Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder (a "brain" disease) characterized by the presence of persistent (ongoing) communication and social issues. It is a developmental disorder, which begins in early childhood and continues throughout life. Autism spectrum disorder affects most every aspect of life along the way. Cognitive (thinking and language) and social skills are typically developmentally delayed compared to their peers without the disorder. However, their motor (movement) skills develop in a more typical way.
Specific social interaction, communication and behavioral problems must be present before the diagnosis can be made. Though all people with autism show the same overall pattern of impairments, the severity of these issues will vary from case to case. Some people show mild impairments and others have more severe issues.
From a very early age, children with autism spectrum disorder demonstrate difficulties in interacting with other people...More
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What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder (a "brain" disease) characterized by the presence of persistent (ongoing) communication and social issues.
- From a very early age, children with autism spectrum disorder demonstrate difficulties in interacting with other people. They also have trouble with processing social and non-verbal forms of communication, such as eye contact and facial expression.
- People on the autism spectrum also tend to demonstrate odd or socially inappropriate behaviors.
- The communication symptoms of autism spectrum disorder usually become apparent between eighteen and twenty-four months of age. They can become noticeable during the first twelve months if developmental symptoms are severe. The behavioral symptoms usually first appear in early childhood.
- Once established, autism spectrum disorder symptoms continue into adulthood. The symptoms range in severity (across people) from relatively mild to severe and crippling.
- Though intervention cannot reverse the course of autism, it can result in symptom improvement and a greater ability for independence.
What are the symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder?
- Autistic symptoms cluster into two groups: social communication/social interaction and restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests, or activities.
- Communication issues include difficulty in social and emotional interactions with others, trouble using nonverbal communication skills, and difficulty developing, maintaining and understanding relationships with others.
- People with autism spectrum disorder have a tendency towards isolation, difficulty making eye contact, and an inability to develop appropriate peer relationships.
- Patterns of behavioral symptoms in autism spectrum disorder typically include stereotyped or repetitive body movements, insistence on a set routine that cannot be changed, highly restrictive interests that are strongly focused on, and either a lot of interest or no interest in sensory aspects of their surrounding environment.
- Those with Autism Spectrum Disorder often have other mental health conditions or challenges that they face.
How is Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosed?
- In the past, there were several pervasive development disorders that could be diagnosed including Autism, Asperger's Disorder and Pervasive Development Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD NOS).
- With the release of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (the DSM; currently in its 5th edition), there were extensive changes made to the diagnosis criteria and categories. Rather than multiple disorders, there is now a single condition called Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- To be diagnosed with this condition, there must be:
- A. Persistent/ongoing problems in social communication and social interaction across multiple settings as shown by the following: 1) Deficits in Social/Emotional Connections 2) Deficits in nonverbal communication behaviors used for social interaction 3) Deficits in developing, maintaining and understanding relationships.
- B. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities as shown by at least two of the following: 1) Stereotyped or Repetitive Motor Movements, Use of Objects, or Speech 2) Insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines, or ritualized pattern of verbal and nonverbal behavior; 3) Highly restricted, fixed interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus; 4) Hyper- or hypo- reactivity to sensory input or unusual interest in sensory aspects of the environment.
- C. Symptoms of autism spectrum disorder must be present in the early developmental period. However, they may not become fully displayed until social demands exceed the person's limited capabilities, or they may be masked by learned strategies later in life.
- D. These symptoms cause a great deal of stress in the person's life and problems handling school, work, relationships, and other commitments.
- E. These disturbances are not better explained by intellectual disabilities or global developmental delay.
How is Autism Spectrum Disorder treated?
- There is no cure for autism spectrum disorder.
- It is a lifelong condition that can only be treated and managed with appropriate intervention.
- It is crucial to intervene as early as possible because the condition can interfere with normal language development. Without therapeutic assistance, children with autism spectrum disorder may not learn language properly or at all.
- A wide variety of interventions have been developed for children with autism or PDD diagnoses. A few of these include:
- Behavioral and communication approaches, such as speech and occupational therapy
- Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), which is a visually presented method for teaching children with autism to comprehend language
- Applied Behavioral Analysis, which involves rewarding children if they behave in ways that are desirable
- Sensory Integration, which address sensory needs by either lessening or amplifying the intensity of various forms of sensory stimulation that children receive.
- Medications to manage behavioral and mood symptoms
- Selected approaches address each child's specific needs as determined by educators and clinicians whose findings are formalized as an individualized treatment plan.
