Autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder has no recognized etiology. Given the disorder's intricacy and the fact that symptoms and severity vary, there are likely several causes. Both genetics and environment may play a part.

• Genetics. Several genes appear to be implicated in autism spectrum disorder. Autism spectrum disorder can be accompanied by a genetic condition, such as Rett syndrome or Fragile X syndrome. Other children's genetic alterations (mutations) may raise their chance of autism spectrum disorder. Other genes may influence brain development, the way brain cells interact, or the intensity of symptoms. Some genetic mutations appear to be inherited, while others develop spontaneously.
• Environmental considerations. Researchers are actively investigating whether viral infections, drugs or pregnancy difficulties, or air contaminants might cause autism spectrum disorder.

There is no relationship between vaccinations and autistic spectrum disorder.

The question of whether there is a relationship between autism spectrum disorder and childhood immunizations is one of the most contentious in the field. Despite significant investigation, no credible studies have found a relationship between autism spectrum disorder and any vaccination. In reality, the initial study that sparked the discussion years ago was withdrawn owing to poor design and questionable research methodology.

Avoiding childhood vaccines puts your kid and others at risk of contracting and transmitting dangerous diseases including whooping cough (pertussis), measles, and mumps.

The number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder is increasing. It's unclear if this is due to improved detection and reporting, an actual rise in the number of cases, or both.

Autism spectrum disorder affects children of all races and nations, however, several variables raise a child's risk. This may include:

• Your child's sex. Boys are approximately four times as likely than girls to have autism spectrum disorder.
• Family history. Families with one kid with autism spectrum disorder are more likely to have another child with the condition. It is also very unusual for parents or relatives of a kid with autism spectrum disorder to have mild social or communication skills issues or to participate in condition-specific behaviors.
• Other ailments. Certain medical disorders increase a child's likelihood of developing autism spectrum disorder or autistic-like symptoms. Examples include fragile X syndrome, an inherited disorder that causes intellectual difficulties; tuberous sclerosis, a condition in which benign tumors form in the brain; and Rett syndrome, a genetic condition that affects almost exclusively girls and causes slowing of head growth, intellectual disability, and loss of purposeful hand use.
• Extremely premature newborns. Babies born before 26 weeks gestation may have an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder.
• Parents' age. There may be a correlation between children born to older parents and autism spectrum disorder, but additional study is needed to confirm this association.

Some children exhibit symptoms of autism spectrum disorder in early childhood, such as decreased eye contact, a lack of responsiveness to their name, or indifference to caretakers. Other children may develop normally for the first few months or years of life, but later become introverted, violent, or lose previously gained language skills. Signs typically occur before the age of two years.

Each child with autism spectrum disorder is likely to exhibit a distinct pattern of behavior and severity, ranging from poor to high functioning.

Some children with ASD struggle with learning, and others exhibit lower-than-normal intellect. Other children with the disease have normal to high intelligence; they learn quickly but struggle to communicate, apply what they learn in real life, and adjust to social situations.

It can be difficult to identify the severity because each child's symptoms are distinct. It is usually determined by the severity of the impairment and its impact on function.

The following are some common symptoms that children with autism spectrum disorders experience.

Social communication and interaction

• A child or adult with autism spectrum disorder may have issues with social interaction and communication skills, including any of the following symptoms:
• Does not answer to his or her name or occasionally appears not to hear you.
• Resists cuddling, prefers to play alone, and is absorbed in his or her own world.
• Has bad eye contact.
• Does not speak, has a delay in speech development, or loses the ability to articulate words or sentences.
• Cannot initiate or maintain a conversation, or just begins to ask for or name items.
• Speaks in an unusual tone or rhythm; may employ a sing-song voice or robotic-like speaking.
• Repeats words or phrases verbatim but does not know how to employ them.
• Does not understand simple queries and directions.
• Does not express emotions or feelings, and does not appear to grasp the feelings of others.
• Does not display or bring objects that fascinate him or her.
• Responds inappropriately to social interactions by being passive, confrontational, or disruptive.
• Has difficulties interpreting nonverbal clues such as facial expressions, bodily postures, and tone of voice of others.

