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What is Autism?
The chances are that if you are reading this article, you are already acquainted with the condition from direct family experience or indirectly from colleagues or friends. You will seek information to help you as a potential carer or to support someone close to you who already faces the challenge.
The word autism is based on two Greek words meaning ‘self’ and ‘the state of being’ and roughly translates as representing the state of being absorbed by oneself. The term autism, more strictly autism spectrum disorder (ASD), describes the medical condition that causes sufferers to experience and react to the world around them differently than most people.
Some autistic (i.e., on the autistic scale) individuals may find it hard to think, feel, act, or express themselves the same way as most others. They may have rare innate abilities, develop exceptional skills, or be knowledgeable and passionate about subjects and activities that interest them. These natural abilities include visual and problem-solving skills, keen focus, and an excellent memory for detail. In professional situations, autistic individuals can have superior verbal skills
The disorder may include limited and repetitive patterns of behavior. Autism is NOT a disease. ASD is a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction.
How common is Autism?
In 2021 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDS) published their autism prevalence report. This report estimates that nearly five and a half million adults 18+yrs) in the USA live with ASD (2.2%).
Most people, particularly those with or planning for young children, will be more interested in the chances of their child(ren) being on the spectrum. The CDC report concludes that the prevalence of autism identified in children by Age 8 is 1 in 44. The report also notes ASD is diagnosed four times as often in boys than In girls of the same age.
Signs of Autism?
Autism is highly variable, hence the word ‘spectrum’ in the condition’s name. Every autistic person experiences the world differently and displays different degrees and evidence of the state. We group these signs or features and describe them as symptoms.
Developmental disabilities such as autism are genetic and accepted as heritable or the consequence of early-age trauma. Autism cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be recognized, and an environment created to suit the individual.
The signs of autism change with age and, sometimes, do not emerge until adulthood.
Birth to five years
Significant milestones in a child’s early years are valuable in gauging their developmental progress. These developmental milestones are the ages at which most children (75%) have acquired specific skills. These skills include smiling for the first time, waving “bye-bye,” laughing, recognizing familiar faces, or uttering their first words.
Parents of newborns are naturally interested in their child’s development and watch for the natural behavioral changes that mark the acquisition of new skills and abilities. As you might expect, parents are often the first to notice developmental differences. Some signs of developmental differences are noticeable within the first year. Parents identify between 80-90% of cases of autism before the child is two years.
Check your baby’s development
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a free Milestone Checklist and Milestone Tracker mobile app (in English and Spanish).
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones-app.html
Teenagers and adults
Puberty in all teenagers, despite gender, indicates hormonal changes which may stimulate latent symptoms of ASD or make existing traits clearer.
Teenagers are traditionally moody, withdrawn, and exposed to new social pressures. Parents will most likely be familiar with their child’s individual and specific needs. Recognize the differences between normal teenage behavior and autistic teenage behavior.
Teenage specific symptoms
First, any social skills deficit your child has been facing may become more pronounced during their teenage years.
- Seizures
Some autistic children will experience seizures. The hormonal changes at puberty may cause attacks (fits) to occur more often or induce first seizures in other autistic teenagers.
- School/college
Children at this age are encouraged to take a more conceptual learning approach. They can think critically, form opinions and write essays. This change from a more structured format may be more difficult for an ASD teen.
- Friendships
Autistic teens may be at risk of bullying because of behavioral idiosyncrasies or unusual interests/skills. They may not have the age-appropriate social skills to establish new friendships.
- Mood disorders
The hormone-induced mood swings and struggles we associate with most teenagers/young adults are often more extreme and less transient in autistic teenagers. Anxiety disorders are more common in teenagers with ASD.
Adult symptoms
The symptoms described above may not always be apparent in cases of adult autism. An adult with ASD may have developed strategies to normalize their behavior. Family and colleagues may have become accustomed to the individual’s symptoms and learned to accept them as normal. Symptoms of ASD in adults form three groups:- Social, Behavioral, and Executive.
- SOCIAL
Autistic adults may have difficulties communicating and understanding or seeing something from a viewpoint other than their own. They may fail to recognize non-verbal communication such as shoulder shrugging, eye-rolling, or other facial expressions.
- BEHAVIORAL
A typical adult on the autistic spectrum will feel more comfortable in a familiar or predictable environment. They may prefer strict routines and avoid novelty. They are less comfortable articulating thoughts. Adult autism may be reflected in obsessive behavior and attention to detail at the expense of outcomes. Excitement or the anticipation of the unknown’ (overstimulation) may trigger self-stimulatory behavior such as foot tapping or hand rubbing (washing motions).
- EXECUTIVE
The abilities related to planning, organizing, and self-regulation are called executive functions. Complex planning (many alternatives or variables) may present challenges for adults on the spectrum. They may concentrate on detail rather than the ‘bigger’ picture.
Where to look for advice
First, it is essential to know that there is no cure for autism or medical test to diagnose it. But local services and programs enable autistic individuals and their carers to access support in understanding and managing their condition.
If you suspect your child may be on the autistic spectrum, contact your primary care provider. It will help to complete a checklist of the behaviors you have made you aware of the need for assessment.
The Autism Society has a National Helpline which can help you find the resources and services in your area. https://autismsociety.org
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a comprehensive website that covers ASD from ‘Signs and Symptoms’ to ‘Living with ASD.’
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? | CDC. The site also describes the treatment approaches available. Whichever type(s) of treatment you choose, the best outcomes are achieved by early intervention. Talk to your primary care provider if you have concerns about a newborn or infant or are worried your teenager is struggling with puberty. TODAY!
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