Autism
What Is Autism? Autism, also called autism spectrum
disorder (ASD), is a complicated condition that includes problems with
communication and behavior. It can involve a wide range of symptoms and skills.
ASD can be a minor problem or a disability that needs full-time care in a
special facility. People with autism have trouble with communication. They have
trouble understanding what other people think and feel. This makes it hard for
them to express themselves, either with words or through gestures, facial
expressions, and touch. People with autism might have problems with learning.
Their skills might develop unevenly. For example, they could have trouble
communicating but be unusually good at art, music, math, or memory. Because of
this, they might do especially well on tests of analysis or problem-solving.
More children are diagnosed with autism now than ever before. But the latest
numbers could be higher because of changes in how it’s diagnosed, not because
more children have a disorder.
Autism Signs and Symptoms: Symptoms of autism usually appear before a
child turns 3. Some people show signs from birth.
Common symptoms of autism
include: A lack of eye contact A
narrow range of interests or intense interest in certain topics Doing something
over and over, like repeating words or phrases, rocking back and forth, or
flipping a lever High sensitivity to sounds, touches, smells, or sights that
seem ordinary to other people Not looking at or listening to other people Not
looking at things when another person points at them Not wanting to be held or
cuddled Problems understanding or using speech, gestures, facial expressions,
or tone of voice Talking in a sing-song, flat, or robotic voice Trouble
adapting to changes in routine Some children with autism may also have
seizures. These might not start until adolescence.
Autism Spectrum Disorders: These types were once thought to be separate
conditions. Now, they fall under the range of autism spectrum disorders. They
include:
Asperger's syndrome. These
children don't have a problem with language; in fact, they tend to score in the
average or above-average range on intelligence tests. But they have social
problems and a narrow scope of interests.
Autistic disorder. This is
what most people think of when they hear the word "autism." It refers
to problems with social interactions, communication, and play in children
younger than 3 years.
Childhood disintegrative
disorder. These children have typical development for at least 2 years and
then lose some or most of their communication and social skills.
Pervasive developmental
disorder (PDD or atypical autism). Your doctor might use this term if your
child has some autistic behavior, like delays in social and communications
skills, but doesn’t fit into another category.
Autism Causes: Exactly why autism happens isn't clear. It
could stem from problems in parts of your brain that interpret sensory input
and process language. Autism is four times more common in boys than in girls.
It can happen in people of any race, ethnicity, or social background. Family
income, lifestyle, or educational level doesn’t affect a child’s risk of
autism. Autism runs in families, so certain combinations of genes may increase
a child’s risk. A child with an older parent has a higher risk of autism. If a
pregnant woman is exposed to certain drugs or chemicals, like alcohol or
anti-seizure medications, her child is more likely to be autistic. Other risk
factors include maternal metabolic conditions such as diabetes and obesity.
Research has also linked autism to untreated phenylketonuria (also called PKU,
a metabolic disorder caused by the absence of an enzyme) and rubella (German
measles). There is no evidence that vaccinations cause autism.
Autism Screening and
Diagnosis: It can be hard to get a
definite diagnosis of autism. Your doctor will focus on behavior and
development. For children, diagnosis usually takes two steps. A developmental
screening will tell your doctor whether your child is on track with basic
skills like learning, speaking, behavior, and moving. Experts suggest that
children be screened for these developmental delays during their regular
checkups at 9 months, 18 months, and 24 or 30 months of age. Children are
routinely checked specifically for autism at their 18-month and 24-month
checkups. If your child shows signs of a problem on these screenings, they’ll
need a more complete evaluation. This might include hearing and vision tests or
genetic tests. Your doctor might want to bring in someone who specializes in
autism disorders, like a developmental pediatrician or a child psychologist.
Some psychologists can also give a test called the Autism Diagnostic
Observation Schedule (ADOS). If you weren’t diagnosed with autism as a child
but notice yourself showing signs or symptoms, talk to your doctor.
Autism Treatment: There’s no cure for autism. But early
treatment can make a big difference in development for a child with autism. If
you think your child shows symptoms of ASD, tell your doctor as soon as
possible. What works for one person might not work for another. Your doctor
should tailor treatment for you or your child. The two main types of treatments
are: Behavioral and communication therapy to help with structure and
organization. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of these treatments; it
promotes positive behavior and discourages negative behavior. Occupational therapy
can help with life skills like dressing, eating, and relating to people.
Sensory integration therapy might help someone who has problems with being
touched or with sights or sounds. Speech therapy improves communication skills.
Medications to help with symptoms of ASD, like attention problems,
hyperactivity, or anxiety. Talk to your doctor before trying something
different, like a special diet.
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