Autism, also referred to as Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a broad term used to describe a group of neurodevelopmental disorders. It is a lifelong developmental disability that is complex and is primarily characterized by problems with social interaction and communication. It is a “spectrum condition” that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. People with ASD often demonstrate restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped interests or patterns of behavior. It is a disability that requires full-time care in a particular faculty as people affected with ASD face severe trouble with communication and interaction. They have a concern about understanding what other people think and feel. This makes it hard for them to express themselves, either with words or through gestures, facial expressions, and touch.

SYMPTOMS OF AUTISM:

Autism symptoms typically become evident during early childhood, between 12 and 24 months of age. However, symptoms may also appear earlier or later.

Generally, scientists’ divide symptoms of autism into two broad categories:

• Problems related to social interaction and communication
• Repetitive or restricted patterns of behaviors

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The former one includes issues in sharing interests and emotions or maintaining a two-way conversation. It also includes non-verbal communication gestures such as maintaining eye contact. The later ones have repetitive speech patterns, motions, or movements. Sometimes, rigid adherence to a specific routine is also observed as a symptom.

Individuals are evaluated within each category, and the severity of their symptoms is noted.

SYNDROMES ASSCOIATED WITH AUTISM:

Previously people consider different types of autism, and these types were once thought to be separate conditions. Now, they fall under the range of autism spectrum disorders. They include:

• Asperger’s syndrome:  These children don’t have a problem with language; in fact, they tend to score in the average or above-average range on intelligence tests. But they have social issues and a narrow scope of interests.
• Autistic disorder: This is what most people think of when they hear the word “autism.” It refers to problems with social interactions, communication, and play in children younger than three years.
• Childhood disintegrative disorder: These children have typical development for at least two years and then lose some of their communication and social skills.
• Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD or atypical autism):  Your doctor might use this term if your child has some autistic behavior, like delays in social and communications skills, but doesn’t fit into another category.

CAUSE AND TREATMENT:

Talking about this disorder’s cause, it is interesting to know that ASD has no single known reason. As the symptoms and severity vary in this complex disorder, the grounds are also an argument. Both genetics and environmental factors are involved.

• Genes: Several different genes appear to be involved in autism spectrum disorder. For some children, autism spectrum disorder can be associated with a genetic disorder, such as Rett syndrome or fragile X syndrome. For other children, genetic changes (mutations) may increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder. Still, other genes may affect brain development or how brain cells communicate, or they may determine the severity of symptoms. Some genetic mutations seem to be inherited, while others occur spontaneously.
• Environmental factors: Research also shows that specific environmental influences may further increase – or reduce – autism risk in genetically predisposed people to the disorder. Not everyone exposed to an environmental risk factor for autism will develop the condition. Most will not.

Behavioral treatment can help the children, and symptoms do improve for some children. However, in other cases during adolescence, children with ASD might experience behavioral problems or suffer from depression, and at this time, their treatment needs modification. People with ASD usually continue to need services and supports as they get older. Still, depending on the severity of the disorder, people with ASD may be able to work successfully and live independently or within a supportive environment.

There is no cure for ASD. For improving the symptoms, behavioral interventions and therapies are specifically designed. The ideal treatment plan coordinates therapies and interventions that meet the specific needs of the individual. Most health care professionals agree that the earlier the intervention, the better.

Medication used to treat people with attention deficit disorder can effectively help decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity in people with ASD. Parents, caregivers, and people with autism should use caution before adopting any unproven treatments.

While people on the end of the spectrum might need help and assistance to function and handle their lifestyle, many autistic people can live productive, independent, and fulfilling lives with the proper treatment. Though children usually don’t outgrow autism spectrum disorder symptoms, they may learn to function well.