Autism Spectrum: Symptoms, Risks & Treatment

Autism spectrum disorder is a clinical condition that generally starts at a younger age. It is a mental condition that seriously impacts how a person interacts and socializes with society. There are numerous signs of autism, such as difficulty communicating and interacting with people. However, to identify the exact signs of autism, one needs to understand autism meaning and how it can impact their child.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism is an umbrella term used to define a group of neurodevelopmental conditions. People who suffer from this condition often demonstrate some repetitive pattern in their behaviour. This condition is more common in boys than in girls. Doctors find it hard to define the right autism meaning and the exact reason why it arises. An autism treatment that can cure it completely does not exist. However, some therapies and methods can help a child improve their condition but cannot completely cure it.

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Symptoms and Signs of Autism Spectrum

Now that you are familiar with autism meaning, let us understand some of the common signs and autism symptoms:

• A person with autism lacks the social communication skills that other people of the same age have.

• People who have ASD show repetitive behaviours and interests that are not common.

• They acquire language skills later than other people

• Some people who have ASD may have epilepsy.

• Irregular sleeping and eating schedule

• Lack or excess of fear

• Unusual mood

• Hyperactive and impulsive

• Issues with digestion

• Delay in the development of cognitive thinking

Risk Factors

Some of the risk factors that can cause signs of autism in toddlers are -

• Siblings suffering from ASD

• Presence of genetic conditions such as tuberous sclerosis or fragile x syndrome

• Children with complications at their birth

• Having older parents

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Diagnosis and Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Diagnosis of ASD is slightly different from other medical conditions as no blood or physical tests are involved. However, the doctor will observe some developmental characteristics in a child. A medical professional does the following checks to determine if a child has autism.

• They check if the child is good when it comes to interacting with other people and how are their communication skills.

• The child is given tests to evaluate their speech, language, behaviour, and development levels.

• Medical professionals present a structured social interaction to the child and mark their performance.

• They judge the performance of a child or person based on criteria mentioned in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

• A doctor can also run some genetic tests to check if the child has some genetic disorders, such as Rett syndrome, that can cause this condition.

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How to Distinguish an Autistic Child From Children Who Are Developing Normally?

One of the most prominent signs of childhood autism is that the child is less likely to be spontaneous and is not pointing at things very often. An autistic child will look disinterested and unaware of their surroundings. Furthermore, they also find it very difficult to pronounce words that their peers can pronounce fluently.

Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults and Teenagers

Many adults who have ASD have a very difficult adolescence and adulthood. Most teenagers who have ASD have fewer opportunities than their peers due to their condition. This results in a high unemployment rate and low participation in academics among teenagers with ASD.

Furthermore, they continue living with their family member for the rest of their adulthood. Some teenagers suffering from this condition have also seen a shift in their health and faced numerous health conditions, affecting their ability to participate in the community.

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Intervention and Therapy Autism Spectrum Disorder Services

There has been substantial progress in identifying the key interventions that can solve the core issues with ASD. However, one may find it difficult to identify the right interventions to benefit a person with ASD. Cognitive therapies also help people suffering from autism reduce their social deficits. Applied behaviour analysis methods and social skills groups can make things easy for a person with ASD.

Behavioural Methods

A popular method that doctors use after they have confirmed the signs of autism in boys or girls is applied behavioural analysis. It is a method where desired behaviours are encouraged in a person. At the same time, undesired behaviour is discouraged to improve the social skills of the person who has ASD. Discrete Trail Training and Pivotal Response Training are the two most effective styles of behavioural treatment.

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How Often Does ASD Occur?

In India, approximately 18 million people have autism and the number of children with autism is increasing day by day. Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD affects around 1-1.5% of children between the ages of 2 and 9. But more often than not, the early signs of autism are misdiagnosed as mental retardation and schizophrenia. By overcoming poor diagnosis and social stigma, we can raise awareness for autism, understand autism meaning and help children suffering from it lead better lives.

References

1. CDC. March 28, 2022. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
2. Todd Kopelman phD. June 13, 2022. Interventions for autism spectrum disorders (ASD).