Have you noticed that your once energetic, talkative and engaged autistic child has suddenly become quiet? Does your child exhibit new, unusual habits? You may have noticed a speech regression. If you answered “yes”, then your child may have regressive Autism.
According to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one child in every 68 in the US is diagnosed with autism. This includes regressive Autism. The US federal budget spends over $238 billion per year on autism treatment.
This article will provide some information about regressive autistic disorder, including its symptoms and signs, as well as possible treatments. We will also discuss the steps that parents can take when they notice these symptoms in their child.
What is Regressive Autism Syndrome?
Regressive Autism is a condition where a child initially appears to be developing normally, but then suddenly starts to lose their speech and skills. Also known as autism with regression (also called autistic regression), setback-type autistic disorder, or acquired autistic spectrum disorder, it is a condition that occurs when a child appears to be developing normally but suddenly begins to lose speech and social skills. Signs and symptoms usually appear between 15 and 30 month olds. Loss of skills can occur quickly or slowly. This is often followed by a long period of skill stagnation.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, defines regressive autistic disorder as any form of autism spectrum disorder (ASDs) involving regression. This includes childhood disintegrative disorder.
Early diagnosis is crucial for a child who has regressive autistic disorder. Parents and caregivers will be able to learn about the necessary therapies once a child is diagnosed. All children with autism will progress differently, depending on many factors.
Autism and Regression: Facts
The levels of academic and social impairment in children who have autism vary from case to case. Children with autism who receive early treatment show better progress. Other results from different studies include:
At an average age of about 19 months, the skills of children with autism regression began to diminish. Most of these children began to display slight delays in their development long before they started to lose words. The majority of children with regression had less obvious symptoms before they lost their skills.
Nearly 77 per cent of children who lost their language also suffered a loss of communication skills. Children who were very talkative before suddenly stopping talking showed a pattern of developing and losing nonverbal skills. They include direct eye contact and responding to their names, as well as participation in social activities, receptive communication skills before speaking, and gestures.
It is possible that a regressive pattern caused by environmental and genetic factors could lead to autistic behaviour in children. The parents of children who have setback-type autistic disorder noticed that the development of their child was not gradual. Parents reported that they immediately noticed something was wrong with their child.
Possible causes of regressive autism in children
Over the years, many studies have been conducted to determine the causes of developmental delays in children and ASD. Some ASD experiments were successful, but others did not. Researchers from the University of California Davis conducted a study titled Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Autism. They identified a biological cause of autism.
Researchers found in their analysis that developmental delays or autism can be caused by a child’s acquired loss of ability to produce enough energy in the cells. They also noted an increase in oxidative stresses and damage to mitochondria, or the energy factories within cells. The brain’s function and development are heavily dependent on energy. If the mitochondria fail to produce enough energy to fuel the mind, it may lead to developmental delays or autism.
The Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (M.I.N.D. )Institute at the University of California, Davis has also made a breakthrough. The University of California Davis has a research institute that focuses on autism. Ashwood’s team found that autism regression was linked to immune dysfunction, brain changes and extremely repetitive behaviours.
Researchers also found elevated levels of immune cells known as dendritic cells in autistic children. This immune abnormality may be caused by the enlargement in the amygdala – the part of the brain that controls emotions. The study found that regressive autistic disorder is linked to an increase in plasmacytoid dendritic cells. These are a type of cell normally found in peripheral lymphoid tissues.
A 2013 study, led by Betty Diamond of the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research Center for Autoimmune and Musculoskeletal Disorders in Long Island, New York showed that autism could be caused by anti-brain antibodies that can penetrate the immature brain-blood barrier of the developing fetus in the womb. The antibodies can then damage the brain of a developing fetus, leading to autism or developmental delay when they are born.
Signs of Regressive Autism in Children
According to various studies, 25-30% of children with ASD will stop talking after they have started saying a few words. This usually happens before the age of 2. Some children are affected by language loss, while others lose their social development. Other signs and symptoms of autism Regression:
Autism Regression: Other Symptoms
Autism can also manifest as signs and symptoms such as:
- Impulsivity is the act of acting without thinking.
- Extreme anxiety as well as unusual phobias
- Shows odd interests and behaviours
- Plays with toys, in the same way, every time
- Hyperactive or very active behaviour
- Sleep regression and unusual eating or sleeping habits are common.
