Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Comprehensive Informative Guide

What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that results in problems with behaviour and communication. This disorder can be identified in children ages 2 to 3. A child who has ASD, i.e., an autistic child, struggles to understand what other people think and feel. It becomes difficult for the child to express through gestures, words or other means, unlike others.

Autism Definition

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the learning skills of children, and their skills might develop unevenly. Thus, a child who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may have:

• Difficulty in interacting with different people or may behave differently with others
• Trouble understanding nonverbal communication, like gestures or eye contact
• Absent or delayed language development
• Repetitive behaviour like playing or saying one thing repeatedly

Therefore, one must go for an autism spectrum disorder test in case one suspects the child is autistic.

Autism vs. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)- What's The Difference?

In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association changed the term autism to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD now covers all types of autism. All the conditions that were earlier treated separately now come under the autism spectrum; these include:

• Autism
• Asperger syndrome
• Pervasive developmental disorder- not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)

Asperger vs. Autism- What's the Difference

Both Asperger Syndrome (AS) and autism come under Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It becomes difficult for patients to communicate and interact with people in both conditions. However, people with Asperger's do not have problems with thinking and language. Earlier, both AS and autism were diagnosed separately, but since 2013, both come under the same umbrella of ASD. 

What is High-Functioning Autism?

It refers to autistic people with no intellectual disability or difficulty in verbal speech development. People with high-functioning autism can easily read, speak, write, and handle basic life skills. In other words, high-functioning autism usually refers to those children who need less support. This type of autism comes under Asperger syndrome.

Autism vs. ADHD: Is ADHD On The Autism Spectrum?

Both autism and ADHD (Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder) have some similarities, but ADHD does not come under the autism spectrum. The symptoms of both ADHD and autism are the same. Children struggle to pay attention in both conditions, affecting their social skills. Such overlapping symptoms sometimes result in incorrect diagnoses. Moreover, both autism and ADHD can be genetically related. However, a child with autism symptoms will have a greater possibility of having a close relative with ADHD.

How Common is Autism?

As per the study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is quite common, and it impacts around 1 child in every 44 8-year-old children. Around 1% of the world's population is affected with autism spectrum disorder, which is around 75,000,000 people. Moreover, the count of autism in some low and middle-income countries is still unknown.

When Might You Begin to Wonder If Your Child Has Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism is an early brain disorder; its signs and symptoms in children can be noticed from the age of 1.5 to 3 years. In such a condition, you must opt for autism spectrum disorder treatment.

What Are The Symptoms of Autism?

Children with autism face difficulty moving, paying attention, and learning, adding to the difficulties in life. Some children may show signs of autism in their early infancy, like lack of eye contact or no response to names. Others may grow like normal children for the first few months or years and suddenly lose the language skills they acquired. Usually, you can notice the signs of autism by age 2.

Autism symptoms can be mild or severe, and each child will show a unique behaviour pattern and severity level. Below are some signs that suggest difficulty in social interactions, which you must consider that may indicate the risk of autism:

• The child may not respond when you call him by his name
• The baby does not smile or show any joyful expression until 6 months
• The baby does not make any sound, smile or show any facial expression with others, including you, until 9 months
• The baby is unable to babble till 12 months
• The baby cannot play back-and-forth games like 'peek-a-boo' until 12 months
• The toddler is unable to speak any meaningful two-word phrase till 24 months

Autism signs also cover particular behaviours or interests like:

• The child plays or lines up toys in the same manner
• The child prefers to follow the same routine or reacts differently to a slight change in routine
• The child shows unusual interest
• The child may dislike certain clothes or noise or be a picky eater
• The child may show sensory-seeking behaviour, like looking at the objects with the corner of their eyes or licking objects.

These are some of the common autism spectrum disorder symptoms. If your child shows any symptoms, you must consider your healthcare provider for autism evaluation. 

What Causes Autism?

The causes of autism spectrum disorder are still unknown. Researchers believe in the environmental and genetic factors behind this disorder as various ASD factors are together responsible for the changes people develop. However, there is still to learn more about the causes of autism spectrum disorder and how it affects people.

Is Autism Genetic? 

Yes, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is accepted to have a hereditary part. Examination recommends that particular quality changes can expand the chances of ASD. A family background of autism increases the probability of an individual having ASD.

Are Siblings At Greater Risk For Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Yes, siblings of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at more severe risk of ASD. Furthermore, the chances are higher in families with multiple affected people. So, if a child has been diagnosed with autism, then the next child will have a 20% chance of developing autism.

Do Vaccines Causes Autism?

Many scientific studies have proven that there is no connection between vaccines and autism. When a child shows the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, many parents blame the child's vaccination for that. However, no studies have shown any link between childhood vaccination and autism.

What Are The Risk Factors For Autism? 

There are a few different risk factors for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Hereditary is a significant risk factor for autism. Factors including pre-birth issues, birthing parents of age 35 or older, babies with low birth weight, complications during birth, and a sibling with autism are some currently known factors of autism.

