Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder which affects children. It mainly affects a child’s social communication which includes language as well as an emotional response to any situation. Children with autism also show some repetitive and restrictive behaviour. One-third of all children who have autism, suffer from intellectual disability, meaning they have a low IQ or mental retardation. Autism is not a life-threatening problem. Its severity ranges from mild to severe and early diagnosis and intervention can help in a better way.Children with autism have a trouble understanding what others think and feel. They cannot express themselves properly either with words, facial expressions, or gestures. Children with autism develop uneven skills. They might have a problem in communicating but they might be good at maths, art, or music. Symptoms:<ol><li>Lack of eye contact</li><li>Repetitive behaviour, example repeating phrases or rocking back and forth</li><li>Higher sensitivity to sounds, sights, smells, touch which might seem ordinary to others</li><li>Not looking at things when someone points at something</li><li>Not paying attention to what the other person is saying</li><li>Trouble adapting to changes</li><li>Some might also get seizures</li></ol> The symptoms usually appear before the child turns 3 or sometimes are evident from birth. Causes: Though the exact causes are not clear, here are a few factors which increase the chances of autism:<ul><li>Genetics of the child</li><li>Older parents</li><li>Pregnant woman exposed to drugs</li><li>Maternal metabolic conditions - like diabetes and obesity</li><li>Autism runs in the family</li></ul> Risk Factors: Children of all races can get autism but certain factors increase the risk. They are:<ul><li>Child's sex: Boys are about four times more likely to develop autism than girls.</li><li>Family history</li><li>Other disorders</li><li>Preterm birth</li><li>Parents' ages: More research is required but children born to older age parents are more likely to develop autism.</li></ul> Diagnosis: 2 step diagnosis for children Step 1: Developmental screening - The doctor will examine whether your child's basic skills like leaning, speaking, behaviour, and movement are on track or not. These developments should be routinely checked at the age of 9 months, 18 months, 24 months, and 30 months. Step 2: If your child shows signs of a problem on step 1 screenings, (s)he might have to undergo a hearing, vision, and genetic testing. By now, you will be advised to work with a child psychologist. Prevention: There is no way to prevent autism development in children. But mothers can live a healthy lifestyle, avoid drugs and alcohol during pregnancy. These will reduce the chances of autism development. Treatment:The treatment patterns which work for one child might not necessarily work for others. Your child's doctor will specially design a treatment plan for your child.&nbsp;Autism cannot be cured but the following treatments are helpful: Main treatment is Psycho-social intervention. It includes different types of behaviour therapy, cognitive therapy, speech therapy, social skill therapy and special school arrangements. Medicines can help to counter different symptoms like irritability, hyperactivity, depression or some of the repetitive behaviours. Behaviour therapy: Behaviour therapy is a collective term for several types of therapies used to treat mental health disorders. The treatment focuses on unhealthy behaviours and aims to change them. Behavioural therapy can be used to treat depression, anxiety, panic disorders, anger issues, autism, ADHD, etc. The several types of behavioural therapies are – cognitive behavioural therapy, cognitive behavioural play therapy, aversion therapy, system desensitisation.&nbsp;Cognitive therapy: It is based on the concept that the way we think about things affects us emotionally. It is based on present thinking rather than past experiences. Speech therapy: Speech-language therapy addresses challenges with language and communication. It can help people with autism improve their verbal, nonverbal, and social communication. The overall goal is to help the person communicate in more useful and functional ways.Goals of speech therapy include improving the spoken language, learning nonverbal skills such as signs or gestures, or learning to communicate using an alternative method (such as pictures or technology). Examples of the skills that speech therapy may work on include:<ul><li>Making clearer speech sounds</li><li>Matching emotions with the correct facial expression</li><li>Responding to questions</li><li>Matching a picture with its meaning</li><li>Modulating tone of voice</li><li>Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) - for some children with autism, it's easier to communicate through pictures or technology rather than speaking.</li></ul> Social Skills Therapy: Social skills therapy work on improving communication with friends, family members, at school, and more. Your child's psychologist might arrange group therapy for this particular skill development. Depending upon your child's autism intensity, your child's psychologist will layout the treatment plan for your child. Moreover, your child's doctor might also suggest parent training for you and your spouse. Safety precautions: Secure your house, irrespective of the child's age. Keep sharp objects away, keep harmful objects out of reach. You can use monitoring technology to stay assured about your child's safety. FAQs regarding ADHD: Can autism be cured?Autism is a lifelong disorder. The improvement depends on many factors like severity of the problem, time of diagnosis, IQ of the child and the interventions done. Children with normal IQ and mild to moderate autism can live a normal life with timely intervention. Any food can help with autism?There is no evidence that any particular food can help better autism. Do all children with autism have a low IQ?No, only one-third of all autistic children have low IQ. Many children with autism have some extra skills and more than average IQ. To whom should I consult for autism?If you see any symptoms of autism in your child, it is best to consult a psychiatrist. For an initial consultation, you can visit your child’s paediatrician as well. Can a child with autism live a normal life?Yes, many autistic children can live a normal life provided their IQ is normal and the intervention for social communications is done properly. Is autism a genetic problem?Yes, there are pieces of evidence that genetic factors are involved in aetiology (causes) of autism but it is not the only factor. There are others like immunological, neurological and developmental factors also involved. Can a child with autism go to a normal school?If the IQ of a child is normal, (s)he can definitely go to a normal school.

