Autism Spectrum Disorder Overview

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• A range of neurodevelopmental disorders affecting social and communication abilities.
• Includes autism, Asperger's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and unspecified pervasive developmental disorder.
• Previously known as pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). Reclassified to ASD in 2013 by the American Psychiatric Association.
• Begins in early childhood and persists throughout life.
• Affected approximately 6.22 million globally in 2015.
• More prevalent in males than females.

Causes

• Exact cause unknown.
• Research points to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
• Risk factors include:
  • Family history of ASD
  • Male gender
  • Specific genetic conditions (Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome)
  • Older parental age
  • Premature birth (before 26 weeks gestation)
  • Other disorders like tuberous sclerosis.

Symptoms

• Typically appear by age two.

• Vary in severity, from mild to disabling.

• Social Communication & Interaction Symptoms:

  • Poor eye contact and lack of facial expressions.
  • Delayed or difficulty responding to being called.
  • Resistance to cuddling and holding.
  • Preference for solitary play.
  • Challenges with verbal communication (using and understanding language).
  • Difficulties with nonverbal communication (gestures, facial expressions).
  • Difficulty sleeping.
  • Aggressive behavior.
  • Struggles expressing emotions, and understanding others' feelings.
  • Unusual tone of voice (singsong or robot-like).

• Patterns of Behavior:

  • Repetitive movements (rocking, spinning, hand flapping).
  • Fixation or intense interest in specific objects or activities.
  • Self-harming behaviors (head banging).
  • Hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sensory input (light, noise).
  • Inflexible routines or rituals, distress from changes.
  • Specific food preferences (limited foods, texture issues).

Diagnosis

• No single medical test exists.
• Genetic testing may be recommended to rule out genetic disorders.
• Observation of social skills and behavior.
• Assessment of developmental and behavioral issues through various tests.
• Diagnosis based on criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

Treatment

• No cure for ASD.
• Early, intensive treatment can greatly improve a child's life.
• Treatment aims to improve functioning by reducing symptoms and fostering development and learning.
• Treatment Options:
  • Therapy: Behavioral, communication, educational, family, speech, and occupational therapy are common approaches.
  • Medications: While not addressing core ASD symptoms, antidepressants may help with anxiety, and antipsychotics might manage severe behavioral issues.