which may mean that they require full time care and support. Some people may need a bit of support with day-to-day activities, while others live fully independent lives.
People with ASD may behave, communicate, interact, and learn in ways that are different from most other people. There is often nothing about how they look that sets them apart from other people. The abilities of people with ASD can vary significantly.
ASD begins before the age of 3 years and can last throughout a person’s life, although symptoms may improve over time. Some children show ASD symptoms within the first 12 months of life. In others, symptoms may not show up until 24 months of age or later. Some children with ASD gain new skills and meet developmental milestones until around 18 to 24 months of age, and then they stop gaining new skills or lose the skills they once had. ASD occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups
#autism #autistic #actuallyautistic #autisticadults #autisticteens #neurodiversity #neurodiverse #neurodivergent #autismparents #autismpride #asd #pride #loveislove #autismawareness #autismmom #autismacceptance #forabettertomorrow #autismadvocate #spectrum_inspired #specialneeds #specialneedsparenting #sensitivity #singledad #dadson #kidson #dadslove #compassion #love #asperger #aspergers

Current treatments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) seek to reduce symptoms that interfere with daily functioning and quality of life. ASD affects each person differently, meaning that people with ASD have unique strengths and challenges and different treatment needs. Therefore, treatment plans usually involve multiple professionals and are catered toward the individual.
There are no medications that treat the core symptoms of ASD. Some medications treat co-occurring symptoms that can help people with ASD function better. For example, medication might help manage high energy levels, inability to focus, or self-harming behavior, such as head banging or hand biting. Medication can also help manage co-occurring psychological conditions, such as anxiety or depression, in addition to medical conditions such as seizures, sleep problems, or stomach or other gastrointestinal problems.
It is important to work with a doctor who has experience in treating people with ASD when considering the use of medication.
Interventions:
The most common developmental therapy for people with ASD is Speech and Language Therapy.
Speech and Language Therapy helps to improve the person’s understanding and use of speech and language. Some people with ASD communicate verbally. Others may communicate using signs, gestures, pictures, or an electronic communication device.
Occupational Therapy teaches skills that help the person live as independently as possible. Skills may include dressing, eating, bathing, and relating to people.
Ref: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/treatment.html
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Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (asd) can be difficult because there is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorder. Doctors look at the child’s developmental history and behavior to make a diagnosis. Diagnosing children with ASD as early as possible is important to make sure children receive the services and supports, they need to reach their full potential.
There are different detailed assessments carried out with parents and caregivers. Questions may ask about language, movement, and thinking skills, as a well as behaviors and emotions.
Few Signs and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder:
- Avoids or does not keep eye contact
- Does not respond to name
- Does not show facial expressions like happy, sad, angry, and surprised
- Does not play simple interactive games like pat-a-cake
- Uses few or no gestures (for example, does not wave goodbye)
- Does not notice other children and join them in play
- Lines up toys or other objects and gets upset when order is changed
- Repeats words or phrases over and over (called echolalia)
- Plays with toys the same way every time
- Is focused on parts of objects (for example, wheels)
- Gets upset by minor changes
- Has obsessive interests
- Must follow certain routines
- Flaps hands, rocks body, or spins self in circles
- Has unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel
- Delayed language skills
- Delayed movement skills
- Delayed cognitive or learning skills
- Hyperactive, impulsive, and/or inattentive behavior
- Gastrointestinal issues (for example, constipation)
- Unusual mood or emotional reactions
- Anxiety, stress, or excessive worry
*It is important to note that children with ASD may not have all or any of the behaviors listed as examples here.*
Ref: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/screening.html
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We process sensory information using our senses – sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. Everyone has a different level of tolerance/acceptability towards these. For example, few like too spicy food some might not, some like strong fragrances others might not and even are allergic to them, some people are sensitive towards touch that they might not like the sensation of labels on the inside of clothes, etc.
People are sometimes oversensitive or under-sensitive to sensory information. This means their senses take in either too much or too little information from their environment. Similarly, Autistic people may be oversensitive or under-sensitive to sensory information. The thing to note is that not all autistic people have sensory sensitivities, but some might have several.
Oversensitive to sensory information
When people are oversensitive to sensory information, it’s called hypersensitivity. These people try to avoid sensory experiences – for example, they might cover their ears when they hear loud noises, eat only foods with a certain texture or taste, wear only certain types of loose-fitting clothing, or resist having haircuts or brushing teeth.
Under-sensitive to sensory information
When people are under-sensitive to sensory information, it’s called hyposensitivity. These people seek out sensory experiences – for example, they might wear tight-fitting clothing, look for things to touch, hear or taste, or rub their arms and legs against things.
#autism #autistic #autisticadults #autisticteens #neurodiversity #neurodiverse #neurodivergent #autismparents #autisticselfadvocacy #autismpride #asd #pride #loveislove #autismawareness #autismacceptance #forabettertomorrow #autismadvocate #nonverbal #nonverbalautism #spectrum_inspired #specialneeds #specialneedsparenting

Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention. Some people with ASD have a known difference, such as a genetic condition. Other causes are not yet known. Scientists believe there are multiple causes of ASD that act together to change the most common ways people develop.

People with ASD may behave, communicate, interact, and learn in ways that are different from most other people. There is often nothing about how they look that sets them apart from other people. The abilities of people with ASD can vary significantly. For example, some people with ASD may have advanced conversation skills whereas others may be nonverbal. Some people with ASD need a lot of help in their daily lives; others can work and live with little to no support.

Risk Factors:
There is not just one cause of ASD. There are many different factors that have been identified that may make a child more likely to have ASD, including environmental, biological, and genetic factors.
Although we know little about specific causes, the available evidence suggests that the following may put children at greater risk for developing ASD:
- Having certain genetic or chromosomal conditions
- Experiencing complications at birth
- Being born to older parents
#autism #autismawareness #autismacceptance #autistic #singledad #dadonduty #autistic #actuallyautistic #autisticadults #autisticteens #autismo #aspergerslife #neurodiversity #neurodiverse #neurodivergent #autismdads #autismparents
#autismpride #loveislove #pride #asd #actionforautism

My son has Autism and I feel we need to spread awareness about it. There are parents who feel the need to know more about it. My videos will be about sharing my experiences with my kid and the journey so far.