Autism spectrum disorder: Symptoms, Causes, Risk factors, Treatment & Prevention

 

Autism spectrum disorder is a brain development that affects how people see and communicate with others.  This complicates communication and social interactions.  The condition also features limited and recurring patterns of behavior.  The term "spectrum" in autism spectrum disorder refers to the variety of symptoms and their intensity.

 Autism spectrum disorder includes previously thought-to-be-separate disorders such as autism, Asperger's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and an unspecified broad developmental disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder develops in childhood. Over time, it might make it impossible to function within society. People with autism spectrum disorder, for example, may struggle with social interactions, as well as at school or at work. Children with autism frequently exhibit signs within their first year of life. A few children with the syndrome appear to develop normally throughout their first year. Between the ages of 18 and 24 months, they may lose some of their talents and acquire autism symptoms. 

There is currently no cure for autism spectrum disorder. However, early therapy, particularly during the preschool years, can make a big impact in the lives of many children with the condition.

Also Read: Brain diseases: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

What is Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition that causes chronic difficulties with social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behavior. While autism is considered a lifelong condition, individuals with autism have varying needs for services and supports as a result of these issues.

Symptoms:

Some children show signs of autism spectrum disorder in early infancy, such as decreased eye contact, refusal to respond to their names, or lack of interest in caretakers. Other youngsters may not develop as expected during their first several months or years of life. Then they suddenly become withdrawn, angry, or lose their previous language skills. Signs are usually visible by the age of two to three years.

Some people with mild autism may have additional symptoms that are not apparent at first. They may not be identified until middle or late childhood, when there is a stronger need to speak and socialise. Sometimes a diagnosis is made for the first time in adulthood, even if symptoms were most likely present in childhood.

Each child with an autism spectrum disorder is likely to have a distinct pattern of behavior, depending on whether the symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe.

Some children with autism spectrum disorder have difficulty learning, and some show evidence of lower-than-average intelligence. Other children with the syndrome exhibit average to high intelligence.These children learn quickly but struggle to communicate effectively, apply their knowledge in real-life situations, and adapt to social interactions.

Because each child's symptoms are unique, it can be difficult to determine the severity of the problem. It is often determined by the severity of the symptoms and their impact on a child's ability to function.

The following are some common symptoms displayed by people with autism spectrum disorder.

Social communication and interaction:

 Individuals with autism spectrum disorder may experience challenges in interacting with others and communicating effectively.  They may have a combination of these and other symptoms.

•  Do not respond to their name, or they appear to be deaf at times.

•  They do not like to be caressed or held and prefer to play alone, escaping into their own worlds.

•  They have weak eye contact and have no expression on their faces.

•  Do not talk, have delayed speech, or lose the ability to express words or sentences as they did previously.

•  Cannot start or continue a chat, or simply start one to make requests or categorize stuff.

•  Speak using an odd tone or rhythm, and consider using a singsong voice or robot-like speech.

• Repeating words or phrases word for word without knowing how to use them.

• Don't appear to understand basic queries or directions.

• Do not express emotions or feelings, and do not appear to be aware of how others feel.

• Don't point to or bring objects to show interest.

• Interact with others in a passive, aggressive, or disruptive manner.

• Have trouble understanding what it means when people have varied expressions on their faces, position their bodies differently, or talk in different tones of voice.

Patterns of Behavior

 People with autism spectrum disorder may exhibit limited, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or hobbies, including a combination of these and other signs:

•  Repeat the same movement, such as rocking, spinning, or hand flapping.

•  Engage in acts that could endanger themselves, such as biting or headbanging.

•  Create particular routines or rituals and become agitated over even small changes.

•  They lack coordination and may be clumsy, or they move in unusual ways, such as walking on their toes.

• Use strange, stiff, or exaggerated body language.

•  Are fascinated by the intricacies of a thing, such as a toy car's spinning wheels, but have no idea what the object is for or how it functions.

•  Are sensitive to light, sound, and touch yet unaffected by pain or temperature.

•  Do not mimic others or engage in imaginative play.

•  Fixate on a specific object or activity with extraordinary intensity or focus.

•  Prefer specific foods, such as eating only a few or avoiding foods with certain textures.

As they get older, some children with autism spectrum disorder engage more with others and have less behavioral difficulties. Some, usually those with the least severe difficulties, may eventually lead typical or almost normal lives. However, others continue to struggle with language and social skills. Teenage years can present additional issues with emotions and behavior.

Causes:

Autism spectrum disorder has no recognized cause. Because the condition is complex and symptoms and severity vary, there may be multiple reasons. Both genetics and environment may play a role.

