Every year, April 2 is an ordinary day,yet it is also a day of extraordinary significance— World Autism Awareness Day.Autism is the condition commonly known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD).Children with autism are called “children of the stars.”They perceive the world in their own unique way,an...
Every year, April 2 is an ordinary day,
yet it is also a day of extraordinary significance
— World Autism Awareness Day.
Autism is the condition commonly known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Children with autism are called “children of the stars.”
They perceive the world in their own unique way,
and in this vast world,
they shine with a light that belongs to them.
Every life deserves respect.
Every soul longs to be seen.
Although the causes of autism are complex,
through early identification and intervention,
we can do our best
to open the door for these children to a normal social life.
Let love become our common language, bringing them hope and light. Let every smile and embrace turn into warm sunshine, dispelling the shadows in their hearts and illuminating their world!
Understanding Autism:
Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a group of conditions related to brain development. Its main characteristics include difficulties in social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive and stereotyped behaviors. About one in every 100 children has autism. Although its features can be identified in early childhood, it is often not diagnosed until much later. Autism severely affects children’s social functioning and quality of life.
What Causes Autism?
The causes of autism are complex. It is currently believed to result from the combined effects of genetics and the environment, with genetics being the main factor, accounting for as much as 80%–90%. However, how genetic factors lead to the condition and how they affect children’s behavior remains unclear.
Studies have found that children with autism may have changes in the central nervous system, such as cerebellar hypoplasia and brainstem atrophy, or neurotransmitter dysfunction and immune system abnormalities. Although their ultimate mechanisms of action remain unknown, these are all potential biological factors contributing to autism.
In addition, children with factors such as advanced parental age, maternal threatened miscarriage, viral infection, smoking, use of certain medications, abnormal amniotic fluid and meconium, abnormal fetal position, emotional instability, intrauterine distress, asphyxia at birth, and low birth weight have a higher probability of developing autism than children in general.
Respect and Affirmation
They are “stars” scattered throughout the human world.
Give a little more love;
come a little closer.
Because every life that strives
deserves to be recognized and respected.
April 2, 2025 marks the 18th World Autism Awareness Day and is also a crucial year for comprehensively advancing the implementation plan for care actions. This year’s awareness theme was released by the China Association of Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities and Their Relatives: “Implement the Care Action Implementation Plan and Promote the All-Round Development of the Autism Community.” It aims to raise public awareness of autism and advocate understanding and care for people with autism throughout society.
Each of us can become a “lighthouse” illuminating the world of children with autism.
Therefore, we need to understand and respect them so as to provide effective support. Families, schools, and society should join hands to create an inclusive and caring environment for these children, enabling them to showcase their unique talents.
Eighteen years ago, the United Nations emphasized the need to raise public awareness of autism. Today, 18 years later, this global movement has expanded from raising awareness to actively promoting acceptance, appreciation, and inclusion, recognizing the contributions of people with autism to their communities and the world.
Professor Xiao Hong, former Director of the Department of Neurosurgery at Huiya Hospital of the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University and Director of the Department of Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery at Shenzhen Overseas Chinese Hospital, stated that the core symptoms of autism include social impairment, language developmental disorder, and stereotyped behaviors. Early identification and intervention for autism are extremely important, with equal emphasis on scientific screening and family support.
Clinical Manifestations of Autism
1. Social impairment: They may not make eye contact with others, show no response when called by their parents, and do not actively seek attention or interaction from others.
2. Language and communication impairment: Some children have delayed language development and may even never speak in their lifetime; others may speak fluently, but their speech is repetitive or lacks logic.
3. Repetitive and stereotyped behaviors: Such as spinning objects, lining up toys, and insisting on fixed daily routines.
4. Narrow interests: Showing unusually intense interest in certain specific things or activities, such as weather, numbers, maps, etc.
Early Symptoms of Autism01 Little or no looking
Abnormal eye contact, with reduced gaze toward people, especially toward their eyes.
02 Little or no response
Young children turn a deaf ear to their parents’ calls.
03 Little or no pointing
Lack of appropriate gestures and inability to request things they are interested in.
04 Little or no speaking
Most children with autism have delayed language function.
05 Inappropriate behavior
Refers to inappropriate use of objects and related abnormal sensory perception, including spinning, lining up, and persistent visual exploration of objects.
Treatment Principles for Autism
Treatment Principles for Autism
Early detection and early behavioral intervention and education can significantly improve the poor prognosis of children with autism. Children with a confirmed diagnosis should receive intervention immediately, and children with suspected autism should also receive timely intervention. Interventions should use methods supported by evidence-based medicine.
Intervention should be comprehensive. In view of the differences among children with autism in social interaction, emotion, intelligence, mood, behavior, movement, physical health, comorbidities, and many other aspects, planned, targeted, and individualized training should be carried out on the basis of a thorough assessment of the disease and various functions. The active participation of family members and caregivers in intervention should be emphasized and encouraged.
Early Scientific Prognosis and Therapeutic Outcomes in Autism
CASE 01For example, Xiao Jin (pseudonym), 7 years old, began to show language regression accompanied by hyperactivity and easy excitement at over 3 years old. After unsuccessful rehabilitation intervention at a local hospital, his family brought him to the Autism Multidisciplinary Combined Treatment Center of Shenzhen Overseas Chinese Hospital to seek more professional treatment. After diagnosis and treatment by multidisciplinary experts at our hospital, he was diagnosed with brain hypoplasia and autism spectrum disorder with speech and language developmental disorder. The family did not expect that after treatment with the integrated surgery-rehabilitation program at our hospital’s Autism Multidisciplinary Combined Treatment Center, the child would make great progress! The surgery performed was carotid periarterial sympathectomy (CPS), a minimally invasive procedure with an incision of only 2–3 cm. The patient was able to get out of bed and eat normally the next day after surgery. After one week of postoperative rehabilitation training, Xiao Jin could now sit quietly, talked to himself much less, and his tendency to become easily excited had also changed. During the one-week treatment process, Xiao Jin’s self-control and hyperactivity improved significantly, to the delight and relief of his family.
CASE 02Xiao Yan (pseudonym), 4 years old, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder accompanied by speech and language developmental disorder due to problems such as poor eye contact and poor balance, and came to the Autism Multidisciplinary Combined Treatment Center of Shenzhen Overseas Chinese Hospital for intervention and rehabilitation treatment. Through MDT multidisciplinary collaborative diagnosis and treatment, the center developed an integrated surgery-rehabilitation treatment plan for Xiao Yan, namely minimally invasive carotid periarterial sympathectomy (CPS). By improving cerebral blood supply and promoting the recovery of neurological function, this procedure can improve a series of symptoms such as twisting movements, drooling, language, intelligence, and hyperactivity. After postoperative rehabilitation, Xiao Yan’s speech and cognitive abilities improved, and she gradually began to develop safety awareness.
Let the “Stars” No Longer Be LonelyChildren with autism need joint efforts from multiple parties, including support from society, families, and the medical field. Every “star” is a unique individual. Their light needs society’s inclusion and scientific support. Only when understanding and action go hand in hand can we build a bridge to society for children with autism and turn care from a “slogan” into daily practice.
Appointment Service
Traffic Guide
Medical Notice
