ASD (autism spectrum disorder)

ASD describes a spectrum (range) of lifelong disorders that affect a person’s ability to relate to other people—and their emotions and feelings—making social interaction difficult.

What is it?

ASD is generally diagnosed in childhood and can present in a variety of ways. A parent or caregiver may notice that a baby does not use vocal sounds or an older child has problems with social interaction and nonverbal communication. Symptoms such as repetitive behaviors, problems talking, poor eye contact, tidying or ordering rituals, bizarre motor responses, repetition of words or sentences, a restricted repertoire of interests, and sleep problems are common. Some children with ASD may also have depression or ADHD Genetic predisposition, premature birth, fetal alcohol syndrome, and conditions such as muscular dystrophy, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy are known to be associated with ASD. A GP first examines the child to rule out physical causes for the symptoms, then refers them for specialist diagnosis. Information is gathered about all aspects of the child’s behavior and development, at home and school. There is no cure, but specialized therapies such as speech therapy and physical therapy can help. One in every 68 people in the US has ASD and it is identified in more girls than boys.

HIGH-FUNCTIONING AUTISM AND ASPERGER’S

High-functioning autism (HFA) and Asperger’s syndrome (AS) are both terms that are applied to people with characteristics of ASD, but who are of above average intelligence with an IQ of more than 70. However, they exist as two separate diagnoses, as those with HFA have delayed language development, which is not present in AS. Diagnosis of HFA or AS may be missed in children as they are socially awkward with a manner that is not easily understood. The ASD traits theyshare of perfectionism and obsessive interest in a specific subject can mean that they become experts in their area of interest. Like ASD, those with HFA or AS also require strict routines and have sensitivities to certain stimuli, awkwardness, and difficulty behaving appropriately and communicating in social situations; the severity of these symptoms will differ in each individual. Long-term difficulties arise with social and intimate relationships, both at school and into adulthood.

Degrees of ASD

ASD manifests itself in different ways and to different degrees in each person. Autistic author and academic Stephen M. Shore said, “If you’ve met one individual with autism, you’ve met one individual with autism.”

Communication

Problems with language are common. Some people with ASD are fluent, while others are speech impaired. All tend to be literal and have difficulty with understanding humor, context, and inference.

Social interaction

Impaired social skills mean that a person with ASD cannot recognize another’s personal space or read body language. The person might think out loud or repeat what another person has said.

Repetitive behavior

Repetitive behavior traits are common. An individual may make repetitive movements such as hand flapping or rocking, or develop rituals such as lining up certain toys or flicking switches on and off

Sensory skills

Heightened sensitivity to sound can cause a
person to develop avoidance behaviors such as humming, covering their ears, or self-isolation in a preferred space to escape noise.

Motor skills

Difficulties with movement, such as coordination and motor planning, are common in children with ASD. Fine motor skills like handwriting may also be affected, which can hinder communication.

Perception

Impaired sensory and visual perception means that those with ASD miss nonverbal cues, can be unaware of lies, and usually have difficulty seeing a situation from another person’s perspective.

TREATMENT

❯ Specialist interventions and therapies can assist with self-harming, hyperactivity, and sleep difficulties.

❯ Educational and behavioral
programs can support the learning of social skills.

❯ Medication can help with associated symptoms— melatonin for sleep problems, SSRIs for depression, and methylphenidate for ADHD.