Here are Autism Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Precautions, Risk factors, Prevention, Diagnosis, and FAQs.

All about Autism

Ravina Sewani

Wool is a clothing material containing natural oil called lanolin, which is the cause of many children's wool allergies. Children who are allergic to lanolin will show allergic reactions to other products containing lanolin. Symptoms:<ul><li>Skin Irritation - rashes and hives</li><li>Eye irritation - redness, itching and puffiness of the eyes</li><li>Nasal Problems - runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion</li><li>Narrowed airways</li><li>Trouble in breathing</li><li>Drop in blood pressure</li><li>Asthma</li><li>Ear and lung infections</li><li>Anaphylaxis (in more severe cases)</li></ul> Diagnosis:<ul><li>Wool allergies are sometimes misunderstood with wool sensitivity. To know whether your child is allergic to wool or just sensitive, you can try to make him/her wear a layer of clothing between their skin and the wool clothing. If your child does not experience any allergic symptoms, it's clear that your child is only sensitive towards wool. Your child can use wool products as long as they don’t come into contact with their skin.</li><li>Wool allergy is confirmed when your child develops an allergic reaction even if the wool didn't come in direct contact with your child’s skin. To confirm the allergy, you need to take your child to a doctor who will ask for your child’s medical and health history, your family’s medical history, and perform either a skin-prick or blood test.</li></ul> Wool Allergy Sources:<ul><li>Wool clothing - sweaters, scarves, bonnets, socks and gloves</li><li>Wool wax</li><li>Cosmetic products and personal products with lanolin</li></ul> Treatment:There's no permanent cure for wool allergy. Your child can, however, be given antihistamines and allergy shots to subdue the symptoms of the allergy. Guidelines to soothe your child’s skin after an allergic reaction:<ul><li>Keep the skin clean and moisturised with a gentle, fragrance-free lotion</li><li>Let the skin be exposed to air as much as possible</li><li>Avoid hot baths or showers, which may further irritate the skin</li><li>Try to stop scratching, which can make the rash worse</li><li>As a precautionary measure, avoid using woollen clothes or products containing lanolin for your baby.</li></ul>

Wool allergies are quite common but are often confused with wool sensitivity hence it is important to get a proper diagnosis done by an allergist.

Wool allergies

If you notice that your baby is not gaining weight according to standard figures or peeing quite often, it could be&nbsp;that the child is not getting enough breast milk. The good news is that most women produce one-third more breast milk than their babies will drink, so there’s nothing to worry about it. In case your milk supply is running low. There are ways to increase your milk supply:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Use a breast pump regularly.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Breastfeed often</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Make sure the child is latching on properly.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Feed from both breasts (one by one after completing from one side)</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Don't skip feeding times</li></ul>

The beginning is always tough, but it does get easier with time. Find out more in the full article.

How can I improve my lactation?