• Genetics. Several genes appear to be involved in autism spectrum disorder. Autism spectrum disorder in certain children can be linked to a genetic condition such as Rett syndrome or fragile X syndrome. For some youngsters, genetic abnormalities, often known as mutations, may increase the chance of autism spectrum disorder. Other genes may influence the way the brain develops or how brain cells communicate. Or those genes could influence how severe the symptoms are. Some genetic modifications appear to be inherited, whereas others are not.

• Environmental considerations. Researchers are investigating whether viral infections, medications, pregnancy difficulties, or air pollution contribute to autism spectrum disease.

Risk Factors:

 The number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder is increasing.  It is unclear if this is due to improved diagnostic and reporting methods, an actual increase in the number of children with the illness, or both.

 Autism spectrum disorder affects youngsters of every race and nationality.  However, several circumstances raise a child's risk, including:

• Your child's sexuality.  Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder than girls.  While boys may be more likely to have autism spectrum disorder than girls, probably, some girls are not identified.

•  Family history.  Families with one child with autism spectrum disorder are more likely to have another child with the condition.  Parents or relatives of a child with autism spectrum disorder may experience mild social or communication difficulties, or they may exhibit typical autism-related behaviors.

• Other conditions.  Children with certain medical conditions are more likely to develop autism spectrum disorder or autistic-like symptoms.  Examples include fragile X syndrome, an inherited condition that causes intellectual disability; tuberous sclerosis, a condition in which benign tumors form in the brain; and Rett syndrome, a genetic condition that almost always affects girls and causes slowing of head growth, intellectual disability, and loss of purposeful hand use.

•  Early birth.  Babies delivered before 26 weeks of a parent's pregnancy may have an increased chance of autism spectrum disorder.

•  Parents' ages.  There may be a link between children born to elderly parents and autism spectrum condition.  However, further research is needed to show this link.

Complications:

People with autism spectrum disorder frequently struggle with social interaction, communication, and behavior, which can lead to issues with:

• School and learning

• Finding job

• Unable to live independently

• Isolated socially

• Stress inside the family

• Being a victim and being bullied

Diagnosis:

Your child's healthcare professional looks for signs of developmental delays at regular well-child checkups. If your child shows any symptoms of autism, you'll likely be referred to a specialist who treats children with autism spectrum disorder for an evaluation. This specialist could be a child psychiatrist or psychologist, a pediatric neurologist, or a developmental pediatrician.

Because autism spectrum disorder symptoms and how severe they are can vary widely, it may be hard to make a diagnosis. There is no specific medical test to diagnose autism spectrum disorder. Instead, a specialist may:

• Observe your child and ask how he or she has evolved in terms of social interaction, communication, and behavior.

• Give your child hearing, speech, and language testing, as well as developmental, social, and behavioral assessments.

• Present structured social and communication encounters to your youngster and evaluate their performance.

• Include other specialists in developing a diagnosis.

• Consider genetic testing to see whether your child has a genetic condition like Rett syndrome or fragile X syndrome.

Treatment:

There is no cure for autism spectrum disorder, and no single treatment works for everyone. Treatment is to help your child learn, develop, and behave. Early treatment, throughout the preschool years, can help your child learn critical social, communicative, functional, and behavioral skills.

The variety of home-based and school-based treatments for autism spectrum disorder can be bewildering, and your child's needs may evolve over time. Your healthcare provider can make recommendations and direct you to resources in the area.

If your child has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, consult with experts about developing a treatment plan and assembling a team of healthcare professionals to match your child's needs.

Treatment options could include:

• Behavioral and communicative therapy. Many programs address the various social, verbal, and behavioral difficulties associated with autism spectrum disorder. Some programs are aimed at lowering problematic behaviors and developing new skills. Other programs educate children how to behave in social situations or interact effectively with others. Applied behavior analysis can help youngsters learn new skills and adapt them to a variety of contexts by motivating them with rewards.

• Educational therapy. Children with autism spectrum disorder can react well to highly regimented educational programs. Successful programs typically include a team of specialists and a variety of activities aimed at improving social skills, communication, and behavior. Preschool children who get rigorous, specialized behavioral therapies typically make considerable progress.

• Family therapy.  Parents and other family members can learn how to play and interact with autistic children in ways that promote social interaction skills, handle problematic behaviors, and teach daily living skills and communication.

•  Other therapy.  Depending on your child's needs, speech therapy to improve their communication skills, occupational therapy to teach everyday activities, and physical therapy to improve movement and balance may be beneficial.  A psychologist can provide strategies for dealing with problematic behavior.

• Medicines. Medicine cannot improve the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, but certain medications can help regulate them. If your child is hyperactive, certain medications may be prescribed. To treat severe behavioral disorders, healthcare experts may occasionally prescribe antipsychotic medications. Alternatively, they may prescribe antidepressants for anxiousness. Keep all healthcare personnel informed about any medications or supplements your child takes. Some medications and supplements can alter how one medicine acts with another, resulting in serious adverse effects.

