Autism Spectrum Disorder
What is Autism spectrum disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with a prevalence of approximately 1 in 100 worldwide. It manifests as differences in how a person perceives the world and interacts with it. People with ASD can have sensory differences including hyper or hyposensitivity to stimuli, repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. Diagnosis of ASD now includes several conditions that used to be diagnosed separately: autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome. These conditions are now all under the umbrella of autism spectrum disorder.
Features and characteristics of ASD
Social Communication & Interaction
Difficulty in making eye contact and reading social cues.
Difficulties with back & forth conversation & initiating interactions.
Preference for solitary activities over social interactions.
Trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings.
A dislike or difficulty with small talk, sarcasm or understanding jokes.
Restricted interests & repetitive behaviors
Repeat or echo words and phrases, called echolalia.
Changes in routine can be stressful and upsetting.
Highly restricted, fixated interests that are excessive in intensity or focus.
Repeating movements such as flapping hands or pacing around to show excitement or to help cope with stress.
Other characteristics
Sensory issues; to the way things smell, taste, look, feel, or sound
Can get caught up with small details.
Prefer not to be held or cuddled, or might cuddle only when they want to.
Appear to be unaware when people talk to them, but respond to other sounds.
Difficulty switching from one task to another.
Symptoms must be present in the early developmental period (but may not become fully manifest until social demands exceed limited capacities, or may be masked by learned strategies in later life).
Symptoms cause significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of current functioning.
These disturbances are not better explained by intellectual disability or global developmental delay.
Early signs of ASD
Lack of eye contact or response to their name by 12 months.
Limited use of gestures such as pointing or waving.
Not showing interest in playing with other children.
Delayed speech and language development.
Repetitive behaviors such as hand flapping
Intense focus on certain objects or activities
Why is it called a “Spectrum”?
If you’ve met one person with ASD, you’ve only met one person with ASD.
3875088-3170ASD has many different characteristics, no two people on the spectrum are alike. Strengths and challenges in the core characteristics of ASD differ widely.
Causes and risk factors
Genetics: ASD tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic component. Certain genetic mutations and conditions are associated with an increased likelihood of developing ASD.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain drugs, advanced parental age, and complications during pregnancy may contribute to the development of ASD.
Brain Structure: Differences in brain development and structure have been observed in individuals with ASD, including variations in connectivity and function in certain areas of the brain.
Diagnosis and assessment process
At Mind Clinic, the diagnosis of ASD involves a comprehensive evaluation by a team of specialists, including:
Psychiatrists: Conduct detailed assessments and diagnose ASD, by discussing concerns and reviewing developmental history with parents followed by conducting detailed observations and assessments.
Therapists: Provide therapy and support for developmental, behavioral and emotional challenges as well as parent training.
Nutritionist: Provides support related to relationships with food and any difficulties related to eating such as food aversions and sensitivities.
Screening Tools: Use of psychometric screening tests to help identify symptoms of ASD; Autism spectrum rating scale ASRS is the main test used at Mind clinic.
Multidisciplinary Team Review: Collaborate to confirm the diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.
Management and Interventions
Treatment at Mind Clinic is tailored to each child's age and needs and may include:
Behavioral Therapy: to improve social, communication, and learning skills.
Social Skills Training: Helps children develop and practice social interactions.
Emotional expression and distress tolerance: helps children recognize their feelings, understand where they come from, and express them in ways that are both appropriate and effective.
Parenting Sessions: Provides parents with helpful tips and knowledge on how to best manage and support their child.
A personalized intervention plan is created to address specific goals and is regularly reviewed and adjusted based on progress.
There is no medication to “cure” ASD as it is not considered a disease. Medical therapy can be used in some cases to help with associated symptoms of ASD such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, self-injurious behaviors.
Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and School Accommodations
At Mind Clinic we also collaborate with schools to create a safer environment for the child at school and outside of school.
Children with ASD may also benefit from an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) tailored to their needs.
Recommended school accommodations can include:
Sensory-friendly environments.
Support for social interactions.
Structured routines and clear expectations.
Common myths and misunderstandings about ASD
Myth: People with ASD do not want friends.
Fact: Many individuals with ASD desire social relationships but may struggle with the social skills needed to form and maintain them.
Myth: Individuals with ASD lack empathy.
Fact: People with ASD can have deep feelings and empathy, but they may express it differently.
Myth: All individuals with ASD have intellectual disabilities.
Fact: ASD affects individuals across a wide range of intellectual abilities. Some may have average or above-average intelligence.
Myth: Childhood vaccines cause autism.
Fact: There is no scientific support for the idea that vaccines cause autism, in fact, extensive scientific research has debunked the myth that vaccines cause autism.
Myth: Autism Only Affects Children or occurs only in males.
Fact: Autism is a lifelong condition that affects both males and females across their lifespan, from childhood through adulthood. It is essential to provide ongoing support, services, and resources for individuals with autism as they transition into adulthood and navigate different life stages.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, December 9). Clinical testing and diagnosis for autism spectrum disorder. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/autism/hcp/diagnosis/index.html
Dr. Laith. التوحد (Autism). Retrieved from https://www.drlaith.com/autism/
Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect). Understanding autism: Factsheet. Retrieved from https://www.aspect.org.au/uploads/documents/Fact%20Sheets/Understanding-Autism-Factsheet.pdf
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Autism spectrum disorder. Tulane University School of Medicine. Retrieved from https://medicine.tulane.edu/sites/default/files/pictures/Autism_CDC.pdf
University College Dublin. Autism spectrum disorder fact sheet. Retrieved from https://www.ucd.ie/all/t4media/Autism%20Spectrum%20Disorder%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf
Vermont Family Network. (2013). ASD VT fact sheet for parents. Retrieved from https://www.vermontfamilynetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/ASD-VT-Fact-Sheet-for-Parents-final-10.4.13_ENG.pdf