What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) ?

Definition of ASD

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, defined as persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction, accompanied by restricted and repetitive behaviors, interests, or activity patterns.

The abilities and needs of people with autism vary and will develop over time. Although some people with autism can live independently, others have severe disabilities and require lifelong care and support. Autism generally affects educational and employment opportunities. Additionally, the demand for caregiving and supportive families can be great. Social attitudes and the level of support provided by local and national authorities are important factors that determine the quality of life of autistic patients.

Characteristics of ASD

ASD affects people in different ways, from mild to severe. People with ASD have some common symptoms, such as difficulty with social interaction. Still, there are differences in when the symptoms appear, the severity of the symptoms, the number of symptoms, and whether there are other problems. The symptoms and their severity will change over time.

Social Communication

Delayed speech or no social babbling/chatting
Difficulty using eye contact, gestures, and sounds or words all at the same time
Limited use of gestures such as giving, showing, waving, clapping, pointing, or nodding their head
Little or no pretending or imitating of other people
Stopped using words that they used to say
Uses another person’s hand as a tool (e.g., putting parent’s hand on a jar for them to open the lid)
Makes odd sounds or has an unusual tone of voice

Social Interaction

Does not draw your attention to things or show you things they’re interested in
Does not share enjoyment or interests with others
Does not look right at people or hard to get them to look at you
Does not share warm, joyful expressions
Does not respond when someone calls their name

Repetitive Behaviors & Restricted Interests

Unusual sensory interests such as sniffing objects or looking out of the corner of their eye
Unusual ways of moving their hands, fingers, or whole body
Develops rituals such as lining objects up or repeating things over and over
Over- or under-reaction to certain sounds, textures, or other sensory input
Very focused on or attached to unusual kinds of objects such as strips of cloth, wooden spoons, rocks, vents, or doorstops
Excessive interest in particular objects, actions, or activities that interferes with social interaction

Causes of ASD

There is no known single cause for autism spectrum disorders. Given the complexity of the disease and that symptoms and severity vary, there can be many reasons. Both genetics and environment can play a role. The incidence of autistic boys is four times higher than that of girls. It can happen to people of any race, ethnicity, or social background. Family income, lifestyle, or education level will not affect the child's risk of autism. Some suspected risk factors for autism include:

Genetic mutations
Fragile X syndrome and other genetic conditions
Low birth weight
A history of viral infections
Metabolic imbalances
Exposure to heavy metals and environmental toxins
Having immediate family members with autism

Treatment option for ASD

There are no “cures” for autism, but therapies and other treatment considerations can help people feel better or alleviate their symptoms.

Many treatment approaches involve therapies such as:

Behavioral therapy
Play therapy
Occupational therapy
Physical therapy
Speech and language therapy

References

DeFilippis, M., & Wagner, K. D. (2016). Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children and Adolescents. Psychopharmacology Bulletin, 46(2), 18–41.

Shenoy, M. D., Indla, V., & Reddy, H. (2017). Comprehensive Management of Autism: Current Evidence. Indian journal of psychological medicine, 39(6), 727–731. https://doi.org/10.4103/IJPSYM.IJPSYM_272_17

Parmeggiani, A., Corinaldesi, A. & Posar, A. Early features of autism spectrum disorder: a cross-sectional study. Ital J Pediatr 45, 144 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13052-019-0733-8

Anagnostou, E., Zwaigenbaum, L., Szatmari, P., Fombonne, E., Fernandez, B. A., Woodbury-Smith, M., Brian, J., Bryson, S., Smith, I. M., Drmic, I., Buchanan, J. A., Roberts, W., & Scherer, S. W. (2014). Autism spectrum disorder: advances in evidence-based practice. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne, 186(7), 509–519. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.121756