Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn and behave. Although ASD can be diagnosed at any age (in recent years, more adults have been diagnosed with this condition), it is described as a “developmental disorder” because symptoms usually appear in the first two years of life.
Healthcare providers use the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) to diagnose ASD. The common signs people with ASD often have are:
Restricted (and quite commonly inappropriate) interests and repetitive behaviours
Difficulty with communication and interaction with other people
Symptoms that hinder their ability to function in school, work and other areas of life
As the name suggests, there is a wide spectrum or variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience. People of all races, ethnicities, races and economic backgrounds can be diagnosed with ASD. Although it can be lifelong condition, people with ASD can have a marked improvement in their quality of life with good treatments and services.
The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends that all children should be screened for ASD at 18 and 24 months along with regular developmental milestones screenings. ASD can usually be reliably diagnosed by the age of two. It is important to seek an evaluation as soon as possible. The earlier ASD is diagnosed, the sooner treatments and services can begin.
Signs and Symptoms of ASD
Many people with ASD have difficulty with social communication and interaction, repetitive behaviours and restricted interests. The list below provides some examples of common types of behaviours in people diagnosed with ASD. Please note that not all people with ASD will have all behaviours, but most will have several of the behaviours listed below.
Social communication / interactive behaviours may include:
Making little or inconsistent eye contact
Appearing not to look at or listen to people who are talking
Not responding or being slow to respond to one’s name or to other verbal bids for attention
Infrequently sharing interest, emotion, or enjoyment of objects or activities (including by infrequently pointing at or showing things to others)
Having trouble understanding another person’s point of view or being unable to predict or understand other people’s actions
Often talking at length about a favourite subject without noticing that others are not interested or without giving others a chance to respond
Having difficulties with the back and forth of conversation
Displaying facial expressions, movements, and gestures that do not match what is being said
Having an unusual tone of voice that may sound sing-song or flat and robot-like
Having difficulties adjusting behaviours to social situations
Having difficulties in imaginative play or making friends
Repetitive / restrictive behaviours may include:
Showing overly focused interests, such as with moving objects or parts of objects
Repeating certain behaviours or having unusual behaviours, such as repeating words or phrases (a behaviour called echolalia)
Having a lasting intense interest in specific topics, such as numbers, details, or facts
Becoming upset by slight changes in a routine and having difficulty with transitions
Being more sensitive or less sensitive than other people to sensory input, such as light, sound, clothing, or temperature
People with ASD may also experience eating, sleeping problems and irritability.
People on the autism spectrum also may have many strengths, including:
Being able to learn things in detail and remember information for long periods of time
Being strong visual and auditory learners
Excelling in math, science, music, or art
Causes and Risk Factors
The primary causes of ASD is still unknown, but studies suggest that a person’s genes can act together with aspects of their environment to affect development in ways that lead to ASD. Some factors that are associated with an increased likelihood of developing ASD include:
Having a sibling with ASD
Having older parents
Having certain genetic conditions (such as Down syndrome or Fragile X syndrome)
Having a very low birth weight
Treatments and Therapies
Treatment for ASD should begin as soon as possible after diagnosis. Early treatment for ASD is important as proper care and services can reduce individuals’ difficulties while helping them learn new skills and build on their strengths.
People with ASD may be referred to a health care provider who specializes in providing behavioral (Applied Behavioural Analysis), psychological, educational, or skill-building interventions. These programs are typically highly structured and intensive, and they may involve caregivers, siblings, and other family members. These programs may help people with ASD:
Learn social, communication and language skills
Reduce behaviours that interfere with learning and daily functioning
Increase or build upon strengths
Learn life skills necessary for living independently