Climate-related issues for children with autism
According to a 2021 research that was published in the Indian Journal of Pediatrics, 1 in 68 youngsters in the nation is thought to have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With a male-to-female ratio of around 3:1, males are more likely than girls to have autism. “Over the last 20 to 30 years, autism has become more prevalent. It was one to two percent before, but it is now as high as five to six percent, according to Dr. Jaichitra Suresh, senior consultant, MGM Healthcare’s department of family medicine. CE examines how climate change affects expectant women and autistic children during Autism Awareness Month.
A neuro-developmental disease, autism is a chronic illness for which there is often no recognized cause. It might be caused by many things. In an attempt to determine the origin, some 100 genes have been examined, but the findings are not precise. The issue is caused by a genetic predisposition along with biological and environmental variables. The first trimester is when the brain begins to grow. According to her, there was a suggestion to investigate if a child’s birth month may raise their chance of autism.
Moms, pay attention.
According to research from Finland and Sweden, a child’s chance of developing autism is higher if they are born in August, the autumn season. In contrast, it decreases in April, the springtime. The season and the month of births did not correlate when the same research was done in Denmark, Norway, or Australia. “A woman must conceive in winter, when there is a higher danger of viral illnesses, in order for her kid to be delivered in the summer. It has to be investigated whether it has an impact on the child’s brain development,” she says.
The mother’s stressful experiences throughout her pregnancy may potentially have an impact on the child’s brain development. Vitamin D is also as vital at this point. Its absence may also have a role. “The mother has to strike a balance. She must have enough sunlight exposure. Additionally, the mother’s eating habits will vary seasonally. You cannot eat every fruit and vegetable available all year long. Changes in consumption have an impact on birthing, according to Dr. Jaichitra.
There may also be secondary factors, including as obesity in mothers and gestational diabetes mellitus. Expectant moms must to adjust to their surroundings and maintain a healthy balance between their physical and dietary regimens. The doctor continues, “Rubella vaccinations are also recommended for the mothers to lower the risk of the disease on the unborn child.”
Features of children
A youngster diagnosed with ASD is unable to communicate their needs or desires. They struggle with social engagement, situational adaptation, and verbal and nonverbal communication. Many have a tendency to repeat a certain behavior, and others are thinking of doing the same thing. In addition, children with autism are more likely to have sensory issues, and weather variations like intense heat or cold are likely to affect the child’s behavior. The most prevalent item is clothing, which varies depending on the season. These children have issues with certain types of clothes, which vary depending on the individual, says Jaichitra. hating certain meals due of their color or texture.
Walking in the light is one sensory challenge since “high-end autistic people may be seeing it in patterns.” Since they won’t be able to express to us what is upsetting them, it is difficult to analyze the sensory concerns. Talking to them and assisting them in being ready for the surroundings shift might be one way to solve this. Dr. Jaichitra asks us to empower autistic voices, the theme of 2024. “When you make them feel comfortable for what is about to happen, it can be attending a family function or getting a haircut. It takes time for people with autism to process things but when you sit closer and explain, improvement can be noticed,” she says.
