Autism spectrum disorder is a condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication. The disorder also includes limited and repetitive patterns of behavior. The term ‘spectrum’ in autism spectrum disorder refers to the wide range of symptoms and severity.
It is estimated that worldwide about 1 in 100 children has autism. This estimate represents an average figure, and reported prevalence varies substantially across studies. Some well-controlled studies have, however, reported figures that are substantially higher. The prevalence of autism in many low- and middle-income countries is unknown.
While there is no absolute cure for autism spectrum disorder, intensive, early treatment can make a big difference in the lives of many children. We are with you to reach out for all such enquiries at CGC Udaipur.
Characteristics of autism
Characteristics of autism may be detected in early childhood, but autism is often not diagnosed until much later.
People with autism often have co-occurring conditions, including epilepsy, depression, anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as well as challenging behaviours such as difficulty sleeping and self-injury. The level of intellectual functioning among autistic people varies widely, extending from profound impairment to superior levels.
Autism spectrum disorder begins in early childhood and eventually causes problems functioning in society — socially, in school and at work, for example. Often children show symptoms of autism within the first year. A small number of children appear to develop normally in the first year, and then go through a period of regression between 18 and 36 months of age when they develop autism symptoms.
Autism linked characteristics can be divided into two main categories:
- Difficulties with social communication and interaction. These affect how your child socializes.
- Restricted and repetitive behaviors, interests or activities. These affect how your child acts.
As a parent, you’re probably used to looking for signs that something isn’t right – like a fever or swollen glands. But autism characteristics aren’t signs that something’s wrong — rather, they’re signs of difference. And they’re cues that your child may need some support to manage society’s expectations and demands, which are often designed for neurotypical people.
Causes of autism
Available scientific evidence suggests that there are probably many factors that make a child more likely to have autism, including environmental, neurological and genetic factors.
Extensive research using a variety of different methods and conducted over many years has demonstrated that the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine does not cause autism. Studies that were interpreted as indicating any such link were flawed, and some of the authors had undeclared biases that influenced what they reported about their research.
Evidence also shows that other childhood vaccines do not increase the risk of autism. Extensive research into the preservative thiomersal and the additive aluminium that are contained in some inactivated vaccines strongly concluded that these constituents in childhood vaccines do not increase the risk of autism.
When to see a doctor for autism testing and evaluation
Babies develop at their own pace, and many don’t follow exact timelines found in some parenting books. But children with autism spectrum disorder usually show some signs of delayed development before age 2 years.
If you’re concerned about your child’s development or you suspect that your child may have autism spectrum disorder, discuss your concerns with your doctor. The symptoms associated with the disorder can also be linked with other developmental disorders.
Signs of autism spectrum disorder often appear early in development when there are obvious delays in language skills and social interactions. Your doctor may recommend developmental tests to identify if your child has delays in cognitive, language and social skills, if your child:
- Doesn’t respond with a smile or happy expression by 6 months
- Doesn’t mimic sounds or facial expressions by 9 months
- Doesn’t babble or coo by 12 months
- Doesn’t gesture — such as point or wave — by 14 months
- Doesn’t say single words by 16 months
- Doesn’t play ‘make-believe’ or pretend by 18 months
- Doesn’t say two-word phrases by 24 months
- Loses language skills or social skills at any age
Timely access to early psychosocial evaluation and evidence-based psychosocial interventions can improve the ability of autistic children to communicate effectively and interact socially. The psychological monitoring or professional testing of child development as part of routine maternal and child health care is recommended.
It is important that, once autism has been diagnosed, children, adolescents and adults with autism and their carers are offered relevant information, services, referrals, and practical support, in accordance with their individual and evolving needs and preferences.
Integrative Treatments for autism
A broad range of interventions, from early childhood and across the life span, can optimize the development, health, well-being and quality of life of autistic people. The health-care needs of people with autism are complex and require a range of integrated services, that include health promotion, care and rehabilitation. Various doctors can come together to treat an autistic person ranging from physicians, child specialists, speech therapists, occupational therapist, physiotherapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, neurologists etc.
Collaboration between the team of doctors is vital. Also collaboration between the health sector and other sectors, particularly education, employment , school, community and social care, is important.
Interventions for people with autism and other developmental disabilities need to be designed and delivered with the participation of people living with these conditions. Care needs to be accompanied by actions at community and societal levels for greater accessibility, inclusivity and support.
Informative by Dr Ansha Patel on Autism
Further references
- Global prevalence of autism: A systematic review update. Zeidan J et al. Autism Research 2022 March.
- Wakefield’s affair: 12 years of uncertainty whereas no link between autism and MMR vaccine has been proved. Maisonneuve H, Floret D. Presse Med. 2012 Sep; French (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22748860).
- Lancet retracts Wakefield’s MMR paper. Dyer C. BMJ 2010;340:c696. 2 February 2010 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20124366/).
- Kmietowicz Z. Wakefield is struck off for the “serious and wide-ranging findings against him” BMJ 2010; 340 :c2803 doi:10.1136/bmj.c2803 (https://www.bmj.com/content/340/bmj.c2803)
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