It is essential to recognize that each child with autism is unique, with distinct strengths and challenges, requiring personalized treatment plans tailored to their specific needs [2].
Author: Nour Araji
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental and neurological disorder that impacts how the affected person socializes with and perceives others, causing issues for the individual to interact and communicate with others [1]. ASD also causes limited and repetitive behavioral patterns [1].
It is important to note that the term “spectrum” in ASD is associated with a wide range of severity and symptoms. In other words, autism spectrum disorder is a general term that encompasses the different levels/severities of autism [2]. ASD currently encompasses conditions that were not formerly classified as part of ASD, including Asperger’s syndrome, forms of pervasive developmental disorders, and childhood disintegrative disorder [1].
Autism presents with a wide range of symptoms that span from mild to severely disabling. The following signs are all plausible indicators that the child may have autism. Presenting with a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe, autism is often indicated by social difficulties and restricted or repetitive behaviours. Signs include a lack of eye contact when called by name, absence of joyful expressions by six months, no words by sixteen months, or loss of social, speech, or babbling skills. Repetitive behaviours may manifest in the following behaviors: the child lines up toys, the child plays with toys the same way every time they play, the child follows a specific routine and if this routine has a small change, their reaction will be extreme, and the child has sensory aversion and/or sensory seeking behaviors [2].
While many people wonder about the cause of ASD, no specific cause has been identified thus far. Research indicates that genetic and environmental factors may contribute to certain forms of autism. Furthermore, scholars emphasize that ASD does not stem from a singular cause but rather results from a complex interplay of multiple factors that collectively influence individual development. Although genetics is a notable factor, only 10%-20% of ASD cases can be attributed to genetic conditions. The genetic-specific cases are caused by genetic syndromes that are affiliated with ASD, particularly fragile-X syndrome and other rare changes in genetic code [2].
Moreover, ASD is hereditary, meaning that if one child has an ASD diagnosis, the likelihood of a subsequent child developing ASD is approximately 20% higher than the average risk. Likewise, if the first two children have a diagnosis of ASD, the next child will have a 32% greater risk of developing ASD compared to the mean. Known risk factors that will increase the probability of having a child with ASD include: a female pregnant at the age of 35 or older, premature labor, birth complications, the use of thalidomide and/or valproic acid throughout the pregnancy, lower than average birth weight, having a sibling with ASD, and lastly the infant having a chromosomal disorder or a genetic condition [2].
Even though autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is defined as a “developmental disorder” since symptoms typically arise in the first two years of the individual’s life [3]. Diagnosing ASD is particularly challenging due to the absence of a definitive laboratory test. However, healthcare providers can execute specialized ASD screenings and evaluations [1]. It is important to understand that the process of getting a diagnosis for a child follows a structured procedure that includes developmental surveillance, developmental screening, and a formal evaluation.
Developmental surveillance is a process where a healthcare provider analyzes the child’s developmental history and the child’s behavior. Parents or guardians are asked to observe their child, record their observations, and share them during appointments, as their insights are vital for discussing the child’s skills and abilities with healthcare providers [2].
The next step is developmental screening, a more formal approach that is used for taking a closer look at the child’s development. This is where healthcare providers will use questionnaires to screen for autism. The questionnaire comprises questions and checklists designed to compare the assessed child to other children in the same age category. However, this assessment does not provide a diagnosis but it indicates whether the child is on the typical route of development or if the child requires a more comprehensive assessment [2].
If the child requires further assessment, the child will then undergo a formal evaluation. The formal evaluation acquires more of an in-depth analysis of the child’s development. During this procedure, a trained specialist, such as a child psychologist and/or a developmental-behavioral pediatrician, further observes the child and provides a structured autism spectrum assessment. Therefore, the outcomes of the formal evaluation determine the child’s strengths and challenges, allowing specialists to determine a formal diagnosis [2].
It is crucial to highlight the mental and physical complications associated with ASD. These include issues with feeding, restless sleep, gastrointestinal (GI) issues, attention deficit/hyperactivity (i.e. ADHD), epilepsy, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) [2].
One frequently asked question is whether autism can be cured? The answer to that question is no. Autism cannot be cured as it is generally a lifelong condition; however, with appropriate management and treatment, symptoms can be alleviated and may become less pronounced with age [2].
Treatment plans for autism typically consist of behavioral interventions or therapies that allow for the development of new skills, which directly address the primary deficits of autism while reducing the primary symptoms. It is essential to recognize that each child with autism is unique, with distinct strengths and challenges, requiring personalized treatment plans tailored to their specific needs [2].
Lastly, the prognosis for individuals with autism spectrum disorder suggests that symptoms become milder with age, allowing for adjustments to the treatment plan based on the child’s evolving needs. Individuals with ASD can often live fulfilling and independent lives, but they will likely require continued services and support as they age. The level of support for each individual with ASD varies based on the intensity of their symptoms. For many, autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong condition that will always need many forms of assistance [2].
Editors
Sareena Awan, Rawad Al-Aarg, Majd Al-Aarg (Editor-in-Chief)
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Web design by Majd-Alarg
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Photo by Polina
References
- Autism spectrum disorder [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2018 [cited 2024 Jul 17]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352928
2.professional CC medical. What is autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jul 18]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8855-autism - Autism spectrum disorder [Internet]. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; [cited 2024 Jul 17]. Available from: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd#:~:text=Autism%20spectrum%20disorder%20(ASD)%20is,first%202%20years%20of%20life
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