Mind Matters

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder? ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is caused by the differences in the brain which affects how people communicate and interact with others. People with ASD often have difficulty understanding social cues and may have difficulty making friends. They may also have trouble with eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures. Also, people with ASD may be more sensitive to sensory experiences, like sounds, lights, or textures.  ASD can start to develop in early childhood, usually by the age of two or three. Some children with ASD may develop normally for the first few months or years of life and then start showing symptoms later on. Other children may show signs of ASD from birth or infancy.  Some of the early signs of ASD include delayed speech, not responding to their name, and not looking at faces.  These are often not obvious at first, but become more noticeable over time.  ASD can also affect adults i...

  Depression Depression or depressive disorder is a serious mental health condition which involves a low mood and loss of interest in activities which can affect how a person feels, thinks, and behaves. People with depression may feel extremely sad, hopeless, and irritable. They may also experience a loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy, changes in their appetite or sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, low energy, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt.  There are different types of depression which can develop due to specific circumstances but the most common types are:  M ajor depressive disorder: Major depressive disorder is a type of depression where you experiences low mood or sadness that lasts for at least two weeks. Other symptoms can include fatigue, trouble sleeping or eating, lack of motivation, and feelings of hopelessness. It's more than just "feeling blue." It's a serious condition that can make it hard to function in daily life.   Per...