Autism Spectrum Disorder

Currently, one in fifty-four American children will be diagnosed somewhere on the Autism spectrum. Social workers in child welfare have noted this rise in the diagnosis of autism across the country and have asked us to help bring autism out of the shadows.

This blog shies away from simply reprinting the copy of experts, but in the case of autism spectrum disorder so many parents are concerned for their little ones that we thought it best to stick close to the National Institute of Mental Health's discussion on autism. (Italics below indicate direct quotes from NIH literature and plain font means we have summarized their information.) So, let's start this brief discussion on autism spectrum disorders with a definition and description by the National Institute of Mental Health.

NIH

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is described as a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first 2 years of life.

Signs

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a guide created by the American Psychiatric Association that health care providers use to diagnose mental disorders, people with ASD often have:

• Difficulty with communication and interaction with other people.
• Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors
• Symptoms that affect their ability to function in school, work, and other areas of life.

What Are the Symptoms of ASD?

The list below gives some examples of common types of behaviors in people diagnosed with ASD. Not all people with ASD will have all behaviors, but most will have several of the behaviors listed below.

• Making little or inconsistent eye contact.
• Appearing not to look at or listen to people who are talking.
• Not responding or being slow to respond to one’s name or to other verbal bids for attention.
• Having difficulties with the back and forth of conversation.
• Compulsive talking at length about a favorite subject without noticing that others are not interested.
• Displaying facial expressions, movements, and gestures that do not match what is being said.
• Having an unusual tone of voice that may sound singsong or flat and robot-like.
• Difficulties making friends.
• Repeating certain behaviors or having unusual behaviors, such as repeating words or phrases (a behavior called echolalia).
• Becoming upset by slight changes in a routine and having difficulty with transitions.
• Being more sensitive or less sensitive than other people to sensory input, such as light, sound, clothing, or temperature.

What is a Spectrum Disorder?

Autism is known as a “spectrum” disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience.

What Causes ASD?

Researchers don’t know the primary causes of ASD, but studies suggest that a person’s genes can act together with aspects of their environment to affect development in ways that lead to ASD. Some factors that are associated with an increased likelihood of developing ASD include:

• Having a sibling with ASD
• Having older parents
• Having certain genetic conditions (such as Down syndrome or Fragile X syndrome)
• Having a very low birth weigh

What Can Parents Do?

People of all genders, races, ethnicities, and economic backgrounds can be diagnosed with ASD. Although ASD can be a lifelong disorder, treatments and services can improve a person’s symptoms and daily functioning. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children receive screening for autism. Caregivers should talk to their child’s health care provider about ASD screening or evaluation.