Understanding Autism: Breaking Down the Basics
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), colloquially referred to as 'autism', is not a single condition but a spectrum of complex brain development disorders. This spectrum reflects a wide range of symptoms and degrees of impairment. Every individual on the autism spectrum has their unique set of strengths and challenges.
What is ASD?
Autism Spectrum Disorder encompasses a range of conditions characterized by some degree of impaired social behavior, communication, and language, coupled with a narrow range of interests and activities that are both unique to the individual and carried out repetitively. It's important to note that these characteristics are manifested in different combinations in different individuals, leading to the concept of a "spectrum."
The Prevalence of ASD
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is more prevalent than ever. As of their 2022 report, one in 36 (2.8%) 8-year-old children in the U.S. have been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Origins and Causes of ASD
The exact cause of ASD is currently unknown, but it is generally accepted within the scientific community that it's caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While certain genes associated with ASD have been identified, there is no single "autism gene." Environmental factors, such as older parental age at the time of conception and certain prenatal exposures, may also contribute to an increased risk of ASD.
Symptoms of ASD
The signs of ASD typically surface during early childhood, usually between the ages of 12 and 24 months. However, some children may display symptoms earlier or later. One of the earliest signs of ASD might be a significant delay in language or social development.
According to the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: Version 5(DSM-5), which is the authoritative guide to the diagnosis of mental disorders, symptoms of ASD fall into two main categories:
Problems with communication and social interaction.
Restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior or activities.
To be diagnosed with ASD, an individual must exhibit symptoms from both of these categories.
Challenges with Communication and Social Interaction
ASD can present a spectrum of communication issues, most of which appear before a child reaches the age of 5.
These may include:
Difficulty maintaining eye contact from birth.
Not responding to their name by 9 months.
Lack of appropriate facial expressions to reflect emotions by 9 months.
Not engaging in interactive games like peek-a-boo or pat-a-cake by 12 months.
Limited use of hand gestures, such as waving, by 12 months.
Not sharing interests with others by 15 months (for example, not showing a favorite toy).
Not pointing or looking where others point by 18 months.
Lack of attention to others' emotions like sadness or hurt by 24 months.
Not participating in "pretend play" like caring for a doll or playing with figurines by 30 months.
Not playing turn-taking games like "duck-duck goose" by 60 months.
As they age, some children with ASD may struggle to express their feelings or understand the emotions of others. They may develop uneven language skills or speak in an unusual tone. Some children with ASD may also show signs of hyperlexia, an early ability to read but with limited comprehension.
Restricted or Repetitive Behaviors and Interests
Apart from communication and social interaction challenges, ASD is also characterized by certain behaviors and movements.
These can include:
Repetitive movements like rocking, spinning, or running back and forth.
Strictly ordering objects and getting upset when the order is disturbed.
Insistence on strict routines.
Repeating heard words or phrases.
Intense focus on parts of objects.
Unusual reactions to sensory input.
Obsessive interests.
Exceptional abilities in certain areas, such as music or memory.
Additional Characteristics
In addition to these primary symptoms, some individuals with ASD might also experience:
Delayed development in movement, language, or cognitive skills.
Seizures.
Gastrointestinal issues.
High or low levels of fear or stress.
Hyperactive, inattentive, or impulsive behaviors.
Unusual eating or sleeping patterns.
Remember, each individual with ASD is unique and may not exhibit all these symptoms. If you notice several of these signs in your child, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with ASD.
Different Types of ASD
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a broad term that encompasses several subtypes. These different diagnoses all fall under the ASD umbrella, each presenting its unique characteristics and challenges.
Level 1 Spectrum Disorder: Often regarded as a milder form of autism, those with level 1 autism (sometimes called Asperger’s syndrome) typically have above-average intelligence and strong verbal skills. However, they usually experience difficulties with social communication, often finding it challenging to understand social cues or engage in conversations in the same way their peers do.
Autistic Disorder (Kanner’s Syndrome): When most people hear the word "autism," this is the type that typically comes to mind. Autistic disorder is characterized by challenges with social interactions, communication, and imaginative play in children younger than 3 years. Individuals with this diagnosis often need more substantial support in their daily lives.
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD): This type of ASD is less common and often quite severe. Children with CDD typically develop normally for at least the first two years of their lives, after which they experience a significant loss of previously acquired skills in areas such as language, social interaction, and adaptive behavior.
Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD or Atypical Autism): This is a milder form of autism characterized by challenges in social and language development, but the symptoms can be less severe than other forms of ASD. Individuals with PDD often display a range of symptoms and may not meet the full diagnostic criteria for Asperger's syndrome or autistic disorder.
Myths and Misconceptions about ASD
Despite the increasing prevalence of ASD and a greater emphasis on awareness, many misconceptions persist. Let's address some of the most common myths and replace them with facts.
Myth: People with ASD don't want to make friends.
Fact: Many individuals with ASD desire companionship and friendship, just like anyone else. The perception that they don't wish to form friendships often stems from difficulties they may experience with social interaction, understanding social cues, and communicating their feelings.
Myth: All individuals with ASD have an exceptional talent or 'savant' skills.
Fact: While some people with ASD display remarkable abilities in certain areas, such as mathematics, music, or memory, this isn't the case for everyone. Every person with ASD is unique, with their own strengths and challenges.
Myth: ASD only affects children, and they will grow out of it.
Fact: ASD is a lifelong condition. While symptoms may change or lessen over time, and many individuals learn strategies to cope and manage their symptoms, they don't "outgrow" ASD.
Myth: Individuals with ASD cannot feel or express emotion.
Fact: People with ASD have the same range of emotions as everyone else. They may express their feelings in different ways or have difficulty interpreting the emotions of others, but this doesn't mean they lack emotional capacity.
Dispelling these myths is vital to building a more inclusive and understanding society. With a deeper understanding, we can foster stronger empathy, acceptance, and assistance for those living with ASD.
Living with ASD
Living with ASD can bring challenges, but it also means seeing the world from a unique perspective. It is not a disease to be "cured" but a difference to be understood and accepted. Many people with autism have significant abilities and can live fulfilling lives with the right supports in place.
Understanding autism is the first step in fostering a more inclusive society. It's about recognizing and respecting neurological diversity. It's crucial to remember that every person with autism has their own strengths, their own challenges, and their own hopes and dreams, just like the rest of us.
Aug 8, 2023Hye Ryeon Lee, PhDHye Ryeon is a neuroscientist with over 10 years of experience studying Autism Spectrum Disorder, including at the Stanford University School of Medicine. She has published numerous papers on the mechanisms of autism in journals such as Nature, Science, and Nature Neuroscience.https://www.linkedin.com/in/hyeryeonlee/