- Strange moods and emotional reactions
- Does not show fear or shows more fear than expected
- Line up toys and other objects
- Shows an affinity for certain parts of objects such as the wheels of toys cars
Early signs of ASD:
- Avoids eye contact or dislikes it
- If the child does not respond to his name when called, he may be considered deaf.
- Inability to show interest or point out objects of interest
- Most people want to be alone
- Failing to acknowledge or understand the feelings of others, as well as their own.
- Echolalia is the tendency to repeat phrases and words uttered repeatedly by others.
- Answers questions in a non-related way
- Obsessive Interests
- Loves to flap hands, rock the body, and spin in circles
- Minor changes to daily routines can cause upset.
- Social skills are low or zero.
- Displays unusual reactions such as over- or low-sensitivity to sound, smell and taste, as well as the look and feel.
- It is more common to use “you” rather than “I” when using pronouns.
- Avoids or dislikes physical contact
- Shows little concern for safety and is unaware of the danger
Want to learn more about diet and autism? Read: How Does Diet Affect Autism?
Diagnostic Tools for Children Suspected of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Specialists and health professionals use a variety of tools to test and assess whether a child has ASD. The assessment is a collaborative effort between several specialists to determine the true condition of the child.
A multidisciplinary team will usually include a child psychiatrist, a pediatrician, a speech therapist, and a psychologist. This assessment will help to provide a more accurate diagnosis. This diagnosis can help determine the most effective treatment plan to treat a child who has autism.
A number of procedures are used to determine if a child has ASD. This includes observing and evaluating how the child interacts and plays with others. It also involves interviewing the parents and reviewing the child’s development history. The team of doctors also assesses the child’s abilities in areas such as thinking, moving and communicating.
Screening tools for assessing possible ASD in children
The Modified Checklist for Autism In Toddlers Revised With Follow-Up (M-CHAT R/F)
This tool is a parent-reporting screening process that consists of two stages to evaluate possible ASD. This tool was designed to accurately identify children between 16 and 30 months old. The tool determines if the child needs to undergo a comprehensive evaluation or assessment for early signs of autistic behaviour or developmental delay.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the checklist as a tool for screening for ASD. The tool is implemented two-fold: in the developmental screening stage and then in the comprehensive diagnostic evaluation.
Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation
The second and final stage is a comprehensive assessment to evaluate the child’s behaviour and health. This process involves a hearing and sight screening, genetic tests, neurological testing and other medical tests. The process also involves examining the child’s development and behaviour and interviewing parents to learn more about their child.
Sometimes the family physician will refer the child to a specialist for further evaluation and diagnosis. A developmental pediatrician could be the specialist. It could also be a child psychologist or a child neurologist.
Developmental screening
The developmental screening test is a quick way to find out if a child has any learning difficulties or is not learning basic skills for their age. The physician will ask parents a few questions, or play and talk with the child to see how the child learns, speaks, and moves.
Autism can be diagnosed if there are any delays. During regular doctor’s visits, children should be checked for developmental delays and disabilities. Ideal ages for screening are between 9 and 18 months, 24 or 30-month-olds.
ASD Diagnosis: Some Screening and Test Tools
You should take your child immediately to a family doctor, pediatrician or autism specialist to get a diagnosis and further evaluation. They use the DSM-5 to categorize the signs and symptoms to make a proper diagnosis.
Here are some more tests and screening tools to help determine if your child has autism.
- Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADIR)
- Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), Second Edition
- Modified Checklist for Autism In Toddlers (MCHAT)
- The Second Edition of the Childhood Autism Rating Scales (CARS-2),
- Autism Behavior Checklist
- Third Edition of the Psycho-Educational Profil (PEP-3),
- Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ)
- Developmental Behavior Checklist
Autism Treatments: Some recommended educational, behavioural and other therapies
Experts recommend the use of educational and behavioural therapies for autistic children because they are effective, especially when combined with dietary and medical interventions. Parents, siblings and caregivers are encouraged to receive training in these therapies so that they can apply them themselves. These recommended therapies include:
Applied Behavior Analysis
The therapy is primarily performed by a therapist, who spends 20-40 hours a week working intensively with the child. Sessions usually begin with formal drills, such as learning to point at a specific object when it is named.
The child will be taught simple skills such as learning colours. ABA is said to be the most effective when it’s started early, before age five. However, older children can also benefit from these programs.
