Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a difference in how a child’s brain functions that shapes how they interact with the world surrounding them. The exact cause of autism is unknown; but experts link it to the combination of genetics and certain things related to pregnancy, labor and delivery.

Autism characteristics fall mainly into 2 main groups:

1. Difficulties with social communication and interaction.
2. Limited and repetitive behaviors, interests or activities.

Children with autism don’t follow your gaze or look at things you’re pointing to, don’t respond if you call their name, and prefer to play by themselves.

Autism is often misunderstood; for example, “Autism is a disease or illness,” or “Autistic people can’t live independently.” These are only myths; ASD is not a disease and with the right care, parents can help their child live a fulfilling, independent life.

Learn these interesting facts about autism so that you can have a better understanding to navigate your child’s journey.

6 Interesting Facts About Autism Spectrum Disorder

• ASD a Spectrum

ASD is a spectrum because no two autistic individuals are the same. They show different skills, challenges, and needs and personalize care to live an independent life.

Hence, parents should understand that treatment should not be based on a “one-size-fits-all” approach.” Cryoviva Singapore (stem cell preservation bank) encourages the caretaker to contact the right center, which focuses on their unique strengths and alleviates symptoms to help them live a more independent life.

• Autistic Children Have Their Own Strength: “Outside the Box” Thinking

Many autistic children have strengths in areas such as memory, detailed learning, math, science, music, or art. There is often a strong aptitude for understanding complex patterns like visual, numerical, or auditory, which can lead to superior problem-solving skills.

How You Can Nurture Their Strength

• Allow them to follow their passion.
• Support creative expression via art, music, or dance.
• Praise their good behaviors.
• Do not stop them from expressing their needs and preferences.
• Partner with therapists (ABA, speech, and occupational) for the right professional support.

• There are Sensory Differences

An autistic child can have hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to light, sound, textures, or temperature. This sensory difference can influence their daily life. You can address these sensory differences through professional assessments and implementing tailored sensory diets and interventions.

• They Socialize and Communicate Differently

Their way of social interaction and communication may differ. As a parent, you need to understand that it’s not a lack of emotion or affection but distinctive ways of showing it because they process sensory cues differently.

• ASD is Not a Disease

ASD is a lifelong neurological difference, meaning it is not something to cure but rather to manage with support. The adequate support, early diagnosis, and intervention enhance outcomes significantly and help them live a quality life.

• Growing Awareness

More people are diagnosed today because of better screening, awareness, and broader diagnostic criteria.

How to Navigate Your Support 

Here are the ways through which you can offer support to help a child with autism live a more independent life:

1. Take professional guidance for personalized care.
2. Focus on their strengths.
3. Respect their sensory needs.
4. Avoid sarcasm or complex social nuances.
5. Teach children to communicate with the help of tools like PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) or AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices.
6. Do not force them towards any behavioral changes. For example, allow repetitive behaviors like hand-flapping, as it can be self-regulatory, unless harmful.

Important Consideration 

1. Ensure early intervention for long-term benefit.
2. Consult a multidisciplinary team with psychologists, therapists, and educators, encouraging active involvement of the family in their program.
3. Follow a personalized program focusing on strengths and specific challenges.

To Summarize

Parenting a child with autism may feel difficult at times; all you need is patience and the right understanding. It is crucial to remember that ASD is not a disease; it’s a journey that requires compassion, awareness, and the right support systems in place. 

Look for centers that focus on therapies that improve a child’s unique strengths, social skills, and daily functioning with techniques like applied behavior analysis, speech and occupational therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and parent training. Families with professional guidance can create an environment where autistic children feel safe, nurtured, accepted, and empowered.

Emerging Therapy for Autism | Stem Cell Preservation

Stem cell therapy for autism is an ongoing experimental treatment that offers a potential future option. Scientists are exploring it for its contribution to growth and the formation of new connections between neurons.

Expectant parents are considering cord blood storage for stem cell preservation just after delivery because of the following benefits:

• Safeguard from more than 80 diseases in the future, including immune deficiencies and genetic conditions.
• Support healthy immune systems.
• Ongoing research for conditions like autism. There is a need for solid evidence for autism stem cell treatment.

You can opt for stem cell preservation services, a choice many parents in Singapore are already making with Cryoviva Singapore.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only. Contact your healthcare professional only for autism-related queries.

Note: This content is medically reviewed by the Cord Blood Collection Team of Cryoviva Singapore, a leading private cord blood bank in Singapore that has successfully stored over 10,000 umbilical cord blood and cord tissue units. All content is medically reviewed to ensure reliability and clinical accuracy.