Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental and neurological disorder resulting from brain differences, which affect how people interact with others, communicate, behave, and learn. While ASD can be diagnosed at any age, it is considered to be a developmental disorder as symptoms usually present in the first two years of life.
People with ASD are not unique in their appearance, and the abilities of people with ASD can vary significantly. Autism is also known as a spectrum disorder because of the wide variation of type and severity of symptoms people experience. Some may have an intellectual disability whereas others may not. Similarly, some people with ASD may be nonverbal while others may have advanced communication skills, and while some need a lot of support in their daily lives, others need little to no support.
People with ASD commonly have difficulty with social communication, have restricted or repetitive behaviours, and have different ways of learning and moving. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) made by the American Psychiatric Association, common symptoms of ASD include:
These symptoms can make daily life very challenging. Depending on the individual, some of these symptoms can also be an indication of other problems or co-occurring conditions. It is important to note, moreover, that some people without ASD might also have some of these symptoms and that ASD can only be determined with proper diagnostic testing.
Autism Spectrum Disorder often presents itself differently across genders. Far more men than women are diagnosed with autism. While men and women may experience some of the same symptoms, differences in presentation do occur. Males tend to have more visible behavioural difficulties whereas females tend to internalise their symptoms. As a result, females with ASD may experience more anxiety and depression than males in some cases.
Male-typical ASD symptoms include:
Female-typical ASD symptoms include:
Often, females camouflage or mask their symptoms by imitating others to fit in. Women with higher cognitive skills and intellectual functioning are especially good at this. Women with ASD are more likely to recognise the importance of eye contact and force themselves to maintain it during conversations with people. Moreover, they may have a pre-prepared repertoire of socially accepted responses to use when conversing with others. Decreased social skills in females are more likely to be associated with perceptions of loneliness or shyness, whereas they are more likely to be flagged as signs of ASD in males.
These gender differences exemplify the variability of ASD symptoms across individuals, but it is important to remember that many males will demonstrate signs and symptoms more characteristic of females, and vice versa.
Early signs of ASD in children may be noticed by parents, caregivers, and paediatricians as soon as 1 year of life. Symptoms are generally seen from birth until age 2 or 3. Sometimes, the functional deficit resulting from autism is mild or not apparent until children begin school, where symptoms may become more visible in classroom settings and interactions with peers. It is recommended that children are screened for developmental delays at their 9, 18, or 30-month paediatric visits, with specific autism screenings at the 18-and-24-month visits. Additional screenings may be encouraged if a child has a higher likelihood of ASD or other developmental disabilities.
There is no medical test to diagnose autism spectrum disorder. Parents and caregivers should engage in developmental monitoring, an ongoing process of watching a child's development and observing whether the child has achieved developmental milestones in learning, playing, speaking, moving and behaving.
Developmental screening, which is more formal than developmental monitoring, is facilitated by doctors or developmental paediatricians during specific childhood check-ups, even if there is not a known concern. Screening questionnaires and checklists work to compare children to other children of the same age. These questions typically focus on language, movement, emotions, and thinking skills.
Screening tests act to indicate whether children are on the right developmental track, but cannot provide diagnoses. If the screening indicates an area of concern, a formal developmental evaluation may be required. In this case, a specialist can administer a structured test or ask parents or caregivers to fill out questionnaires in order to determine whether they meet criteria for autism, as well as highlight a child's strengths and challenges.
Some ASD symptoms overlap with those of other mental disorders such as anxiety and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Adults with undiagnosed ASD symptoms should speak to a psychologist or psychiatrist.
The primary cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder remains unknown. Evidence suggests that a combination of genetic factors and environmental factors can affect development in ways that lead to ASD. These include:
There is a common misconception about vaccines and autism, however, evidence from research indicates that vaccines do not cause autism. Vaccine ingredients have over the years been tested, with results showing a rejection of any relationship between vaccine ingredients and autism spectrum disorder. The absence of childhood vaccinations can actually be dangerous and can expose children and those around to infections and complications.
Early diagnosis and treatment for autism spectrum disorders is important as it can help individuals work through specific areas of difficulty as well as build on their strengths and develop new skills. As individuals with ASD can experience a wide range of symptoms, there is no single treatment. There are different treatment options depending on individuals' needs, ranging from significant support to minimal assistance. Working with different specialists can help individuals reduce behaviours that interfere with daily functioning, increase and build upon strengths, and develop life skills for independent living.
People with ASD may be referred to a health care provider who specialises in providing behavioural, psychological, educational, or skill-building interventions. These programmes are often highly structured and intensive, and may involve the participation of parents, caregivers, siblings, and other family members. Engagement in different therapies and services can help reduce ASD symptoms and improve daily functioning, as well as overall mental health. These programmes include:
Training sessions can be done in group or individual settings. This type of intervention helps children with autism improve their ability to navigate social situations through development of social, communication, and language skills.
Individuals with ASD can work with speech language pathologists to improve speech patterns, understanding of language, and overall communication skills.
Occupational therapy works to develop skills for handwriting and oral, fine, and gross motor development. Occupational therapists can moreover support development of sensory processing, emotional and behavioural regulation, and task analysis.
These services can be provided by children's schools and work to provide accommodations for their social communication deficits, restricted interests, repetitive behaviours, and potential learning disorders, helping children with autism develop their fullest academic potential. These can include special classes or tutoring for children with ASD that focus on language, social, and life skills.
Parents learn effective ways of responding to problematic behaviour and encouraging appropriate behaviour in their child. Parent support groups can also help parents cope with the stressors of raising a child with autism. Parents can moreover benefit from connecting with other parents of children with autism and creating a consistent structure and routine at home. Training sessions will help parents find and utilise these networks and work to develop routines that work for the family.
There are no medications to treat ASD itself, however, medications can be prescribed to help treat co-occurring psychological conditions and symptoms such as
Medication can also help manage other health concerns such as seizures, sleep problems, or gastrointestinal problems.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a lifelong disorder, however, symptoms can be managed with the help of healthcare practitioners, psychologists, and psychiatrists. The Kusnacht Practice is equipped to treat Autism Spectrum Disorder and ensures health and care excellence.
Our team of professionals work to provide an array of specialised mental health therapies and treatments suited to each individual, including psychotherapeutic care and family systems therapy. The Kusnacht Practice also provides treatments for co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Get in touch if you or someone you know needs treatment for ASD or other neurological disorders.
Link copied and ready to share!
