Autism Spectrum Disorder

Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder

The following examples are frequently observed signs and symptoms of autism, although not all children with this condition display each type of behavior.

Signs of social communication and interaction deficits include:

Making inconsistent or limited eye contact
Responding slowly to verbal cues for attention
Difficulty engaging in an ongoing conversation
Rarely pointing to items or showing objects to others
Speaking in a flat, robot-like, or sing-song tone of voice
Struggling to make friends or engage in imaginative play
Slowly responding to one’s name or not responding at all
Struggling to understand other people’s opinions and behaviors
Difficulty displaying appropriate behavior during social situations
Struggling to listen to or look directly toward people who are talking
Infrequently displaying emotion, enjoyment, or shared interests during activities (e.g., playing with toys)
Making gestures, facial expressions, or movements that are inappropriate during conversations

Signs of repetitive and restricted behaviors may include:

Repeating specific behaviors (e.g., rocking), sounds, words, or phrases (repetition of speech is called echolalia)
Repeatedly talking about one topic without allowing others to speak or realizing that other people have lost interest
Demonstrating a restricted interest in specific subjects, certain facts, details, or numbers
Struggling to transition to different activities and becoming upset by small changes in a routine
Displaying increased or decreased sensitivity to temperature, clothing texture, light, or sound

Children who have autism may also suffer from irritability, food aversions, and sleep problems.

Potential Causes and Risk Factors

The main underlying cause of autism spectrum disorder is unknown, but research indicates that genetics and environmental factors may play a role in the onset of this condition. There are over 100 genes linked to the development of autism, including genetic mutations that may be inherited from family members. Autism studies that follow family members and twins indicate that the heritability of this neurodevelopmental disorder is between 40 to 90 percent. For some children, certain genetic disorders such as fragile X syndrome and Rett syndrome also increase the susceptibility of developing autism.

In addition to genetics, environmental factors such as taking certain medications or experiencing complications during pregnancy, viral infections, or air pollutants may trigger autistic symptoms. The combination of gene abnormalities and environmental triggers may also alter development in a manner that leads to autism.

Specific factors that may increase the likelihood of being diagnosed with autism include:

Advanced parental age
Maternal obesity
Trauma during birth
Very low birth weight
Gestational diabetes mellitus
Having a sibling, parent, or relative with autism
Being diagnosed with certain genetic disorders (e.g., Down syndrome, tuberous sclerosis complex)

Although there has been speculation over the years that the onset of autism may also be associated with vaccinations, clinical research has not demonstrated a clear relationship between vaccines and children with autism.

How is Autism Diagnosed?

Autistic symptoms may be observed by parents or become apparent during regular doctor visits if a young child consistently experiences developmental delays. If autism is suspected, a doctor will typically make a referral to a specialist such as a developmental pediatrician, pediatric neurologist, psychologist, or psychiatrist who can provide a thorough evaluation.

A series of tests may be ordered to help determine whether a child has autism. These include tests that assess hearing, language, speech, growth and development, or social and behavioral interactions. Genetic testing may also be recommended.

The standard assessment tool is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which evaluates the presence of five common symptoms of autism:

Repetitive, restricted behaviors and interests
Impaired social communication and social interaction
Symptoms that cause clinically significant impairments
Symptoms that are not better explained by a global developmental delay or intellectual disability
Symptoms that appear during early development, but may manifest gradually or be masked over time by learned strategies

At times, making an accurate diagnosis can be difficult due to the variations in symptoms and severity. However, standardized testing procedures have helped improve this process. Furthermore, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder has continuously increased in the United States, with about 1 in 44 children being diagnosed with this condition. In addition, autism is four times more common in boys than girls.

Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder

There is no cure for autism, and children respond better to treatment regimens that are tailored to meet their specific needs and enhance their individual strengths. The primary treatment goal is to foster learning and development by reducing the symptoms of autism. Early intervention is particularly beneficial as it helps children with autism learn critical communication, behavioral, social, and functional skills. A variety of school-based and home-based programs offer services that can be adjusted when it is deemed necessary.

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a commonly used science-based approach that involves simplified instruction and cognitive reinforcers that influence learning and behavior. The primary goal of ABA is to:

Improve communication and language skills
Heighten attention, memory, focus, and social skills
Reduce the occurrence of behavioral problems

ABA is well researched and has been used for decades to help children with autism gain various skills such as demonstrating more appropriate social interactions to adapting healthier eating habits. Therapists who offer ABA also help children reinforce their strengths (e.g., visual learning, strong auditory skills). However, one of the most important aspects of ABA is that it can be adapted to meet the individual needs of each unique child.

Additional treatment options include structured educational programs, family therapy, speech, physical or occupational therapy, or medication to help manage maladaptive behavior.

Conclusions

Children with autism spectrum disorder typically display impaired communications, behavioral, and social skills, but they may also demonstrate various strengths, including:

Being strong auditory and visual learners
Excelling in science, math, art, or music
Learning subjects in detail and remembering specific information

ABA focuses on enhancing these strengths and helping children overcome obstacles they may be currently facing.

Songbird Therapy is a technology-enabled provider setting a higher standard for children’s autism care. With a deeply passionate team and innovative technology, we’re building a world where every child can access world-class care at home, uniquely tailored to them.

References

‍