What is Autism? Everything You Need To Know!

Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that creates challenges in social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behavior. According to Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 36 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder.

Symptoms of Autism

Autism is a spectrum neurodevelopment disorder, which means it affects people in different ways and varying degrees. The symptoms of autism vary from person to person. However, research has identified some common symptoms, which are listed below:

• People with autism face difficulties with communicating and interacting with other people.
• They have a narrow range of interest or intense interest in specific topics.
• They fear to make eye contact while communicating.
• They are susceptible to sounds, touches, smells, or sights that seem ordinary to other people.
• They find it hard to understand how other people think or feel.
• They often get anxious or upset with unfamiliar situations and social events.
• They face problems understanding or using speech, gestures, facial expressions, or tone of voice.
• They face difficulties in adapting to changes in their routine.
• They do or think the same things over and over.

Types of Autism

There are several types of autism, but five are the most popular. You can read about

• Asperger’s Syndrome: The term Asperger’s syndrome isn’t used by medical professionals, but it was pervasive before 2013. Now, this term has been reclassified as “Level 1 spectrum disorder” as per the DSM-5 diagnostic manual. In this type of disorder, children face difficulties switching between activities, expressing feelings in their speech, and interacting with peers at school or home.

• Autistic Disorder: This is commonly what comes to mind for many when the term “autism” is mentioned. It affects social interactions, communication, and play in children younger than 3 years.

• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder: This neurodevelopmental disorder is also known as Heller’s syndrome or disintegrative psychosis. Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) is more common in boys. In this disorder, the child will face difficulties with social skills, adaptive behaviors, and communication skills.

• Kanner’s Syndrome: Kanner’s syndrome is a classic autistic disorder discovered by famous psychiatrist Leo Kanner of John Hopkins University in 1943. Children with Kanner’s syndrome will appear attractive, alert, and intelligent. However, they lack emotional attachment with others, are obsessed with handling objects, and face communication and interaction challenges.

• Pervasive Developmental Disorder: It is a mild type of autism that creates problems with social and language development. A child with a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) will experience delays in language development, walking, and other motor skills.

Autism in Children

Identifying autism early in children can lead to better outcomes through therapies that can help improve function and reduce symptoms. Observations might include:

• Lack of Response: Not responding to their name by 12 months of age.
• Delayed Language Skills: Delayed speech and language skills.
• Unusual Reactions: Overly sensitive to certain textures, sounds, or lights.

Autism in Adults

Diagnosing autism in adults can be challenging as symptoms often differ from those in children and may overlap with other disorders. Adult symptoms include:

• Trouble with Social Interactions: Difficulty interpreting verbal and nonverbal communication can lead to social isolation and misunderstanding.
• Strict Routines: Rigid adherence to specific routines or behaviors.
• Narrow Interests: Intense focus on a particular area of interest, often excluding other activities.

How Does Autism Affect Daily Life?

Autism affects daily life in numerous ways, depending on the severity of the condition and the individual’s coping mechanisms. Some impacts include:

• Communication Difficulties: Trouble with understanding sarcasm, jokes, and expressions.
• Sensory Sensitivities: Overwhelmed by loud noises or bright lights.
• Social Challenges: Autistic people struggle with making friends and maintaining relationships.

Is Autism an Illness?

Autism is not an illness; it is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior. Rather than being considered a disease to be cured, it is viewed as a difference in brain development that must be understood and supported.

What Causes Autism?

The exact causes of autism are still unclear, but research and studies are going on. However, studies indicate that it arises from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. These may include genetic mutations, parental age at conception, and certain environmental exposures during pregnancy.

Is Autism Genetic?

Autism has a strong genetic basis, evidenced by its prevalence in families and identical twin studies. However, it typically results from the interplay of multiple genes rather than a single gene, alongside potential environmental influences.

Conclusion

Autism is a spectrum neurodevelopmental disorder that affects people’s social and communication skills. The symptoms of this disorder vary from person to person, and it can be seen in children and adults. Autism is not a disease; rather, it’s a disorder that can be managed by behavioral therapies. Many registered behavior technicians implement behavior intervention plans under the supervision of board-certified behavior analysts.