A brain development disorder called autism spectrum disorder affects how a person sees and interacts with other people, leading to difficulties with communication and social interaction. Restricted and recurring behavioural patterns are another feature of the disorder. In autism spectrum disorder, the term “spectrum” describes the broad range of symptoms and severity.
Previously diagnosed as distinct disorders, autism spectrum disorder encompasses Asperger’s syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, autism, and an unidentified type of pervasive developmental disorder. The milder end of autism spectrum disorder is generally considered to be “Asperger’s syndrome,” a term that is still occasionally used.
Early childhood diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder eventually results in difficulties interacting with others, in the workplace, and in educational settings. In the first year of life, children with autism frequently exhibit symptoms. A small percentage of kids seem to develop normally during the first year of life, and then they experience a regression period when they start to exhibit symptoms of autism between the ages of 18 and 24 months.
Even though there is no known cure for autism spectrum disorder, many children can benefit greatly from intensive, early treatment.
Symptoms
Early infancy can see some children exhibit symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, such as decreased eye contact, a lack of reaction to their name, or apathy towards carers. Some kids might grow up normally for the first few months or years of their lives, but then all of a sudden they start acting withdrawn or aggressive, or they stop using the language they’ve already learned. At two years old, signs typically appear.
From low functioning to high functioning, every child with autism spectrum disorder is likely to have a different pattern of behaviour and severity.
A subset of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder exhibit lower-than-normal intelligence, and some have trouble learning. Some children with the disorder have normal to high intelligence; they pick things up quickly but struggle with social situations, communication, and applying what they learn.
Determining the severity of a child’s symptoms can occasionally be challenging due to their individual mixture. Usually, it depends on the severity of the impairments and how they affect one’s capacity to function.
Some typical symptoms displayed by individuals with autism spectrum disorder are listed below.
Social exchange and engagement
Any of the following symptoms could indicate that a child or adult with autism spectrum disorder struggles with communication and social interaction:
- sometimes seems not to hear you or doesn’t react when you call out their name
- refuses to be held or cuddled, appearing to prefer playing by themselves and withdrawing into their own world
- lacks expression and makes poor eye contact
- speaks silently, speaks slowly, or loses the ability to speak words or sentences
- unable to initiate or maintain a conversation, or only initiates one in order to make requests or label things
- uses a sing-song voice or a robotic voice, and they may speak in an unusual rhythm or tone.
- verbatim repeats words or phrases without understanding how to use them
- does not seem to comprehend basic instructions or questions
doesn’t show emotion or sentiment and seems oblivious to the feelings of others - does not bring objects to share interest or point at them
- improperly enters a social situation by acting withdrawn, combative, or disruptive
- finds it difficult to read nonverbal cues from others, such as their tone of voice, body language, or facial expressions
Behaviour patterns
A child or adult diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder may exhibit restricted, recurring interests, activities, or behavioural patterns, such as any of the following:
- makes repetitive motions with their hands, such as flapping, spinning, or rocking.
- engages in behaviours that have the potential to be harmful to oneself, like biting or headbangs
- forms specialised habits or rituals and becomes agitated at the smallest deviation
- has unusual, stiff, or exaggerated body language, as well as issues with coordination or unusual movement patterns, such as clumsiness or walking on toes.
- is enthralled with an object’s minute details, like a toy car’s spinning wheels, but is unaware of the object’s larger function or purpose
- is remarkably sensitive to touch, light, or sound, but may not care about pain or temperature
- does not play pretend or imitate others
- fixations with unusual intensity or focus on a thing or activity
- possesses particular dietary habits, such as limiting their intake or avoiding certain foods due to their texture
Causes
The cause is unknown. There are most likely numerous causes because of the disorder’s complexity and the fact that its symptoms and severity vary. There could be a role for both environment and genetics.
Genetics. It appears to be influenced by multiple genes. Some children’s autism spectrum disorder may be linked to a hereditary condition like fragile X syndrome or Rett syndrome. Genetic alterations, or mutations, may raise the likelihood of autism spectrum disorder in other kids. Other genes might influence a brain’s development, the communication between brain cells, or the intensity of a symptom. While some genetic mutations appear to be inherited, others develop on their own.
Environmental elements. Scholars are presently investigating the potential role of various factors, including air pollutants, medications, pregnancy complications, or viral infections, in initiating autism spectrum disorder.
Prevention
Although it cannot be prevented, there are treatments available. The best results from early diagnosis and treatment can be seen in behaviour, skill development, and language acquisition. Intervention, though, is beneficial regardless of age. Children with autism spectrum disorder may learn to function well, even though their symptoms typically do not go away.
