Autism Spectrum Disorder : What is it?
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
a. A disorder of development of the nervous system that impacts the affected person’s ability to effectively socialize due to impaired communication skills (verbal and non-verbal) and restricted/repetitive behavior. How the affected person’s communication and behaviors are impacted varies accounting for the “spectrum” in the name.
b. While autistic persons may have co-occurring intellectual differences, it is not a defining characteristic of the disorder. IQs vary from substandard to above average, and can be difficult to ascertain early on due to deficits in expressive communication.
c. Prevalence is increasing and is in part owed to the improved awareness and recognition of signs and symptoms by healthcare providers, educators and families.
d. As with many things in medicine, the root cause of this disorder is not well understood. But more and more is being uncovered through research including potential genetic markers.
e. Due to ASD’s characteristic effect on social skills, including communication and behaviors, individuals with ASD may have difficulty with social relationships, education, development and physical growth (diet related).
What are the signs of Autism?
a. Early signs may be observed in failure to meet social milestones including smiling, vocalizing, eye contact, responding to name with eye contact. Later on, repetitive movements in response to certain stimuli, delayed expressive speech, no attempts to interact with others, extreme reactions to minimal stimuli like change in routine, limit setting, certain sounds. Poor reception/understanding of non-verbal social cues. Regression in social and language skills between 18-24 months.
b. Some of these signs are shared with other neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, so a full evaluation is necessary to appropriately asses.
c. Regular surveillance and age-specific screenings have facilitated early recognition of children at increased risk for autism.
Source: AAP