Behavioral Patterns

A child or adult with autism spectrum disorder may exhibit limited, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, including any of the following characteristics:

• Performs repetitive actions, such as flailing, spinning, or rocking
• Individuals with this condition may engage in self-injury behaviors, such as biting or punching themselves. They may also develop certain routines and become agitated at even little changes.
• Has coordination problems or unusual movement patterns, such as clumsiness or tiptoeing, as well as weird, constricted, or exaggerated body language.
• Fascinated by the intricacies of a thing, such as the spinning wheels of a toy car, but does not understand its overall purpose or function.
• Extremely sensitive to light, sound, or touch; may be indifferent to pain or temperature.
• Does not take part in imitation or pretend play.
• Fixated on an object or activity with unusual intensity or attention.
• Has definite food preferences, such as eating only a few foods or avoiding foods with a particular texture.

As they get older, some children with ASD become more socially involved and have less behavioral problems. Some of them, usually those with the fewest serious issues, can eventually lead totally normal lives. Others, however, continue to struggle with language and social abilities, and adolescence can exacerbate behavioral and emotional issues.

Complications

• Problems with social contact, communication, and behavior might result in complications:
• Problems in school and with academic performance
• Issues with employment and inability to live independently
• Social isolation can lead to family stress.
• Victimization and Bullying

Babies develop at their own rate, and many do not follow the exact dates outlined in certain parenting guides. However, children with autism spectrum disorder typically exhibit some indicators of impaired development before the age of two years.

If you are concerned about your child's development or suspect that your child has autism spectrum disorder, talk to your doctor. The signs of the illness can be accompanied with other developmental abnormalities.

Autism spectrum disorder symptoms frequently manifest early in childhood, with evident deficits in language abilities and social interactions. Your doctor may offer developmental tests to see if your kid has deficits in cognitive, language, and social skills.

Your doctor may recommend developmental tests to identify if your child has delays in cognitive, language and social skills, if your child:

• Doesn't respond with a smile or happy expression by 6 months
• Doesn't mimic sounds or facial expressions by 9 months
• Doesn't babble or coo by 12 months
• Doesn't gesture — such as point or wave — by 14 months
• Doesn't say single words by 16 months
• Doesn't play "make-believe" or pretend by 18 months
• Doesn't say two-word phrases by 24 months
• Loses language skills or social skills at any age

Autism spectrum illnesses have no cure, and there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. The goal of treatment is to improve a child's ability to function by minimizing autistic symptoms and promoting development and learning. Early intervention in preschool can help a child develop important social, communicative, functional, and behavioral skills.

The breadth of home and school-based therapies and interventions for autism spectrum disorders is extensive, and your child's needs may alter over time.

If your child has been diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder, consult with professionals about designing a treatment plan and assembling a team of specialists to address your child's needs.

Treatment options could include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Many programs are intended to address the social, linguistic, and behavioral challenges associated with autism spectrum disorder.
• Educational treatment. Children with autism spectrum disorders frequently react positively to well-structured educational programs. Successful programs often feature a team of specialists and a variety of activities aimed at improving social skills, communication, and behavior. Preschool children who receive intense, tailored behavioral treatments typically make considerable progress.
• Family therapy. Parents and other family members can learn how to play and connect with their children in ways that promote social interaction, problem-behavior management, and everyday living and communication skills.
• Different methods of therapy. Depending on your child's requirements, speech therapy to enhance communication abilities, occupational therapy to teach everyday activities, and physical therapy to improve movement and balance may be beneficial. A psychologist can make recommendations for dealing with problematic conduct.
• Medication therapy. Although no drug may improve the basic symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, several medications can assist regulate them. For example, if your child is hyperactive, certain medications may be administered; antipsychotic medications are occasionally used to address severe behavioral problems; and antidepressants may be prescribed to alleviate anxiety. Inform all healthcare providers about any medications or supplements your child is receiving.
• Hardware treatment. Although there is currently no cure for ASD, neuromodulation therapies such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and NEUROFEEDBACK can dramatically enhance a child's functioning.

Planning for the future
Children with autism spectrum disorder often learn and compensate throughout their lives, but the majority will continue to require some amount of help. Planning for your child's future options, such as work, college, housing, independence, and the services required to support them, can help make the process go more smoothly.