- Each child's treatment plan outlines that child's strengths and needs and also lists long-term and short-term goals for the child to reach.
- The treatment plan also outlines specific interventions that are to be used to help the child meet these goals.
How can families cope with an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis?
- Raising a child who has been diagnosed with autism or a related pervasive developmental disorder is a daunting and exhausting task.
- There are many appointments to keep with some families coordinating between 20 and 40 hours of therapy each week.
- They are visited by therapists, behavior specialists, case managers and support staff.
- They deal with their children's isolation, anxiety and tantrums, as well as their own often troubling emotional reactions.
- In short, families need support to help them cope.
- Respite services help families caring for children with autism to have a break from caregiving, usually for just long enough so that caregivers can catch their breath.
- Support groups are mutual self-help groups, run either by peers (other parents of autistic children), or by professionals working in the autism or PDD field.
- Wraparound is a temporary, physician prescribed service that brings therapy directly to needy families and is used to help children with autism work towards independence.
What is adulthood like for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder?
- Autism spectrum disorder is a life-long, chronic disorder that can significantly impact affected people's social and cognitive development. As a result, adult functioning is frequently compromised.
- Some adults with ASD learn to function well in society. They can earn degrees and maintain gainful employment.
- Others never develop the communication and self-help skills necessary to live independently.
- When children with ASD reach the age of fourteen, their caregivers and teachers create a transition planning review in collaboration with the school district. The transition planning review covers issues like education and training as well as career planning
- Living arrangements and income are some of the major issues facing adults with autism spectrum disorder. While some can manage independently, others must be supervised around the clock to insure their safety.
- Even if an adult with ASD can maintain a job and can groom himself independently, he may not be able to deal with everyday situations requiring good social skills like meeting new people, asking appropriate questions or maintaining interpersonal relationships.
- The ideal jobs for adults with autism spectrum disorder are usually quite structured in nature and make a virtue of their strengths and interests. Many high-functioning adults with ASD find gainful employment in computer-related fields, some like the repetition of assembly line work, and others prefer working with animals.
- Many adults with autism are able to function quite well in group homes that provided assisted living support, while others live with family members throughout their lives.
News Articles
Pain Twice as Common for Kids With Autism: Study
Children with an autism spectrum disorder may be twice as likely to experience pain as kids without autism, a new study suggests. More...
Antidepressant Doesn't Ease Obsessive Behaviors of Autism
The commonly used antidepressant Prozac doesn't appear to help reduce obsessive-compulsive behavior in children and teens with autism, new research suggests. More...
Severe Morning Sickness Tied to Autism Risk in Kids
Many pregnant women suffer from morning sickness early in pregnancy. But a new study suggests that a small minority who suffer a more severe form of the illness may be at higher odds of having a child with autism. More...
More U.S. Kids Being Diagnosed With Autism, ADHD
More U.S. children today have developmental disabilities like autism and ADHD than a decade ago, though improved recognition may be a major reason, according to a government study. More...
U.S. Autism Rates Rising Fastest for Hispanics, Blacks
Autism rates among U.S. children are rising fastest among blacks and Hispanics, researchers say. More...
24 MoreBack-to-School Tips for Kids on the Autism Spectrum
Heading back to school can be especially stressful for children with autism and their parents, but preparation and establishing a routine can make it easier. More...
Scientists Uncover More Autism Genes
In a finding that underscores the major role genetics plays in autism risk, researchers report they have identified 16 new genes linked to the developmental disorder. More...
Unlocking Speech for Kids With Autism
For parents of a child with autism, communication is often the No. 1 hurdle. But what if there were a simple way to help them get their youngster talking? More...
High Levels of Estrogen in Womb Might Raise Autism Risk
New British research is bolstering the theory that elevated levels of sex hormones in the uterus could play a role in autism risk. More...
Extreme Eating Habits Could Be an Early Clue to Autism
Lots of kids are picky eaters. But when eating habits in young children are extreme, it could be a sign of autism, researchers say. More...
Autism Largely Caused by Genetics, Not Environment: Study
The largest study of its kind, involving more than 2 million people across five countries, finds that autism spectrum disorders are 80% reliant on inherited genes. More...
Women's Exposure to Solvents at Work Tied to Autism in Children
Children of mothers who are often exposed to solvent chemicals in the workplace appear to have an increased risk of autism, a new study finds. More...
Can Medical Marijuana Help Kids With Autism?
