Autism: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder
(ASD), is a complicated neurodevelopmental disorder, which interferes with
communication, behavior and social interaction. It is said to be a “spectrum”
disorder because there is great diversity of symptoms and degree of disability,
from mild to severe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
estimates that there are about 1 in 36 children in the U.S. diagnosed with ASD,
one of the most common developmental disorders.
This article offers a detailed look at
what autism is: its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options and effect
on society. By getting to know autism better we can create a more accepting and
supportive environment for those on the spectrum.
What is autism
spectrum disorder (ASD)?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a lifetime
disorder that affects the way a person will view the world and his or her
relationships with others. This word “spectrum” speaks for the broad range of
challenges and strengths that every single autistic individual has.
Core
Characteristics of Autism
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines two main classifications of symptoms for
ASD.
1. Long Habits of Social Communication and
Interaction Deficits
·
Difficulty with
back-and-forth conversation
·
Problems in
interpreting nonverbal cues (face, tone of voice etc.)
·
Trouble
developing and maintaining friendships
2. Repetitive Pattern of Behavior, Interests or
Activities of restricted nature
·
Repetitive
movements (e.g., hand-flapping, rocking)
·
Demand for the
routine (complaint about small changes)
·
Strongly
motivated interests (a strong obsession with special topics).
·
Sensory
sensitivities (too much or too little response to sounds, lights, texture)
Causes and Risk
Factors of Autism
Though the specific cause of autism is
still not known, a combination of genetic and environmental factors is being
pointed out by research.
1. Genetic
Factors
·
Family
history: Autism in a sibling raises the
chances.
·
Genetic
mutations: It is connected to ASD with Fragile X
Syndrome and Rett Syndrome.
·
Spontaneous
gene changes: Some children
have autism as a result of random genetic mutations.
2. Environmental
Factors
·
Prenatal
exposure: Risk may be increased by
complications during pregnancy (e.g., infections, medications).
·
Advanced
parental age: Older parents
(particularly fathers) have a slightly greater tendency to have an autistic
child.
·
Birth before
term & low birth weight:
Such factors can cause developmental differences.
Note: Vaccines do
NOT cause autism. Many researches have debunked this myth.
Signs and
Symptoms of Autism
Autism symptoms appear in early
childhood (between 12 and 24 months) but some children develop normally then
regress.
Early Signs in
Toddlers
·
Failure to babble
(at 12 months) / Failure to speak (at 16 months).
·
Limited eye
contact
·
Failure to
respond to name by 12 months
·
Repetition play
(lining up toys, rather than play involving imagination).
·
Strange reactions
to stimuli of sense (plugging ears when they are loud)
Signs in Older
Children & Adults
·
Difficulty making
friends
·
Verbal meaning of
language (problems with sarcasm or metaphors)
·
Meltdowns or
shutdowns as a result of sensory overload.
·
Preference for
routines (rejection of change) is high.
Diagnosis of
Autism
Prompt diagnosis plays an important
role in gaining access of support services. Diagnosis typically involves:
1. Developmental
Screening
·
The pediatricians
follow milestones at 18 and 24 months.
·
There are tools
such as the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) that will help
diagnose early symptoms.
2. Comprehensive
Diagnostic Evaluation
·
Organized by
specialists (developmental pediatricians, neurologists, psychologists).
·
Includes:
o
Behavioral
assessments (ADOS-2, ADI-R)
o
Speech and
language evaluations
o
Cognitive testing
3. Diagnosis in
Adults
·
Most people are
diagnosed in adulthood, particularly those with mild symptoms (formerly known
as Asperger’s Syndrome).
Treatment and
Support for Autism
Although there is no cure for autism,
early intervention would go a long way towards bettering quality of life.
1. Behavioral
Therapies
·
Applied
Behavior Analysis (ABA): Promotes
acquisition of skills in social and communication.
·
Speech
Therapy: Improves verbal and nonverbal
communication.
·
Occupational
Therapy (OT): Helps with
sensory problems and the management of daily living skills.
2. Educational
Support
·
IEPs guarantee
customized learning plans.
·
Autistic children
benefit by learning in a class that is inclusive.
3. Medications
·
There is no drug
that treats autism directly, but there are some that help to control symptoms:
o
Stimulants (for ADHD-like symptoms)
o
Anxiety/ OCD
behaviors: antidepressants.
o
Antipsychotics (in cases of severe aggression, or
self-harm).
4. Alternative
& Supportive Therapies
·
Sensory
Integration Therapy (for
hypersensitivity)
·
Trainings in
social Skills (for better peer
interactions)
·
Animal-Assisted
Therapy (e.g., therapy dogs)
Living with
Autism: Challenges and Strengths
Challenges
·
Social isolation
because of trouble in forming relationships.
·
Jobs (only ~30%
of autistic adults work full-time).
·
There are mental
health problems (anxiety, depression are there).
Strengths
·
Special memory
& attention to detail.
·
Strong
problem-solving skills
·
Honesty and
loyalty in relationships
·
Special talents
(many are good in art, math, music or coding)
Autism Acceptance
and Advocacy
The society is transitioning from “autism
awareness” to autism acceptance acknowledging neurodiversity – the idea
that neurological differences should be accepted.
How to Support
Individuals with Autism
·
Educate yourself
about autism.
·
Use clear, direct
communication.
·
Adhere to sensory
needs (do not go anywhere loud if they’re sensitive).
·
Encourage
inclusion in the schools and at work.
Famous Autistic
Individuals
·
Temple Grandin
(Animal scientist & autism advocate)
·
Dan Aykroyd
(Actor & writer)
·
Susan Boyle
(Singer)
·
Greta Thunberg
(Climate activist)
Conclusion
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a
heterogeneous and complex disorder that affects millions of people around the
world. Thankfully although challenges exist; people with autism equip society
with unique perspectives and talents. People with autism can live rewarding
lives if diagnosed early, and supported both at home and through the community.
By promoting understanding and
inclusion we can bring the world where diversity of neurodivergent is accepted
and people can be successful.
References
·
CDC (2023). Autism
Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Data & Statistics.
·
American
Psychiatric Association. *DSM-5 Criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder*.
·
National
Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Autism Spectrum Disorder.
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