The small pieces of dead skin that are found in hair, which normally result in white flakes or even itchiness, is called dandruff. Causes:<ul><li>Improper shampooing</li><li>Malnutrition</li><li>Sensitivity to hair products</li><li>Eczema fungus</li><li>Dry skin</li><li>Stress</li></ul> Symptoms:<ul><li>Visible dry white flakes on your child’s scalp or outfits</li><li>Continuous itching of the scalp area</li><li>Red patches on the scalp</li><li>Dry scalp</li><li>Itchy scalp</li><li>Hair loss (temporary)</li><li>An oily area on the scalp</li></ul> Treatment:<ul><li>Medicated Shampoo</li><li>Keep your child hydrated</li><li>Proper nutrition</li><li>Separate combs and towels for your child</li></ul> Following are a few suggestions which might help to reduce dandruff in your child's hair:<ul><li>Avoid overusing chemical shampoos: Over use of shampoo or baby wash can lead to skin problems. It can build up on their scalps and cause dandruff.</li><li>Gentle exfoliation: Gentle exfoliation may be appropriate to help shed the scalp of excess skin. First, apply a small amount of gentle baby shampoo and massage it into the scalp and then exfoliate with the soft bristle brush once in a while when you wash their hair.</li><li>Baby oil/ Lotion: Rubbing a few drops of mineral oil or lotion into the scalp and letting it sit for a few minutes before brushing and shampooing the child's hair will be helpful. Try and keep baby’s scalp well hydrated with baby oil/lotion.</li><li>Dandruff shampoo: In some situations if the dandruff persists, talk to your baby’s paediatrician and as per his/her guidance you can use any mild dandruff shampoo for your baby.</li></ul> Home Remedies:<ul><li>Tea tree oil</li><li>Aloe Vera</li><li>Coconut Oil</li><li>Lemon juice mixed with coconut oil</li><li>Mixture of yogurt, egg yolks, and honey</li><li>Baking soda mixed with water</li><li>Oiling the scalp</li></ul>

Here are Dandruff Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Home Remedies.

All about dandruff

Palak Vyas

<ul><li>Massage helps your baby to develop mentally, socially and physically.</li><li>The baby stays relaxed and does not get upset. He/she cries less and sleeps better.</li><li>You may find that giving your baby a massage lifts your mood and helps you to feel more empowered as a parent. As you massage your baby, it comes naturally to chat with him/her and have plenty of eye contact. It strengthens your bonding with your baby. This is one reason why massage can help mums with postnatal depression, or who are at risk of depression.</li><li>Even the father can give massage to their babies so as he can bond well and feels better about parenting.</li></ul> Massage may be particularly good for premature babies resulting in:<ul><li>Improved weight gain, particularly if oils are used. Massage can improve digestion and bowel movement, helping your baby to gain weight.</li><li>A more stable heart rate. Massage improves the parts of the nervous system that regulate our organs. So massage can help to keep your premature baby's heart rate steady.</li><li>The baby shows calmer response to stress and pain.</li><li>There is more stable brain activity. Premature babies who are massaged tend to have brain activity that develops at a normal level.</li></ul>

Body massage helps in keeping your baby healthy and happy.

Baby Massage benefits

Some mothers&nbsp;produce more milk than their breasts can hold, which makes the breasts feel rock hard and uncomfortably full – a condition called engorgement.This condition might last temporarily for 24 to 48 hours. However it can be painful. What do engorged breasts feel like?The breasts feel large, hard and lumpy. The skin of your breasts look shiny and feel stretched, and your nipples becomes hard and flat. Breast engorgement can cause breastfeeding difficulties – which can, in turn, worsen the problem. Your baby might struggle to latch if your nipples are flatter and your breast tissue is harder,&nbsp;causing sore nipples. Causes of breast engorgement:<ul><li>Engorgement usually occurs because the baby is not feeding frequently enough (at least eight times in 24 hours).</li><li>Those women who doesn’t feed their babies or who can’t, due to any reason for example either they are working or too busy with chores due to large families, these women can develop breast engorgement. It can also cause when the woman produces more milk than her baby can have.</li><li>Engorgement can also happen if you suddenly cut on breastfeeds, maybe, because your baby is sick,&nbsp;either (s)he keeps sleeping longer, starting solid foods and other liquids, or going into childcare, which keeps him away from you for longer time.</li></ul> Treating engorged breasts:<ul><li>Breastfeed your baby for minimum 8 times in 24 hours.</li><li>Check that your baby has a good breastfeeding latch.</li><li>Try breastfeeding in different positions.</li><li>You can also massage your breasts gently while feeding to help the milk drain effectively.</li></ul>

New mothers might worry about breast engorgement but there is nothing to worry about much.

