What Is Autism? Symptoms, Causes, Types, Diagnosis, Treatment, Support, FAQs [Updated 2022]

Diseases and Condition
Written by admin
March 16, 2022

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability causing social, behavioral, and behavioral challenges. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is committed to providing essential global data on ASD. By recognizing the early symptoms and signs of Autism, you can make a huge difference to your child’s life.

Are you also here to get detailed insights on Autism? Well, you have arrived at the right place then. This guide is a detailed review of ASD including symptoms, causes, types, diagnosis, treatment, support, etc.

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Contents

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder

The first question we are going to address here is: What Is Autism

Well, to be very specific, Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by restricted repetitive behaviors and difficulties in social communication. Generally, the autism symptoms come under notice during the first 3 years of their child’s life.

ASD can be found in people all over the world irrespective of ethnicity, race, economic and cultural background. As per CDC, ASD is diagnosed more often in girls than in boys.

Bonus Point: Autistic children may not complete developmental milestones at the same rate as their classmates. Plus they may show a loss of previously acquired social or linguistic abilities.

You may like to read: Top Ways to Prepare Your Kids to Lead Successful Lives

What Causes Autism Spectrum Disorder?

What Causes Autism Spectrum Disorder

To be honest, the exact reason behind ASD is unknown. Although research is going on across the globe continuously, still experts have failed to detect what causes autism in adults and children.

Some of the suspected risk factors that can trigger ASD include:

Having an immediate family member who’s autistic.
Some genetic mutations.
Being born to parents of older age.
Metabolic imbalances.
Low birth weight.
Genetic Disorders like Fragile X syndrome.
Maternal history of viral infections.
Exposure of the fetus to Thalidomide, and Valproic Acid.

Bonus Point: Is Autism Genetic? Genetic factors are thought to account for 40 to 80 percent of the risk of ASD. An individual’s chance of acquiring this complicated disorder depends on the gene variations mixed with environmental risk factors.

When Can Autism Spectrum Disorder Be Detected?

ASD could be detected at 18 months or younger. By age 2, the symptoms diagnosed by an experienced professional could be very reliable. However, children don’t receive a final diagnosis until they are much older. Also, some people do not get a complete diagnosis until they are adults or adolescents.

Bonus Point: Some autistic persons go on to work or live autonomously once they reach adulthood. Others may require assistance or support for the rest of their lives. Every autistic individual is unique.

Which Are Some Crucial Autism Symptoms?

Which Are Some Crucial Autism Symptoms

The doctor would search for the signs of developmental delays at regular checkups to formulate a comprehensive diagnosis plan. Since there is no medical test, experts look at the child’s developmental history and behavior.

Bonus Point: It’s possible to detect autism signs at 18 months or younger.

Below are some of the crucial Autism symptoms you must know to be sure if your child is autistic or not:

Avoids eye contact.
Doesn’t respond to name by the age of 9 months.
Does not exhibit many facial expressions.
Uses few gestures by 12 months.
Has little or nil interest in peers.
Has trouble understanding their feelings or people’s feelings.
Delayed Language Skills.
Movement skills delayed.
Delayed Cognitive Development.
Epilepsy or Seizure Disorder.
Unusual Eating or sleeping habits.
Hyperactive, impulsive, or inattentive behavior.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis

There isn’t any specific autism spectrum test for specific autism signs. Nevertheless, there are some Autism Spectrum Test or diagnosis that involves:

Genetic Autism Test.
Evaluation of Autism Test.
Several Screenings like Developmental screenings and DNA testing. Behavioral evaluation, occupational. therapy screening.
Visual and audio tests.

You can also check: Everything You Need To Know About Impulse Control Disorders

Difference Between Autism And ADHD

Fidgeting, concentration, and keeping visual contact with others are all challenges that children with ADHD have. Some autistic persons exhibit these symptoms as well.

ADHD is not a spectrum condition, despite certain similarities. One significant difference between these two is that persons with ADHD do not have a lack of social skills.

If you suspect your kid is hyperactive, discuss the possibility of ADHD testing with their doctor. It’s critical to have a precise diagnosis so that your child can get the help he or she needs.

Autism test is happening sooner and more frequently than in previous decades. As a result, both boys and girls had greater reported rates.

Bonus Point: Autism signs are 4.3 times more likely in 8-year-old males than with 8-year-old girls. It’s according to a 2020 research of 11 locations throughout the United States. Therefore autism in women is less common than autism in men.

Support For Autism In Adults And Kids

There is no cure for autism signs, and no single treatment works for everyone. By lowering ASD symptoms and boosting growth and learning, the objective of therapy is to optimize your child’s capacity to function. Among the treatment options available are:

Educational Therapies: Highly organized educational programs frequently work successfully for children with autism symptoms. These programs include professionals and a range of activities to develop social skills, communication of autism learning partners.
Family Therapies: Parents and other family members may learn how to play with their children and engage with them. These will increase social interaction skills, problem-solving abilities, and communication and everyday life skills.
Behavioral And Communication Therapies: Some programs, such as Applied Behavior Analysis, focus on eliminating problem behaviors and developing new abilities (ABA). Other programs educate youngsters on how to behave in social situations or how to communicate more effectively with others.
Medications: Although no drug may treat the basic symptoms of autism spectrum disease, it can assist regulate symptoms. If your child is hyperactive, for example, certain medicines are applicable. Antipsychotic drugs can address severe behavioral issues, and antidepressants may help to manage anxiety.
Bonus Point: There isn’t a special diet for autism learning partners. Artificial colors, preservatives, sweeteners, and other artificial additions are prohibited in the autism diet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q1. What Are The 3 Main Symptoms Of Autism?

The 3 key symptoms of Autism are as follows:

Delayed Language Skills.
Movement skills delayed.
Delayed Cognitive Development.
Epilepsy or Seizure Disorder.
Unusual Eating or sleeping habits.
Hyperactive, impulsive, or inattentive behavior.

Q2. Can Dogs Have Autism?

The answer to the question “ can dog have autism ” is YES, they can. Autism in dogs is also known as Canine Dysfunctional behavior. It’s an idiopathic condition where the cause is unknown as per the latest research. Dogs are generally born with this condition.

Q3. Is Autism Spectrum Disorder Curable?

There is no cure for Autism spectrum disorder. Especially, autism in adults can lead to disruption of their societal functions. You won’t find any one-size-fits-all treatment for it. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies might support the development and learning process.

Q4. When Is Autism Awareness Month?

April is the Autism awareness month and on 2nd April, Saturday is the Autism Awareness Date. Nonetheless, as per studies, autism in women is less common in comparison to autism in males.

Wrapping It Up

Some of the most effective therapies for supporting Autistic persons are intensive and early behavioral support. The earlier a kid gets enrolled in these programs, the better their outlook will be. ASD is pretty complex and incurable. However, it takes time for a person suffering from ASD to find the best suitable support program.

So, what are you waiting for? Start taking small steps from today for your child. Your one important decision can positively change his/her life. Do not forget to leave your queries in the comment area below.

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