Conditions

Stages of menopause Menopause does not happen abruptly. It is a gradual process consisting of perimenopause, menopause and post menopause. Peri-menopause: This refers to a period 3-5 years before actual menopause starts, when the hormones being secreted by the ovaries start going down. Periods become irregular. You may still ovulate but not every month.   Menopause: This refers to the period when the ovaries stop producing the ova and oestrogen and progesterone are released at a low…

What causes menopause Menopause is a natural change that occurs in women during their 40s or early 50s. In Asian women, menopause usually occurs between the ages of 49-53. It happens when the ovaries stop functioning. The primary function of the ovaries is: To release the ova (egg) monthly To release hormones like oestrogen and progesterone that make preparatory changes in the uterine wall if the woman conceives For subsequent shedding of theuterine wall or lining if she does not conceive. As…

There is no way to prevent autism spectrum disorder, but ASD can be treated, and children can improve their language and social skills. Children with ASD typically continue to learn and find solutions for problems, but most will continue to require some ongoing support. If your child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, intervene early and work out treatment options. Although the cause of autism is not known, many researchers believe genetics is responsible for 90% of the risk of a child…

Early intervention – what does it achieve? The earlier you start the better, so intervention can start with a toddler or preschooler.  Intensive behavioural therapy during the toddler or preschool years can significantly improve cognitive and language skills in young children with ASD.These should be started as soon as a child has been diagnosed with ASD. Providing focused and challenging learning activities at the proper developmental level for the child for at least 25 hours per week and…

While there’s no proven cure for autism yet, treating ASD early using school-based programmes, and getting proper medical care can greatly reduce ASD symptoms and increase your child’s ability to grow and learn new skills. Many children with autism can develop significantly with early, well-planned and individually tailored educational efforts in specially adapted settings.  A diagnosis of ASD is nerve-wracking for parents as they struggle to understand the challenge they are facing and…

Diagnosing autism  At present, there is no definitive medical test to identify individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Professionals diagnose autism spectrum disorders through the presence or absence of certain behaviours, characteristic symptoms and developmental delays. ASD is diagnosed through an assessment which includes observing and meeting with the individual, their family and other people who interact with the child. Information is gathered regarding the individual’s strengths…

The main types of Autism are 1. Autistic Disorder: These have problems in socialisation, communication, and restricted patterns of behaviours and interests.  2. Asperger’s Disorder: These have problems in two areas: socialisation and restricted patterns of interests.   3, Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS): Children have problems in socialisation and one of the two other areas: communication or restricted patterns of behaviors and interests.…

The degree to which different characteristics affect a child depends on the level of severity of impairments: Children with autism have problems in three core areas: socialisation, communication, and restricted patterns of behaviours and interests. Children with Asperger’s Syndrome have problems in two areas: socialisation and restricted patterns of interests. They do not have clinically significant delays in early language development or significant delays in cognitive development. …

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a behaviourally defined condition and the cause of autism or the combination of causes of autism spectrum disorders is not fully known. Autism is likely to have multiple aetiologies (causation) including genetic factors.   Early life events, for example complications during pregnancy, and environmental factors are believed to interact with genetic susceptibility causing brain dysfunctions that affect the developing brain’s ability to handle information. …