What Are The Complications Of Autism? 

Autism Spectrum Disorder complications may result in many mental and physical conditions. These include:

• Feeding issues
• Lack of sleep
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Epilepsy
• Depression and anxiety
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Other mental diseases like bipolar disorder

How is Autism Diagnosed? 

It is challenging to evaluate autism, as there is no laboratory or autism test to diagnose this disorder. However, your healthcare provider may perform some screening and evaluations. Early diagnosis of this disorder is essential to get proper autism spectrum disorder treatment. The process to diagnose autism covers the following steps:

Developmental Surveiling

During this process, the healthcare provider will ask about the child's developmental history and behaviour. Hence, it is advisable that you record and observe the child's activity and share it with the doctor during the appointment. It is an ongoing process in which you must watch and discuss the child's growth with the healthcare provider. Early identification enables proper autism spectrum disorder treatment, leading to improved outcomes for individuals with ASD.

Developmental Screening

Developmental screening is another crucial aspect of diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This screening process involves observing the child's skills and behaviours in various settings. Furthermore, parents must voice any worries about their child's growth. Early detection of autism spectrum disorder through developmental screening is essential for getting customised and appropriate autism spectrum disorder treatment and improving outcomes for people with ASD.

Formal Evaluation

It is an in-depth look at the child's activities and development. This evaluation requires trained specialists like a child psychologist or a paediatrician who observe the child to know the strengths and challenges and evaluate whether or not the child meets the criteria of development diagnosis. This can help doctors determine a formal autism spectrum disorder treatment.

Can Autism Be Cured? 

No, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can not be cured. Early meditation and treatment can assist people with ASD. Moreover, the child's symptoms may get milder with age.

How is Autism Treated?

Every autistic child is different. Hence, every child receives a customised treatment plan to meet their particular needs. Behavioural interventions or therapies usually help treat ASD diseases. Such treatments can address the core deficits of autism and can minimise the symptoms. Therefore, you must begin the autism spectrum disorder treatment as soon as possible, as its benefits will help the child throughout his life.

Many ASD patients have other medical conditions like gastrointestinal and feeding problems. The treatment of such issues includes medications, behavioural therapy or both. Early behavioural treatment will involve your complete family or a team of professionals. During adolescence, the child gets benefit from transition services. Such aspects can promote independent skills in adulthood. The primary focus at this stage remains on job skills training and other employment opportunities. It is essential to note that this ASD treatment is modified as per the child's growth to address particular needs.

Can Autism Be Prevented? 

There are no prevention measures for autism, but you can lower the risk during pregnancy by taking the below-mentioned steps. Let's have a look at them:

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Ensure you visit the doctor's clinic regularly, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. You must avail of prenatal care and take all the supplements and vitamins your healthcare provider recommends.
• Take proper medications: Also, know about the medications you should avoid during this period.
• Don't drink: Avoid alcohol consumption for a safe pregnancy.
• Take vaccinations: Get all the vaccinations recommended by the doctor during pregnancy. It includes German measles (rubella) to avoid rubella-associated autism spectrum disorder.

What is the Outlook for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder? 

In most of the cases, autism spectrum disorder symptoms become milder with age. People with ASD may live typical lives, but more often, they require continued support as they grow. These requirements are based on the symptoms and severity. In most cases, it is a life-long condition requiring continuous support. So, one must be ready for treatment and adjustments for the betterment of the child.

Do I Have Autism?

Although most autistic patients will get the diagnosis of their disorder in childhood, many don't get it till adulthood. Below are some of the signs and symptoms of asd mental disorder in adults:

• Facing difficulty in understanding what other people think and feel
• Anxiety in social gatherings
• Challenges in making friends and prefer to remain on your own
• Behaving rude, not interested or blunt with others but not meaning to
• Challenges in expressing your feelings
• Prefer to stay in your regular routine and get anxious if it changes
• Ignoring eye contact
• Facing difficulties in getting too close to other people

Many autism spectrum disorder in adults is mild, and people usually hide the autism signs to cope with society and people who do not have autism. Also, such people try to hide their feelings and remain quiet. But if you have the signs of autism, you must speak with your healthcare provider. You can go for adult autism tests online, but it is better to contact a trained specialist to diagnose this ASD disease. In the case of autism, you will receive treatment as per the type of autism.

Is Autism a Disability?

Autism Spectrum Disorder is considered to be a developmental disability caused due to multiple differences in brain development. In general, an autistic person will experience:

• Difficult in social interaction and communication
• Repetitive or restricted behaviour
• Delay in learning and cognitive skills
• Difficulty in paying attention

This ASD disease makes it difficult for autistic people to perform in work, school or other social gatherings.

Conclusion

Autism is not a one-size-fits-all condition. While there is no cure for autism, early diagnosis of the type of autism and appropriate interventions can significantly improve the quality of life. A blood test can be a proactive step in understanding genetic factors, allowing personalised treatment. So, book the slot for genetic testing and get a complete report from the comfort of your home with Metropolis Labs today!