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Andy Lu
Introduction
Autism Spectrum Disorder is identified as someone who has a speaking and/or behavioural complication. In conjunction with how the media portrays autism, they also fail to properly educate the general population. There are many misconceptions and a lack of information regarding the reality of Autism. This shortfall in understanding is due to the unfortunate spread of misinformation from the news and other sources. Subsequently, there are many questions one may ask for those willing to educate themselves on the truth. These inquiries may be seeking what autism is such as what causes it and the risks, how a medical professional could interpret a person’s behaviour and conclude an Autism diagnosis, and how parents can support their children through their personal challenges with this developmental disorder. All of these important questions will be acknowledged below and will provide readers with general information. More research on the history and the spread of credible Autism awareness is always highly encouraged.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a chronic behavioural condition distinguished by difficult challenges in social communication, interaction, and restricted or repetitive actions. The word spectrum in the name implies that for every person with this disorder, the severity and effects of the symptoms vary; for example, someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder may be intellectually disabled, have a high IQ, or lie in between. Additionally, anyone can be diagnosed with autism regardless of ethnicity, race, or economical status. However, in most cases, ASD is primarily diagnosed in a person’s infancy with many apparent signs displaying in ages 2-3. There is a statistic from CDC that says 1 in 59 children will be diagnosed with autism and that it is 3 to 4 times more common in boys than in girls. Yet, this gender difference is not unique as many developmental disabilities have similar male-to-female ratios. On the contrary to what one may assume, many of these children with ASD grow up to lead perfectly normal, independent and fulfilling lives with the help of the current services available.
Signs & symptoms of ASD
Most people with ASD will show several common behaviours including sleep issues and irritability. These exhibited actions may seem challenging to families, teachers, and others. Additionally, those with ASD may also have particular strengths such as learning things in greater detail, remembering things for longer, being prodigious visual and auditory learners, and excellent in math, science, music, or art.
Social Communication/Interaction Behaviours | Restrictive/Repetitive Behaviours |
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Causes of autism
A common question asked after being diagnosed with autism is the cause of this disorder. There is no one main reason or cause of autism. Research suggests that autism is developed from many factors that include genetic and non-genetic or environmental influences. These factors further increase a child's risk of developing autism. However, it is imperative to remember that the definition of increased risk is not equivalent to the meaning of cause. Studies have shown that autism tends to run in families. Changes in different genes may increase the risk factor that a child can develop autism. If a parent carries one or more of these gene modifiers, there is a possibility it may transfer to the child. This can occur even if the parent does not have autism. These genetic changes can start spontaneously in an early embryo or sperm. Be this as it may, most of these gene changes only increase the risk of this disorder and do not cause it. There also have been raising concerns about vaccines causing autism and this is simply not true. Scientists have done extensive research trying to test this theory. The results had come back negative as childhood vaccinations are not linked to causes of autism.
Some factors that increase one’s risk of obtaining the disorder is advanced parental aging (father or mother), pregnancy and birth issues (weight, prematurity, multiple pregnancies, etc.), and pregnancies that are spread out less than a year apart. On the other hand, some factors that decrease a child’s risk of the illness would be prenatal vitamins, ideally both before and during conception.
Diagnosis & risk factors
Early diagnosis and treatment are vital as it helps reduce the symptoms of autism. There is no existing medical test for autism. Autism is diagnosed based on the observations of the child's talking and behaviour. This child/adult will be compared to others who are of the same age. Trained Professionals such as psychologists are capable of diagnosing an individual with autism. Diagnosing an individual involves an interview and play-based test. The doctor will also ask the parent or caregiver for any additional questions for which they deem necessary.
Some possible red flags of ASD would be receiving no response of name by 12 months of age, showing no interest in objects by 14 months, avoiding eye contact with anyone or most people, and getting upset at minor changes. In addition, flapping one’s hands around, and unusual and intense/severe reactions to smell, taste, touch and sight could indicate that a child may have ASD.
Treatment of asd
Currently, there are no treatments shown to cure ASD. However, several interventions are being developed and studied. These interventions may assist in reducing symptoms, improve cognitive ability and daily living skills. It will help maximize the child to function and allow them to participate in more communal activities. Behavioural intervention strategies aim to focus on communication skills. Another very common treatment approach for ASD is called Applied Behaviour Analysis also known as ABA. This strategy encourages positive behaviour to help improve with a variety of skills.
Different types of treatments are broken down into the categories of different communication approaches, dietary restrictions, medications, and complementary / alternative medicine.
advice for parents
Before anything, parents must always educate themselves on Autism Spectrum Disorder. Try to give your child a consistent and structured routine to help them. Talk and find connections with other parents of children with ASD. And always ask for professional help when you have concerns.
In particular moments, having a child with autism will be stressful, time-consuming, and costly; autism impacts everyone in the family. Therefore, there is significant importance in the emotional and physical health of the whole family. To ensure the responsibility and comfort of managing a child or children with autism, consider seeking additional online resources with credible information about autism spectrum disorder and finding support for your child when necessary.
WORK CITED
autismspeaks.org. “What Causes Autism?” Autism Speaks, 2021, www.autismspeaks.org/what-causes-autism.
cdc.gov. “Treatment and Intervention Services for Autism Spectrum Disorder.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 23 Sept. 2019, www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/treatment.html .
Edelson, Stephen M. “Overview of Autism.” Autismharrisburg, 1999, autismharrisburg.org/docs/Overview_of_Autism.pdf.
iancommunity.org. “Introduction to Autism.” Introduction to Autism | Interactive Autism Network, 2021, iancommunity.org/introduction-autism.
nimh.nih.gov. “Autism Spectrum Disorder.” National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2018, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/ .
Psychiatry.org, and J. Nathan Copeland. What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?, Aug. 2018, www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/autism/what-is-autism-spectrum-disorder.
Wilson, Brittany. “How Has Autism Been Portrayed in the Media?” Applied Behavior Analysis Programs Guide, June 2020, www.appliedbehavioranalysisprograms.com/faq/autism-portrayal-in-media/ .