Health Essentials
Understanding autism spectrum disorder
Autism spectrum disorder also known as ASD, according to the Centre for Disease Control, is a developmental disability that can cause significant social communication and behavioural challenges in an individual. According to the World Health Organisation in 2021, about one in 160 children has autism worldwide and in the US, it is estimated that about one in 59 children has autism. Even though the statistics in Ghana are not available, it is believed that the situation is no different as many children are diagnosed each day. Autism spectrum disorder begins in early childhood and eventually causes problems in the social functionality of children. Children show symptoms of autism within their first year and a small number of children appear to develop normally in the first year and then go through a period of regression between 18 and 24 months of age when they develop autism symptoms.
Symptoms of autism
The symptoms of autism can be found in three main areas
- Communication:
- One of the first indications of autism in toddlers is the lack of response to their names.
- Children with the autism spectrum disorder are most often non-verbal which means they cannot speak and cannot communicate their needs through speech.
- They do not point or bring objects to share interests.
- They have poor eye contact and lack facial expressions.
- They can’t seem to understand simple questions or directions.
- They may repeat words or phrases verbatim but would not understand how to use them.
- Social Interactions
- They may resist cuddling and holding and may seem to prefer playing alone, they often get lost in their world.
- They have inappropriate approaches to social interactions. they can be aggressive, passive or disruptive.
- Repetitive movements
- They perform repetitive movements such as rocking spinning or hand flapping
- They perform activities that could cause self-harm such as biting or headbanging.
- They develop specific routines or rituals and become disturbed at the slightest change.
- They don’t engage in imitation or make-believe play or pretend play.
Take your baby to see the doctor if he or she:
- doesn’t respond with a smile or happy expression by six months
- Doesn’t make sounds or facial expressions by nine months
- Doesn’t bubble or coo by 12 months.
- Doesn’t point or wave by 14 months
- Doesn’t say a single word by 16 months
- doesn’t indulge in pretend play by 18 months
- Doesn’t say two-word phrases by 24 months
- Loses language skills or social skills at any age.
Do not panic if your child has one or more of the symptoms above. That may not necessarily mean your child has autism. Babies develop at their own pace. However, it is important to see a doctor with your child if they tick any of the symptoms above.
Causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder is a very complex disorder and as a result, it doesn’t have a single known cause. It is believed that both genetics and environmental factors play roles in a child developing ASD.
It affects children of all races but certain factors may increase a child’s risk of developing the condition. These include:
- The child’s sex. Boys are more likely to develop autism than girls.
- Family history
- Extreme preterm babies
- Parents age. Older parents are more likely to give birth to autistic children.
Treatment
There aren’t any known treatments for autism, however, when diagnosed early, intervention is most helpful and can improve behaviour skills and language development. Though children usually don’t outgrow autism spectrum disorder symptoms, they may learn to function well.
Autism is on the rise in Ghana and that means we need to come together as a nation and help children who develop this condition. They can do extremely well when given the right support and at any stage of their lives. Children with the autism spectrum disorder are not spiritually possessed, as some Ghanaians believe, they are children who deserve to be loved and supported to grow into their full potential. There are many adults living independently with the condition. Remember that early intervention is key.
The World Autism Awareness Day is marked internationally on April 2 every year, and there is a call for people to include autistic children in Quality Education. It is commendable to know that the government of Ghana has passed a law that mandates mainstream schools to accept autistic children. But it shouldn’t end there. There is the need to provide enough education on the condition to teachers, and the whole country at large as well as the building of infrastructure that can support children and people with the condition.
Source:
Augustina Otema Amarh
Autism Mum/ Content Creator
Health Essentials Ghana Limited
References:
- mayoclinic.org
- cdc.org
- https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day
IF you truly love yourself, you had better read this piece while standing!
The other “inactivity” that rivals sitting for long periods when it comes to poor health and untimely death is LONLINESS! Sitting and Loneliness are the new Smoking.
It is often common to hear a parent tell a child, “Sit quietly and watch television and I will make a quick dash to town.” Well, this harmless and well-meaning statement is now being vilified. That parent could have said “smoke a few sticks of cigarettes while I dash off to town.” Yes “sitting is the “new” smoking.”
Scientists: they keep coming up with many weird findings and unfortunately, we realise after much ado that they may be right. People with sitting jobs have twice the rate of cardiovascular (heart & blood vessel) diseases as those with standing jobs – the bankers are cringing in their seats I bet.
It appears that compared to sitting,
• Sitting continuously brings similar challenges that smoking poses a gossip team. After an hour of sitting, if you walk for a minute or two.
Standing is hard work. Imagine that you need to engage many muscles to stand upright, and this burns energy. Sitting on the other hand is extremely relaxing.
When we sit, the “physiology of inactivity” kicks in and when we think we are relaxing in a chair made from heaven, our body instead rewards us with many bad things; enzymes that break down fat may drop by about 90 per cent calorie burning drops to frightening low levels and soon good cholesterol that protects us also drops. If you sit long enough even your insulin effectiveness drops and you will be courting diabetes in the long run.