Managing various medical and mental health conditions

In addition to autism spectrum disorder, children, teenagers, and adults may have:

• Medical health issues. Children with autism spectrum disorder may also have medical concerns such as seizures, sleep abnormalities, restricted food choices, or stomach problems. Ask your child's doctor how to effectively handle those conditions together.

• Problems adjusting to maturity. Teens and young adults with autism spectrum disorder may have difficulty recognizing physical changes. Furthermore, social interactions become more complex during adolescence, and individual variances may be tolerated less well. Behavioral issues may also arise at this time.

• Other mental health issues. Teens and adults with autism spectrum disorder frequently suffer anxiety disorders, depression, attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and substance abuse. Your healthcare provider, mental health professional, and community advocacy and assistance organizations can all help.

• Behavioral health problems. In addition to autism spectrum disorder, your child may be temperamental, aggressive, and unable to pay attention. Your youngster may also be hyperactive, have spontaneous outbursts, or attempt self-harm. Collaborate with your healthcare provider, mental health professional, and other team members to identify a reason, such as pain, distress, or frustration, and address these difficulties when they arise.

Alternative medicines

Autism spectrum disorder cannot be healed, thus many parents seek alternative or complementary therapies. However, there is little or no research on these therapies to determine whether they are beneficial. Furthermore, some alternative treatments may be harmful.

Consult with your child's healthcare professional to see if research supports any therapies you are considering for your child.

Examples of complementary and alternative therapies that may provide some benefit when used in conjunction with proven treatments are:

• Creative therapy. Some parents prefer to combine art or music therapy with scholastic and medical therapies. This can reduce a child's sensitivity to touch and sound.
• Sensory-based therapy. Therapists may utilize brushes, squeeze toys, trampolines, and other materials to stimulate the senses, including touch, balance, and hearing. However, research has not demonstrated that these medicines work. It is possible that they will help when combined with other treatments.

• Melatonin. Melatonin, when used as advised, has been shown in studies to help with sleep difficulties associated with autism spectrum disorder. But first, work on building healthy sleep habits.

• Massage. While massage may be calming, there is insufficient data to suggest that it improves symptoms of autism spectrum disorders.

• Pet or horse therapy. Pets can provide your youngster with companionship and entertainment. However, further research is needed to discover whether being with animals improves symptoms of autism spectrum disorders.

Some complementary and alternative therapies may not be harmful, but there is no evidence that they are effective.  Some may be costly and difficult to carry out.  Examples of these therapies are:

 Vitamin supplements and probiotics.  Although not harmful in normal doses, there is no evidence that they improve autism spectrum disorder symptoms.  Also, supplements might be expensive.  Consult your healthcare provider about vitamins and other supplements, as well as the appropriate dosage for your child.

 Acupuncture.  This therapy has been used to help autism spectrum disorder symptoms, but research has not shown that it is working.

Some complementary and alternative treatments have not been proven to be effective and may even be harmful. Examples of complementary and alternative treatments that are not recommended for autism spectrum disorder are:

• Special diets that limit nutritional intake. There is no evidence that specific diets are useful in treating autism spectrum disorder. Restrictive diets can also lead to youngsters not getting enough nutrients as they grow. If you decide to follow a limited diet, consult with a trained dietitian to develop an appropriate meal plan for your child that includes all of the necessary nutrients.

• Chelation therapy. This treatment is believed to remove mercury and other heavy metals from the body, although there is no evidence linking these metals to autism spectrum condition. Chelation therapy is not proven to be effective, and it can be quite harmful. Some children who received chelation therapy died.

• Hyperbaric oxygen treatment. Hyperbaric oxygen refers to breathing oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. This treatment has not been shown to be useful in treating autism spectrum disorder symptoms, and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved it for this use.

• IV immunoglobulin (IVIg) infusions. There is no evidence that utilizing IVIg infusions helps with autism spectrum disorder symptoms. The FDA has not approved immunoglobulins for this use.

• Other treatment claims. CBD oil, secretin, antifungal therapy, and clay baths that reportedly eliminate toxins are all treatments that may be unsafe or have not been proven to be effective.

Prevention:

There is no proven strategy to prevent autism spectrum disorders. However, several studies have been done to determine whether consuming folic acid and other vitamins before and during pregnancy reduces the risk of delivering a child with autism spectrum disorder. A review of studies on what are known as prenatal vitamins reveals no definitive answer. This is due to the quality of the research. More high-quality studies are required.

Early diagnosis and treatment are the most effective ways to improve behavior, abilities, and language development. However, treatment is beneficial at any age. Children with autism spectrum disorder rarely outgrow their symptoms, yet they can learn to function well.

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