Autism Spectrum Disorder: What is it, How is it Recognized?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, learns, thinks, behaves, and interacts with others.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts how a person communicates, learns, thinks, behaves, and interacts with others. A person lives with this condition throughout their life, but some treatments may be sufficient for them to continue their lives without issues, or in some cases, no problems may be observed at all.

What is Autism?

Autism is a neurobiological developmental disorder that lasts throughout a person's life. Some individuals with autism may never learn to speak. Depending on their specific strengths and weaknesses, individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may experience mild symptoms or more severe symptoms. Despite the variety of symptoms, most children with autism spectrum disorder are highly intelligent and even those with severe symptoms can learn high-level skills such as reading, writing, speaking, and performing mathematical operations. Individuals with autism may exhibit a range of symptoms such as:

• Decreased eye contact
• Differences in body language
• Lack of facial expressions
• Not engaging in creative play
• Repetitive movements and sounds

However, some individuals with autism spectrum disorder may not exhibit any of these symptoms. Additionally, the presence of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has autism spectrum disorder. People with autism often experience socialization problems. These issues arise from impairments in communication, learning, and thinking skills.

What Causes Autism?

Autism can affect individuals of all ages, genders, and races. The exact cause of autism is not fully understood. However, the symptoms of autism may increase when certain genes and gene products do not function properly. There are many different factors, including environmental, biological, and genetic factors, that can increase the likelihood of a child having autism spectrum disorder. Risk factors for autism spectrum disorder include:

• A family history of autism spectrum disorder
• Fragile X syndrome
• Tuberous sclerosis
• Genetic and chromosomal disorders
• Complications during birth
• Premature birth

How is Autism Diagnosed?

Autism spectrum disorder cannot be diagnosed through blood tests or genetic tests. If parents have concerns, they should request autism screening from their child's doctor. In rare cases, individuals with autism may reach adulthood without being diagnosed, but typically, a diagnosis is made before the child reaches the age of 8.

Pediatricians are usually the first step in the autism diagnosis process. A series of questions are asked regarding the family history, child’s development, and behaviors. If the child shows developmental concerns or the doctor has concerns, the family is referred to a specialist for further testing. If more tests are needed, a child psychologist, speech-language pathologist, and therapist may work together. This assessment typically examines factors like the child’s cognitive level, language skills, and other life skills such as eating, dressing, and using the bathroom.

Repetitive behaviors are common in children with autism spectrum disorder and can be one of the early signs. During these assessments, tests containing criteria that help facilitate the autism spectrum disorder diagnosis may be applied. The commonly used DSM-5 criteria divide symptoms into two categories. If symptoms are identified in both categories, this may be considered sufficient for a diagnosis. The most common issues observed in children suspected of having autism spectrum disorder include:

• Lack of awareness of others' presence or emotions
• Difficulty making friendships with peers
• Repetitive and stereotyped body movements
• Constantly engaging with parts of objects
• Difficulty with attention and motivation
• Some children with autism may not speak until around 12 months
• Avoidance of physical contact

The Importance of Early Diagnosis in Autism

There are no medical tests available to diagnose autism spectrum disorder, which can lead to delays in diagnosis. It is important for families to closely monitor their child's behavior to ensure timely diagnosis. If not recognized early, a diagnosis may not be made until adulthood. This delay means that individuals with autism spectrum disorder may not receive the early help they need. The younger the child, the more open they are to learning, which provides a better foundation for adapting to life changes more easily.

Providing treatment to children with autism at a younger age can facilitate the implementation of new behaviors, help reduce harmful behaviors, and assist in adapting to lifestyle changes. As children develop, it becomes easier for them to overcome challenges they may face. The earlier a child receives intervention for autism spectrum disorder, the greater the chance of developing new skills and reducing symptoms. Each child with autism spectrum disorder has unique strengths and challenges. Some children only have mild impairments, while others face more significant obstacles.

What Are the Symptoms Associated with Autism?

Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning individuals can experience a wide range of symptoms and varying degrees of severity. When a person has two or more disorders, these conditions are known as comorbidities. Various comorbidities are common in individuals with autism. These include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Epilepsy
• Digestive system issues
• Immune system dysfunction
• Metabolic disorders
• Sleep disturbances
• Behaviors such as shouting, crying, and aggression
• Self-harm attempts
• Repetitive behaviors
• Insomnia
• Irritability

Diagnosing and identifying these conditions can help prevent complications and improve the quality of life for individuals with autism. Symptoms typically become clearly apparent during early childhood, between 12 to 24 months, although they may appear earlier or later. Those who do not receive a diagnosis may experience difficulties with speech as they get older, or their speech abilities may remain very limited. Communication difficulties may continue into adulthood. Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disorder, meaning a child does not develop as expected. As a result, there are few noticeable signs of autism in newborns. However, symptoms typically become clearer around the age of two or three. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder may exhibit behaviors that put themselves at risk, cause difficulties for others, or are not socially acceptable.

Autism Treatment

Autism is a lifelong condition, and a wide range of treatments can help support individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Early intervention yields the best results. The goal of treatments is to help the person manage daily life effectively. Autism spectrum disorder affects each person differently, so each may require different treatments. Treatment plans usually involve multiple specialists and are tailored to the individual. Speech therapists can help individuals with autism develop general communication and interaction skills, as well as improve speech and language abilities. Medications may be used to address issues such as depression, insomnia, or difficulty focusing, which may occur in some individuals. Additionally, children with autism spectrum disorder may have more delicate bones, so a nutrition plan to support bone health may be recommended. While treatment may improve some outward symptoms, individuals with autism will always perceive sensory stimuli like sound, sight, touch, and smell in different ways.

Autism is a lifelong condition, and its symptoms may first appear when a child is very young. Autism cannot be cured, but supportive therapies can improve the individual’s quality of life. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals who suspect their child may have autism spectrum disorder to seek early intervention by consulting a healthcare facility.