I sincerely believe in getting a workout during the day, but you should not think that it gives you a license to sit at your desk for hours on end. We should ensure that we get up from our desk to walk briefly or even stretch. I am not giving you an excuse for loitering around your office or forming ings. When you have a meeting with a handful of people you could lace your boots and start walking while you talk. Who knows being out of a box (office etc) could help you think “out of the box” or even think like “there is no box”. The best aspect of such a meeting is people are more attentive since they are unable to fidget with their smart phones and other gadgets.
All lectures and classes (children are really suffering in school these days) should have a “Heart Preserving” five-minute break after every hour. Spend that time walking and stretching.
All long movies should have commercial breaks that should be used to at least stand
Whenever in doubt, at least stand for a while.
Well some people are trying innovative ways of even having small treadmills at their desk that keeps them moving, others are adopting a new chair design that essentially makes you stand at your desk, a few others sit on exercise balls that forces them to adjust their positions all the time but for the rest of us simply taking breaks and using every opportunity to move is just what the doctor prescribed.
AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, ENSURE HYGIENE, WALK AND PRAY EVERY DAY AND REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)
Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel
Health Essentials/Medics Clinic
(www.healthessentialsgh.com)
Dr. Essel is a medical doctor with a keen interest in Lifestyle Medicine, He holds an MBA and is ISSA certified in exercise therapy, fitness nutrition and corrective exercise. He is the author of the award-winning book, ‘Unravelling The Essentials of Health & Wealth.’
Thought for the week – For good heart health; exercise often, eat healthy, do not smoke, minimise alcohol and sit less
By Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
I have on several occasions referred to laughter as the “best medicine” just as many others do and over the years, I have expanded my knowledge on the benefits of laughter. We all need to laugh daily and that’s the prescription given by the best doctors all over the world.
I came across the quote “Laughter is the best medicine. Unless you’re laughing for no reason….then you need medicine.” It sounds great and will get you laughing or at least smiling yet I beg to differ. My advice: find a reason to laugh no matter what and if you find none laugh anyway.
A few years ago, I decided to spend my first three hours of being awake laughing or smiling no matter what. It set the tone for a successful day. I did not bother about the early morning traffic, neither did I scream or honk at careless drivers but I guess as the years dragged on and the reality of fuel price hikes, electricity challenges and an ailing Ghana economy among many others hit home, the smile and laughter faded but I ALWAYS get back once I realise I am “short-changing” myself. No matter the struggles you may be facing, remember laughing or smiling will surely make your day so much better.
My prescription for you and myself is “Laugh at least five minutes in the morning and five minutes at the end of the day” no matter what. Do it even if you have no reason to.
Now what does science say about laughter?
1. It helps make the world a better place
a. Laughter is contagious so set the ball rolling by laughing and many others will join in the fun.
2. You learn better
Well, no need to get all serious and mean while you learn something new. A good dose of laughter while you learn may actually make the process more efficient. Word of caution, DO NOT distract others by laughing in an annoying way.
3. You get a health boost
a. We know this, right? I found out that laughter may actually increase good cholesterol while lowering inflammation. We do need more data on this but really, keep laughing, it can’t possibly harm you.
4. Makes you more robust
a. A nervous laughter when your back is against the wall? Laughter helps regulate your emotions in a difficult situation. Crying or frowning is unlikely to have positive returns.
5. Lowers stress and improves memory
a. Stress hormones, especially in the elderly, is reduced by laughter and one’s ability to remember gets a much-needed spike.
6. Makes you more attractive
a. People are always attracted to a “smiling face” or someone who laughs often. They make the party come alive.
7. Improves your relationship
a. Whether you are negotiating a deal at work, interacting with family or friends; laughter creates stronger bonds leading to better outcomes and building stronger relationships.
8. May help burn off some calories
Now I may be pushing this too much, but truth is laughter does raise your energy expenditure and heart rate. Though the calories you burn may be fewer per bout of laughter, every positive thing adds up for our good.
9. Boosts immune function and enhances sleep
a. Say goodbye to frequent common colds and laying in bed for long hours listening to the dogs in the neighbourhood “chitchatting”, a leaking tap dripping or worse still a snore within earshot that will compete with Louis Armstrong on the trumpet.
b. Combine laughter with your daily dose of exercise, and your winning combination is a reality.
10. May improve blood pressure and relax muscles
a. I will not advise you to drop your medication for all day laughter but I am sure laughter will play a positive role in reducing stress, giving you a feeling of wellbeing, relaxing your muscles in the process and your blood pressure may be sending you a thank you beat sooner than later.
Good health, improved learning ability and an enviable memory packaged with an attractive personality and a penchant to build strong relationships sounds like a team player who is destined for success in all fields. That you may agree will make your trips to the bank exciting and of course cause you to laugh all the way to the bank. The cycle repeats itself.Have you had your daily dose of laughter yet?
AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, ENSURE HYGIENE, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)
Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel
Health Essentials Ltd/Medics Clinic
(www.healthessentialsgh.com)
*Dr. Essel is a Medical Doctor with a keen interest in Lifestyle Medicine, He holds an MBA and is an ISSA Specialist in Exercise Therapy, Fitness Nutrition and Corrective Exercise. He is the author of the award-winning book, ‘Unravelling The Essentials of Health & Wealth.’
Thought for the week – “laughter is contagious – Laugh and the whole world laughs with you.”-
References:
1. Fulfillment Daily -7 science-backed reasons why laughing is good for you (2016)
2. Stanford Business
3. Someecards
By Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
