Autism Prevention/ Interview with Adiel Lotri, Mental Health Occupational Therapist

---

Extract from the article: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It is characterized by an alteration of social integration and communication, associated with abnormalities in behaviour and sometimes intellectual development. Autistic children generally exhibit

---

« Parents need to pay particular attention to language delay. A child … who is not used to smiling when smiled at… it would be appropriate to take this child for consultation »

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It is characterized by an alteration of social integration and communication, associated with abnormalities in behaviour and sometimes intellectual development. Autistic children generally exhibit stereotypical and repetitive behaviours. It is important to take the child presenting these types of behaviours early in the consultation process to be offered remedial and supportive strategies. In this interview, Adiel Lotri, Occupational Therapist in Mental Health, graduate of the Université Claude Bernard de Lyon (France), shows the signs of autism and how to detect them earlier for proper management.

 

Santé-Education: What is autism?

Adiel Lotri: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interactions and communication. This disorder occurs before the age of 3. Autistic children generally exhibit stereotypical and repetitive behaviours. Language skills and cognitive development vary from one autistic to another. That is why we are now talking about autism spectrum disorder.

What is known about the origin of autism spectrum disorder?

Medical research is still ongoing. The great heterogeneity of autism spectrum disorder does not facilitate the understanding of the mechanisms involved in this disorder. Several scientific studies have shown that there is a link between certain environmental factors and autism. These factors include gestational diabetes, fetal exposure to maternal infections, and respiratory distress at birth.

How many types of this disability exist?

We can say the same number of people with autism, the same number of disabilities. The form of this disorder varies from one person to another.

How is this handicap manifested in children?

Children with autism spectrum disorder have communication difficulties, restricted and repetitive behaviours. They are children who like to be alone or have inappropriate behaviours in social interactions

What are the warning signs?

Parents should pay particular attention to the delay of language, a child or baby who is not accustomed to smiling when smiling. When they observe these signs, it would be appropriate to take the child for consultation.

Who diagnoses autism spectrum disorder?

The diagnosis is made medically by a neurologist or psychiatrist. Then, depending on the disorders observed, the neurologist or psychiatrist sends the child to rehabilitation.

How does this syndrome affect interpersonal relationships, communication and, more generally, behaviour?

Autistic people behave inappropriately, especially in situations that are out of their habit. It is in a certain routine where everything has its place. Let me give you the example of an autistic person: he expects that when he calls a person that the person first says “hello”. But if the person says “hello”, that autistic person is disturbed.

In establishing a diagnosis, what difficulties do these patients pose?

Children with autism spectrum disorders often have co-morbidities. They have other disorders or disabilities. That is why it is important for autistic children to be followed regularly by specialists. They usually need a whole team of rehabilitation specialists.

How is the management of an autistic child?

There are several specialists who intervene after the diagnosis has been made. The mental health occupational therapist or neuropsychologist assesses cognitive functions (reasoning, inhibition, language, attention, memory). Based on the balance sheet results, a speech-language pathologist intervenes for language and the mental health occupational therapist intervenes in the rehabilitation of attention and memory disorders and puts in place strategies that promote the autonomy of autism in the activities of daily life. When there are motor disorders, the physiotherapist intervenes. Depending on the case, a psychologist can offer psychotherapy.

Advice for parents of autistic children

Don’t give up, your autistic child is not a lost cause. Consult specialists for help.

Interview by Abel OZIH