Understanding Breast Engorgement

Diarrhoea is the body's way of ridding itself of germs, and most episodes last a few days to a week. Diarrhoea can be of sudden onset and lasting for less than two weeks (acute) or persistent (chronic). The main risk is lack of fluid in the body (dehydration). Once any dehydration is treated with drinks, encourage your child to eat as normally as possible. Causes:<ul><li>Bacterial infection</li><li>Viral infection</li><li>Trouble digesting certain things (food intolerance)</li><li>Food allergy</li><li>Parasites that enter the body through food or water</li><li>Reaction to medicines</li><li>An intestinal disease</li><li>Surgery on the stomach or gallbladder</li><li>Traveller's diarrhoea, this is caused by having food or water that is not safe because of bacteria, viruses, or parasites after a visit to a different country.</li></ul> Symptoms:<ul><li>Cramping</li><li>Belly (abdominal) pain</li><li>Swelling (bloating)</li><li>Upset stomach (nausea)</li><li>Urgent need to use the bathroom</li><li>Fever</li><li>Bloody stools</li><li>Loss of body fluids (dehydration)</li></ul> Signs of dehydration:<ul><li>Dizziness and light-headedness</li><li>Dry, sticky mouth</li><li>Dark yellow urine, or very little or no urine</li><li>Few or no tears when crying</li><li>Cool, dry skin</li><li>Lack of energy</li></ul> Diagnosis:<ul><li>Your child’s doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. The doctor might ask for a few tests to be done like:&nbsp;</li><li>A stool check</li><li>Blood test</li><li>Tests to check for food intolerance or allergies</li></ul> When to call a doctor:<ul><li>Is too weak to stand up</li><li>Is confused or dizzy</li><li>Has had diarrhoea more than three days</li><li>Is younger than 6 months old</li><li>Is vomiting bloody green or yellow fluid</li><li>Has a persistent fever</li><li>Has bloody stool</li><li>Has a rash</li></ul> Treatment:<ul><li>In most cases, treatment includes replacing lost fluids. Antibiotics may be prescribed when bacterial infections are the cause.</li><li>Offer electrolyte and glucose drinks. These fluids have the right balance of water, sugar, and salts. Some are available as popsicles.</li><li>Avoid juice or soda as they may make diarrhoea worse.</li><li>Keep breastfeeding your baby. Breastfed babies often have less diarrhoea.</li></ul> Prevention:<ul><li>Wash your hands properly before handling your child.</li><li>Timely get your child vaccinated.</li></ul>

Here are Diarrhoea causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Diarrhoea in children

As per the doctors’ recommendations, a child shouldn’t be given anything till 6 months. Child should only be breastfed till 6 months. This is applicable for masses. But this can be customised depending upon a child’s health and under parental supervision; a child can be introduced or can be given liquidised food and water from 5 or 6 months. Liquid foods should be those which are culturally acceptable. These include – fruit juices, vegetable soups, daal or moong water, non-veg soup, etc. Children should be encouraged to drink adequate amounts of fluids. While introducing new foods, parents should keep 2 things in mind: <ol><li>Never introduce 2 foods at the same time. If you are giving daal water today, do not give fruit juice on the same day. It helps in identifying any consequences/allergic reactions or adverse effect due to new foods. Let the child get habituated to a new thing for at least a week and then introduce a new food item.</li><li>The quantity also matters. On the first day start with 2 spoons of say daal water, on second day 4 spoons, likewise keep increasing quantity gradually for a week and if the child is able to digest it all well. In the second week you can introduce fruit juice along with daal water. Keep the quantity in check and ultimately know how much is enough for your child.</li></ol> Please note:<ul><li>Children’s appetites may vary, not only from day to day, but also from one meal to the next.</li><li>Children have smaller stomachs than adults so it is important to consider portion size when plating food.</li></ul>

Introducing food at the right age will make your child habituated with eating all kinds of food.

Food at the right age

Children are prone to taking in passive smoke if someone in the family has a habit of smoking. Smoke from the cigarette can cause mild to severe allergies in children and pose the risk of asthma in their later lives. Symptoms:<ul><li>difficulty breathing</li><li>wheezing</li><li>hoarseness</li><li>headache</li><li>watery eyes</li><li>runny nose</li><li>congestion</li><li>sneezing</li><li>itchiness</li><li>nausea</li></ul> DiagnosisYour child's doctor will apply small drops of different allergens to parts of your child's forearm skin and wait to see which allergens of tobacco produce a reaction. Prevention:Here are a few tips to minimise your child's exposure to tobacco products that may cause an allergic reaction:<ul><li>Don't smoke when you are around/with your child(ren).</li><li>Avoid taking your child to areas where they will be exposed to secondhand smoke.</li><li>If someone smokes and then wants to play/take care of a child, ask them to wash their hands and clean their mouth before they handle your baby.</li><li>Do not smoke during pregnancy. Apart from your child developing cigarette smoke allergy, the chances of stillbirths are high in smoking mothers than in non-smoking ones.</li><li>Segregation between smokers and non-smokers in an indoor environment will reduce the risk of secondhand smoke exposure but does not completely eliminated it.</li></ul> Treatment:If your child gets diagnosed with cigarette smoke allergy, it is better to get medicine prescribed for them. It is not advisable to give them over-the-counter remedies for tobacco allergies.

Children are exposed to secondhand smoke unknowingly and this can cause problems in later stages of their lives.

pooping problems health concerns

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