What is Autism?

Understanding Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined as a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral difficulties. Young people with ASD will experience intellectual disabilities, challenges with motor coordination, and problems with attention. They are also at increased risk for a number of physical health issues, including seizures, gastrointestinal disorders, and sleep problems. Furthermore, those with ASD may interact, behave, and learn in different ways from most other people. The symptoms associated with autism vary greatly in severity, with autistic individuals classified on a spectrum from high functioning to low functioning. Currently there is no cure for ASD; however, early therapeutic interventions have shown the potential to improve a child’s development, thus allowing him or her to learn important skills and become as independent as possible.

Statistics

Statistics on Autism

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in every 68 children has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Autism is diagnosed more often in boys than girls, affecting 1 in every 42 boys.

Causes and Risks

Causes and Risk Factors for Autism

While no definite causes for the development of autism have been found there are a number of factors that are believed to play a significant role. Most researchers believe that genetic influences and environmental factors work together to lead to the development of this disorder. Consider the following:

Genetic: Multiple research studies strongly suggest that genes play a large role in whether or not a child or adolescent is likely to develop autism spectrum disorder. Young people who have relatives that have ASD have a genetic predisposition for the development of this disorder.

Environmental: Researchers believe that there are an assortment of environmental factors that place a child or adolescent at an increased risk for developing autism. For example, being exposed to certain infections while in utero, experiencing certain complications during birth, and being born prematurely can all place a young person at an increased risk for this disorder.

Risk Factors:

Being male
Advanced parental age
Fetal exposure to valproate
Disruptions of early brain development
Maternal illness during pregnancy
Low birth weight
Being born prematurely
Birthing complications
Certain health conditions, including Fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Down syndrome, Rett syndrome, and cerebral palsy

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms of Autism

The symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder begin to become most apparent when a child is between 4 to 6 years old and has not met specific developmental milestones. Symptoms will vary in severity and each individual will have a unique presentation of symptoms. Examples of signs and symptoms that may indicate that someone has ASD can include:

Behavioral symptoms:

Prefers to play alone
Avoids eye contact
Engages in repetitive behaviors
Emotional outbursts
Physically aggressive at times
Avoids or resists physical contacts
Delayed speech and language skills
Flat or monotonous speech patterns
Uses few or no gestures
Does not pretend play
Engages in self-harming behaviors
Does not respond when being called
Does not understand personal space boundaries
Throws temper tantrums
Aggression

Physical symptoms:

Significant sleep problems
Unusual eating habits
Hypersensitivity to sounds
Hypersensitivity to touch
Lack of facial expressions
Problems with coordination

Cognitive symptoms:

Unable to understand social cues
Does not understand jokes, sarcasm, or teasing
Is not able to understand other people’s feelings
Has difficulty understanding the actions of others
Develops a fixated interest in a certain subject or activity
Poor organizational skills
Short attention span

Psychosocial symptoms:

Unusual mood or emotional reactions
Does not express emotions or feelings
Uncooperative
Does not like change
Anxiety
Low self-esteem

Effects

Effects of Autism

The long-term effects of autism spectrum disorder depend upon the severity of a child or adolescent’s symptoms as well as the type and effectiveness of any therapeutic interventions that the young person has received. If children and adolescents with autism do not get the treatment they need, they may develop one or more of the following:

Social isolation
Aggression
Mood swings
Difficulty developing and maintaining strong interpersonal relationships
Onset of mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety
School failure
Unable to live independently
Requires support for activities of daily living

Co-Occurring

Autism and Co-Occurring Disorders

Many children and adolescents with autism also suffer from additional mental health disorders or conditions. The most common disorders known to co-occur with autism spectrum disorders include: