Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects brain development. This impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others resulting in social interaction and communication difficulty
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism does occur more often in boys than in girls with a 4 to 1 male-to-female ratio.
People on the autism spectrum may have been diagnosed with one of the following disorders:
- Autistic disorder.
- Asperger’s syndrome.
- Pervasive development disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS).
- Childhood disintegrative disorder.
What are the symptoms of autism?
Autism symptoms typically become clearly evident during early childhood, between 12 and 24 months of age. However, symptoms may also appear earlier or later.
Early symptoms may also include a marked delay in language or social development.
Symptoms of autism are divided into two categories: problems with communication and social interaction, and restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior or activities.
Problems with communication and social interaction include:
- Issues with communication, including difficulties sharing emotions, sharing interests, or maintaining a back-and-forth conversation
- Issues with nonverbal communication, such as trouble maintaining eye contact or reading body language
difficulties developing and maintaining relationships
- Restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior or activities include: repetitive movements, motions, or speech patterns
In order to receive an ASD diagnosis, a person must display all three symptoms in the first category and at least two symptoms in the second category.
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What causes autism?
The exact cause of ASD is unknown. The most current research demonstrates that there’s no single cause.
Some of the suspected risk factors for autism include:
- Having an immediate family member with an autism
- Genetic mutations
- Fragile X syndrome and other genetic disorders
- Being born to older parents
- Low birth weight
- metabolic imbalances
- Exposure to heavy metals and environmental toxins
- A history of viral infections
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), both genetics and environment may determine whether a person develops autism.
What tests are used to diagnose autism?
An ASD diagnosis involves several different screenings, genetic tests, and evaluations.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children undergo screening for ASD at the ages of 18 and 24 months.
Screening can however help with the early identification of children who could have ASD. These children may benefit from early diagnosis and intervention.
Other screenings and tests include:
- DNA testing for genetic diseases
- behavioral evaluation
- occupational therapy screening
Diagnoses are typically made by a team of specialists. This team may include child psychologists, occupational therapists, or speech and language pathologists.
How is autism treated?
While, are no “cures” for autism, therapies and other treatment considerations can help people feel better or reduce their symptoms.
Many treatment approaches involve therapies such as:
- Behavioral therapy
- Play therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Speech therapy
Introducing therapies and other treatments early in life can also lead to more independence and a better quality of life for the child.
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