Autism, also known as an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complex disease characterized by communication and behavioral difficulties. It can manifest itself in a wide variety of symptoms and abilities. ASD may be a small condition or a condition in a special hospital that includes full-time treatment.

Communication is difficult for those with autism. They have a hard time comprehending what other people are thinking and doing. This makes it impossible for them, either through words or by movements, facial expressions, and touch, to communicate themselves.

Learning disabilities can be a concern for people with autism. Their abilities can evolve in a haphazard manner. For example, they can struggle with communication but excel at art, music, math, or memory. As a consequence, they can perform particularly well on analytical or problem-solving tests. Autism is now being identified in greater numbers than ever before. However, the new statistics may be increased due to improvements in how the condition is diagnosed, not that more children have it.

 

Autism Causes

 

The actual cause of autism is unclear. Problems in the parts of your brain that perceive sensory feedback and process language may be to blame. Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism. It may affect people of any race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. A child's risk of autism is unaffected by family income, lifestyle, or educational level.

• Since autism runs in families, some genetic combinations can raise a child's risk.
• The risk of autism is higher in children with an older parent. 
• The chances of autism in children are higher whose mother is exposed to certain chemicals or drugs like alcohol and anti-seizure medicines. 
• Maternal metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity are also risk factors. Autism has also been related to untreated phenylketonuria (also known as PKU, a metabolic condition caused by an enzyme deficiency) and rubella (German measles).
• Vaccinations do not seem to be related to autism¹.

 

Signs and Symptoms

Social, emotional, and communication skills are frequently impaired in people with ASD. They may have a tendency to replicate these habits and avoid improvement in their daily routine. Many people with ASD have unique approaches to learning, paying attention, and reacting to situations. ASD signs normally start in early childhood and continue for the rest of a person's life.

Adults or children with ASD might: 

 

• They do not show interest or not point at objects like not point at an airplane flying over. 
• Shows no interest when another person points at them. 
• Had difficulties relating to others or had little interest in them at all.
• Want to be alone and not make eye contact. 
• They do not talk about their feelings and also have a problem understanding the feelings of other people 
• They may choose not to be held or cuddled, or they may only cuddle when they want to.
• When people speak to them, they seem to be unconcerned, but they respond to other sounds.
• Sometimes they show interest in people but have no idea how to talk to them. 
• Repeat or echo words or phrases that have been said to them, or repeat words or phrases in place of regular language.
• Lack of interest in playing pretend games like feeding a doll, etc 
• Repeating actions many times. 
• It became difficult to manage routine with changing conditions 
• Having strange reactions to sound, feel, taste, look, and smell. 
• They lose the abilities they once possessed (for example, stop saying words they were using)²

 

Diagnosis of autism

The diagnosis of ASD is associated with different evaluations, screenings, and genetic tests. 

 

Developmental screenings

At the ages of 18 and 24 months, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children be screened for ASD. Early detection of children who may have ASD can be aided by screening. Early detection and intervention may be beneficial to these children.

Many pediatric offices use the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) as a diagnostic tool. Parents are asked to complete a 23-question survey. The responses can then be used by pediatricians to identify children who may be at risk of developing ASD.

It's important to remember that screening is not the same as a diagnosis. Children who test positive for ASD do not always have the disease. Furthermore, scans do not always detect every child with ASD.

Other screenings and tests

The combination of the following tests may be recommended by your child's physician, including 

• Testing DNA for genetic disorders 
• behavioral evaluation
• To rule out any vision or hearing disorders that aren't linked to autism, visual and auditory tests are used.
• Occupational therapy screening 
• Developmental questionnaires including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). 
• A team of experts normally makes the diagnosis. Child psychologists, occupational therapists, and speech and language pathologists may be part of this team³. 

 

Treatments and Therapies

After an ASD diagnosis, care should begin as quickly as possible. Early ASD therapy is important and it will help people develop new skills and maximize their abilities while still reducing their challenges.

Because of the wide variety of challenges that people with ASD face, there is no single best therapy. Finding the best recovery regimen includes close coordination with a specialist or other health care provider.

 

Medication

Any signs associated with ASD can be treated with treatment by a doctor. An individual with ASD who takes medicine may have fewer issues with:

• Irritability
• Repetitive behavior
• Hyperactivity
• Attention issues
• Aggression
• Depression and anxiety 

 

Behavioral, psychological, and educational therapy

Doctors that specialize in clinical, social, instructional or skill-building therapies are eligible to treat individuals with ASD. Parents, siblings, and other family members may be interested in these services, which are usually highly organized and comprehensive. People with ASD can benefit from the following programs:

• Learning language, social, and communication skills
• Minimizing challenging behaviors 
• Learn skills that are essential to living independently⁴ 

 

References

 

1. Autism. [internet]. [cited 2021 February 23]; Available from https://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/understanding-autism-basics
2. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). [internet]. [cited 2021 February 23]; Available from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html
3. Everything You Need to Know About Autism. [internet]. [cited 2021 February 23]; Available from  https://www.healthline.com/health/autism#autism-tests
4. Autism Spectrum Disorder. [internet]. [cited 2021 February 23]; Available from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml

 

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