ABA is a term that has been used to describe a variety of behavioural interventions. The American Medical Association as well as the US Surgeon-General have recommended this therapy for children with ASD.
Sensory Integration
Autism is a disorder that affects the senses to different degrees. Sensory therapy can be beneficial in improving a child’s condition. This therapy is based on three senses – vestibular (the sense of balance and motion), tactile (the sense of touch), and proprioception (the sense of movement or position). sensory Integration uses a variety of techniques to normalize senses in people with autism spectrum disorders.
Speech Therapy
Speech Therapy can be beneficial for autistic children who often struggle with speech. As a way to help children with autism develop their speech, the use of sign language and a Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is recommended.
Irlen Lenses and Vision Training
These tools aim to help people with ASD overcome the challenges they face in their environment or their surroundings. These challenges can include short attention spans, excessive eye movement, difficulties scanning or tracking movements and being easily distracted.
A vision training program that uses ambient prisms and visual-motor exercise may be able to reduce or eliminate some of these problems. This program uses coloured or tinted Irlen lenses to treat autistic people who are hypersensitive to certain lighting, such as fluorescent lights and bright sunshine. It also helps those who have difficulty reading printed text.
Auditory Intervention
This therapy is designed to help children with autism improve their auditory processing, eliminate their sensitivity towards sound, and reduce their behavioural problems. Auditory interventions include the Tomatis Approach, the Berard Auditory Integration Training, the Samonas Sound Therapy and the Listening Program.
Steroids/Medications
This therapy could be just as effective for people with regressive Autism. Steroids are used to treat epileptic syndromes such as the Landau-Kleffner Syndrome (LKS), a condition that is associated with speech regression and acquired epileptiform language aphasia. Steroids are also effective in treating multiple neurological disorders, including epilepsy, muscular dystrophies and encephalitis.
In a study using prednisolone, a steroid, children who were treated with it showed significant improvements in their receptive, expressive, and frequency-modulated auditory response (FMAER) skills. There are side effects that can occur when using steroids. Parents and caregivers should consult with their doctors before giving it to children with autism regression.
Some medications are antidepressants like Prozac, Lexapro and Zoloft. Antipsychotic drugs like Risperdal, Risperidone or Risperdal (Fluoxetine) also fall into this category. These drugs can be used to treat autism symptoms such as anxiety, panic attacks and aggression. Before giving these drugs, it is important to consult with a specialist physician.
Relationship Development Interventions (RDIs)
This is a family-based behavioural treatment that addresses a core ASD issue, namely the development of friendships and social skills. This therapy was developed by psychologist Steven Gutstein based on his theory that “dynamic Intelligence” is the key to improving the quality of life for autistic individuals. The six main goals of RDI include social coordination, declarative speech, emotional referencing and flexible thinking.
This type of therapy begins with training the parents or caregivers. A RDI consultant will train parents and caregivers to effectively interact with children. According to Dr. Gutstein, improving the relationship between a child and his or her parents or caregivers can result in an improved brain function or neural connection.
Parenting Tips for Autistic Children
Parents and caregivers can find it difficult to care for children with autism. Consider these tips when caring for kids on the spectrum.
- Join a parent-only email group or participate in one or more parent support groups. They are excellent sources of information and support for individuals with ASD.
- In order to receive the right treatment, parents or caregivers must ensure that their child’s diagnosis is accurate. Some doctors will give a softer diagnosis to make parents feel less worried. This may actually worsen a child’s condition because they won’t receive the right treatment or medication.
- Ask your local district about their special programs for children with special requirements.
- Ask your local or state government about services that they offer to assist children with autism.
- Find a doctor who offers an integrated approach to treating autism, such as medical and nutritional tests and treatments. Find a doctor that is willing to do more than just monitor your child’s condition. Ensure that your doctor respects and supports your opinion.
- It is important to prioritize your needs and those of your spouse, as well as your children. Maintaining open and positive communication with all family members will help you to effectively solve any challenges that may arise in the future.
- Do not stop your research. Continue to learn new ways of helping your child overcome their challenges. You may find the solution that you’re looking for.
The conclusion of the article is:
Autism spectrum disorders and regressive autism can pose a challenge to parents and children. These challenges can be managed by using the right strategies and a positive attitude. The medical field has made many advances in research that indicate effective treatments may be on the horizon.