Medical marijuana extracts appear to help children with autism, reducing their disruptive behavior while improving their social responsiveness, a new Israeli clinical trial reports. More...
Developmental Tests Might Spot Autism at Even Younger Ages
The sooner a child with autism is diagnosed, the better, and now new research describes a novel way of catching it earlier than ever. More...
For People With Autism, Encounters With Police Can Turn Dangerous
Being stopped and questioned by a police officer can be a stressful encounter for anyone, but it is especially hazardous for those with autism. More...
Treatments Targeting Social Behavior Hormone Show Promise With Autism
Hormone-based treatment might improve social function in people with autism, a pair of new clinical trials suggests. More...
'Microbiome' May Be Key to Autism Symptoms
The belly-brain connection is gaining traction in autism research. And a new study suggests gut bacteria may play a role in the disorder or some of its symptoms. More...
Autism Diagnoses Reliable at 14 Months, Study Finds
Although autism is typically diagnosed around age 3 or 4, new research suggests it can be spotted soon after a child's first birthday. More...
Young Adults With Autism Need Jobs, But Resources Vary By State
There's a lot of news about the dramatic rise in the number of children with autism and the services available to them, but less attention has been paid to what happens when those kids grow up. More...
Could Treating Gut Bacteria Help Ease Autism Symptoms?
Scientists suspect that your gut microbiome -- the mix of bacteria that inhabit your intestines -- affects your health in many ways, but a surprising new finding suggests that a healthy microbiome may even ease the symptoms of autism. More...
Kids With Autism 'In Tune' With Mom's Feelings: Study
Children with autism may have trouble interpreting facial emotions in strangers, but research finds some are as "in-tune" with their mother's expressions as kids without autism. More...
Smartphone App May Boost Social Skills in Kids With Autism
A smartphone application that works with Google Glass might help kids with autism build their social skills, a small clinical trial suggests. More...
Pesticides Tied to Autism Risk in Kids
Children who are exposed to common pesticides, either while in the womb or in the first year of life, may be more likely to develop autism, a new study suggests. More...
Can Some Children Outgrow Autism?
Some toddlers thought to have mild autism "outgrow" the diagnosis, but most continue to struggle with language and behavior, new research suggests. More...
Burden of Autism in Teens Weighs Heaviest on Minorities, Poor
Autism exacts a heavy toll on the families of teens who struggle with the disorder, but the fight to get treatment and services is even harder among minorities who live in poverty, new research suggests. More...
Largest Study Ever Finds No Link Between Measles Vaccine, Autism
Amid ongoing U.S. measles outbreaks, one of the largest studies to date provides fresh evidence that the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine does not cause autism. More...
Poor Sleep Plagues Many Kids With Autism
Young children with autism are more than twice as likely to have sleep problems than typical kids or those with other developmental delays, a new study reports. More...
Autism, ADHD in One Child Tied to Raised Risk in Siblings
Autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are so closely linked that they not only run in families, but each increases the risk of the other in future siblings, a new study finds. More...
Guideline Changes Have Asperger's Community on Edge
Change in psychiatric manual will fold it into autism spectrum disorders, leaving many unsure about getting needed services More...
Resources
Articles
- What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
- Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Interventions & Supportive Services
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment
- Behavioral and Communication Approaches
- Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Discrete Trial
- Fluency
- Sensory Integration
- Floortime
- Medication
- Diet and Vitamins
- Complementary Approaches
- Therapeutic Animals
- Helping Families Cope
- Support Groups
- Wraparound Services
- Autism Spectrum Disorder and Mainstream Public Education
- Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adulthood
- Conclusion
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Resources
News
- Pain Twice as Common for Kids With Autism: Study
- Antidepressant Doesn't Ease Obsessive Behaviors of Autism
- Severe Morning Sickness Tied to Autism Risk in Kids
- More U.S. Kids Being Diagnosed With Autism, ADHD
- U.S. Autism Rates Rising Fastest for Hispanics, Blacks
- Back-to-School Tips for Kids on the Autism Spectrum
- Scientists Uncover More Autism Genes
- Unlocking Speech for Kids With Autism
- High Levels of Estrogen in Womb Might Raise Autism Risk
- Extreme Eating Habits Could Be an Early Clue to Autism
- 19 more
- Autism Largely Caused by Genetics, Not Environment: Study
- Women's Exposure to Solvents at Work Tied to Autism in Children
- Can Medical Marijuana Help Kids With Autism?
