Overview:
Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD, is a developmental condition caused by differences in the brain that affects the behavior of an individual. Since the severity, symptoms, and treatment varies among each diagnosed individual, this condition is associated with a “spectrum”. While the understanding of how one inherits ASD is limited, there have been some cases where there are specific genetic markers for the condition. ASD is typically diagnosed at a young age through a series of observational tests as this is when symptoms generally develop, however it can be diagnosed at any age. Autism Spectrum Disorder can affect individuals of all backgrounds, from assorted ethnicities and racial groups to various economic groups. Although ASD often withstands through the course of an individuals’ life, by starting treatment early, professionals have a better chance of improving the quality of life for such individuals. According to the National Institutes of Mental Health, “The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be screened for autism. All caregivers should talk to their doctor about ASD screening or evaluation.”
Symptoms and Diagnosis:
Often, symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder occur within two years of a child’s life. These symptoms are diagnosed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The NIH states, “According to [DSM-5], a guide created by the American Psychiatric Association used to diagnose mental disorders, people with ASD have: difficulty with communication and interaction with other people [,] restricted interests and repetitive behaviors [, and] symptoms that hurt the person’s ability to function properly in school, work, and other areas of life.”
Symptoms of ASD can be split into two categories: social interaction problems and restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. When considering the former category, individuals with ASD will usually display complications when interacting with those around them by having difficulty sharing a cohesive conversation, finding common topics to discuss, creating personal connections, and reacting appropriately. This may manifest as not maintaining eye contact, having inconsistent facial expressions, lacking tone fluctuations, and not being responsive. ASD may also be coupled with delayed speech and language skills. In terms of the latter category, symptoms aligned with repetitive patterns and behavior include differences sensitivity to sensory input, flapping hands, rocking of the body, and playing with toys the same way every time. Another behavior that may be common is “repeating words or phrases, a behavior called echolalia.” Other symptoms may revolve around sleep patterns. However, one key point to remember is that these symptoms can vary vastly between two different individuals, and often portrayals of ASD in the media may not be accurate to most autistic individuals. In fact, some notable strengths common among those with ASD, as reported by NIMH, are “being able to learn things in detail and remember information for long periods of time [,] being strong visual and auditory learners [, and] excelling in math, science, music, or art.”
Causes and Treatment:
Although the complexities of Autism Spectrum Disorder can not be attributed to a single cause at this time, researchers believe that genetic and environmental factors have a large influence. According to Mayo Clinic, “For some children, autism spectrum disorder can be associated with a genetic disorder, such as Rett syndrome or fragile X syndrome. For other children, genetic changes (mutations) may increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder. Still other genes may affect brain development or the way that brain cells communicate, or they may determine the severity of symptoms. Some genetic mutations seem to be inherited, while others occur spontaneously.” It is clear that the number and type of gene is still unclear and the exact genetic cause is not known, however research is still being conducted to learn more about the condition. As for environmental factors, some components that this covers include infections, changes during pregnancy, and air pollutants. A crucial fact is that there is not an established relationship between vaccines and ASD, though there may be controversy regarding this topic. This discussion likely results from a study conducted many years ago, which has since been retracted.
Nevertheless there are a number of risk factors that may increase risk of ASD. Ranging from the sex of the child to family history to the age of the parents when the child is born, some of these risk factors may create complications during pregnancy, causing the child to develop ASD. Additionally, according to Mayo Clinic, “Children with certain medical conditions have a higher than normal risk of autism spectrum disorder or autism-like symptoms. Examples include [...] tuberous sclerosis, a condition in which benign tumors develop in the brain.”
While there is no cure for ASD, there are many treatment plans that can improve cognitive and communication abilities. Different approaches include, but are not limited to, behavior and communication approaches, dietary approaches, and medication. Behavior and communication approaches aim to enforce positive behaviors that encompass social interaction and daily skills. Caregivers and guardians will provide feedback regularly on how to improve skills. Dietary approaches are yet to be proven but changes such as additional vitamins and minerals may be incorporated into an individual with ASD’s diet. As for medication treatment, medication can be taken to treat side effects of ASD but not ASD itself. This may include seizure, anxiety, and depression medication.
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