- Developmental Tests Might Spot Autism at Even Younger Ages
- For People With Autism, Encounters With Police Can Turn Dangerous
- Treatments Targeting Social Behavior Hormone Show Promise With Autism
- 'Microbiome' May Be Key to Autism Symptoms
- Autism Diagnoses Reliable at 14 Months, Study Finds
- Young Adults With Autism Need Jobs, But Resources Vary By State
- Could Treating Gut Bacteria Help Ease Autism Symptoms?
- Kids With Autism 'In Tune' With Mom's Feelings: Study
- Smartphone App May Boost Social Skills in Kids With Autism
- Pesticides Tied to Autism Risk in Kids
- Can Some Children Outgrow Autism?
- Burden of Autism in Teens Weighs Heaviest on Minorities, Poor
- Largest Study Ever Finds No Link Between Measles Vaccine, Autism
- Poor Sleep Plagues Many Kids With Autism
- Autism, ADHD in One Child Tied to Raised Risk in Siblings
- Guideline Changes Have Asperger's Community on Edge
Links
Videos
- New Genetic Tools to Treat Autism and Pediatric Neurological Disorders
- Diagnosing and Treating Autism with Doris Trauner
- Talking to Our Kids About Acts of Terrorism
- Talking to Our Kids About Death
- Understanding the Genome and the Future of Autism Therapies
- What Is Asperger's?
- Autism Early Intervention
- Minority Children May Miss Autism Diagnosis
- Key Features of Autism
- Autism Puberty and Adolescence Toolkit
- 70 more
- Autism and Minorities
- Understanding the Genome and the Future of Autism Therapies
- Catching Autism Early
- The World of Autism PSA
- Is Asperger’s Syndrome Autism?
- Learning the Signs of Autism
- What is Autism?
- Understanding Autism
- Siblings of Children with Autism
- How Weighted Blankets May Lift Anxiety
- 1 in 45 autism prevalence explained
- Autism: The Whys of Increased Prevalence
- Autism & Asperger's: What's The Difference?
- Screening for Signs of Autism
- Beyond the Data -- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Treating Autism
- What it’s like to have a brother on the autism spectrum
- iPads and Autism: 3 Features That Make the Tablet Easier to Use
- iPads and Autism: Getting the Most From Out-of-the-Box Apps
- Great Apps for Autism
- Teaching Social Skills to Teens with ASD
- ABA for Teens with ASD
- Customizing ABA Programs for Teens
- Autism Diagnosis and Access to Care in Minority Populations
- From Diagnosis to Treatment: The Revolution Driving Autism Research
- Reducing Disparities in Autism Diagnosis and Access to Care
- Autism Jargon: DRO
- Autism Jargon: NET
- 5 Tips for Getting the Most Out of ABA
- Autism Jargon: DTT
- Autism Jargon: Distractor
- Autism Jargon: Theory of Mind
- Autism Jargon: Pica
- Autism Jargon: Fluency
- Autism Jargon: Systematic Desensitization
- Is Asperger’s Included in the DSM5?
- Autism Jargon: Functional Communication Training
- 8 Questions to Ask Your Autism Service Provider
- Autism Jargon: Verbal Operants
- Autism Jargon: Establishing Operation
- Autism Jargon: Token Economy
- Treating Anxiety in Children and Teens with ASD
- Autism Jargon: Response Cost
- Teaching Soccer Skills to Kids with ASD
- "Focus on Ability, Not Disability"
- Dr. Tim Shriver: Intellectually Different ... Not Disabled
- P2I: Can We Prevent Autism?
- Autism Jargon: Positive Reinforcement
- Autism Jargon: Negative Reinforcement
- How the Diagnosis of Autism Helps Us Learn More About Autism
- Pathways for Treatments in Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Genetics of Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Autism Jargon: IEP
- My Inner Life with Asperger's
- Autism Jargon: Least Restrictive Environment
- Dealing with Challenging Behaviors
- How law enforcement and families work together to keep loved ones with autism safe
- Back to School: Homework Help!
- Advice on Telling Your Teen they have ASD
- Social Intervention Helps Adults With Autism
- Autism Jargon: Antecedent Modification
- Motor and Social Skill Function: Connecting Learning and Brain Function in Autism
- Minecraft for Autism
- Autism Signs
- CDC’s new update on autism: What you need to know
- Autism & Friendship
- Employment resources for adults with autism and their families
- Housing and residential support options for adults with autism
- Autism Spectrum Disorder: Many Questions Many Answers
- Diagnosing and Treating Autism
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