Scott Vaughan

Autism

Article
Kids' Zone
Diseases & Conditions
+1
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBAOct 15, 2023

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

  • Childhood Autism
  • Early Infantile Autism
  • Kanner's Syndrome

What is Autism? (Definition/Background Information)

  • Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by social impairment, communication difficulties, and repetitive behavior. The condition is usually diagnosed during early childhood, while some cases are diagnosed in older children, teens, or even adults
  • Usually, early signs of this developmental disorder are observed by the age of 2-3 years, and they exist throughout an individual’s life. Impaired social interaction, difficulties communicating, and learning disabilities, make life very difficult for individuals with Autism
  • Rarely, children with Autism may also present other conditions such as Tourette syndrome, fragile X syndrome, epileptic seizures, and attention deficit disorder (ADD)
  • Currently, the cause of Autism is unknown and there is also no cure for the disorder. It is believed that genetic and environmental factors play a role in determining who might or might not be affected by the condition
  • To ease the symptoms and help individuals with Autism live a normal life, early intervention is important. By commencing and providing treatment early in life, individuals can adapt to activities of daily living. Some individuals are known to be highly skilled and independent too (needing much less support from others)

Who gets Autism? (Age and Sex Distribution)

  • It is estimated that 1 in every 88 children are diagnosed with Autism.
  • Among children, this disorder is 3-5 times more likely to occur in males, than in females. Symptoms of Autism are most often observed at age 2-3 years, which then persists throughout one’s life.

What are the Risk Factors for Autism? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors of Autism include:

  • Children, who have a sibling or parent with Autism, are at a higher risk
  • The disorder is also more likely to occur in individuals who have certain genetic conditions, including Down syndrome, Tourette syndrome, fragile X syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis
  • Another risk factor is the age of the parents. If the expectant mother and father are older than 40 years, the risk for developing Autism increases
  • Complications during childbirth

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Autism? (Etiology)

  • The exact cause of Autism is presently unknown. Researchers believe that many genetic and environmental factors could be responsible
  • A number of genes have been identified that are associated with Autism. Studies conducted on individuals with this developmental disorder have indicated that there are irregularities in many regions of the brain
  • These studies have shown abnormal levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters, which may disrupt normal brain development leading to symptoms of Autism

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Autism?

Signs and symptoms of Autism begin in the first few years of life and persist throughout an individual’s lifetime; although, some of them may improve overtime. Also, these signs and symptoms may vary from one individual to another.

Common signs and symptoms may include:

  • Impaired social skills:
    • Failure to respond to one’s own name
    • Poor eye contact
    • Prefers to play alone
    • Difficulty in understanding other’s feelings
    • Social withdrawal
  • Impaired communication/language skills:
    • Delay in expressive speech development
    • Abnormal rhythm or tone in speech
    • Cannot maintain conversation
    • Repeating words or phrases
    • Unrelated responses to questions
    • Communicates with gestures, instead of using words (non-verbal communication)
  • Behavioral abnormalities:
    • Repetitive movements or behaviors observed
    • Develops specific routines
    • Develops obsessive interests
    • Unusual reaction to sound, smell, and taste
    • Self-abusive behavior

How is Autism Diagnosed?

Autism is difficult to diagnose, because the severity of the condition varies from one individual to another. There are no medical tests that can determine if a child has Autism.

  • Instead, specialists observe the child’s social skills, language skills, and behavioral pattern. In some cases, a diagnosis can be made by age 2 of the child
  • Neurological assessments are conducted on the child and an in-depth cognitive and language testing performed
  • To be diagnosed with Autism, a child must fulfill criteria laid out by the US Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), including impaired social skills, communication skills, or abnormal behavior

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Autism?

The complications from Autism could include:

  • Problems with communication during social occasions often cause distress in those with Autism, leading to social and emotional complications
  • Overall quality of life (at home, school, or work) may be affected
  • Some individuals with Autism may develop sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression
  • Many individuals with Autism also have other genetic disorders, such as fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis. These disorders may affect the brain and often lead to seizures and other abnormalities

How is Autism Treated?

Currently, there is no treatment to cure Autism. To ease the signs and symptoms of the disorder, early intervention is important. Since each case is different, treatment plans are specifically developed based on the child’s needs. Generally, healthcare providers across different specialties may be involved in the care of individuals with Autism.

  • Often occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language therapy, are provided. Through these the children learn how to communicate effectively, relate better to others, and control their repetitive behavior
  • Medications are also commonly prescribed to children with Autism to control behavioral and emotional problems. Anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive behavior, can be controlled with medicines. To treat severe behavioral problems, antipsychotic medications are prescribed
  • The symptoms in some children have also been controlled, by converting to a gluten-free or casein-free diet (GFCF diet)

How can Autism be Prevented?

Currently, there are no available measures to prevent Autism. However, considering some of the following may lower one’s risk for the same:

  • If there is a family history of the condition, then genetic counseling will help assess risks, before planning for a child
  • Regular medical checkups with tests and physical examinations are recommended during pregnancy to minimize the risk for complications during childbirth
  • Adequately treating any underlying genetic conditions associated with Autism

The symptoms may be lessened, and children can learn how to live a more normal life, using a variety of treatments.

What is the Prognosis of Autism? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

  • There is no cure for Autism and individuals are affected with the disorder throughout their life. In general, the outcomes are dependent upon the severity and appropriate management of the condition
  • Autism is not usually life-threatening and treatment using a combination of therapy and medications help control the symptoms to an extent, so that such autistic individuals can lead a near normal life. Some may require life-long support and care
  • It is important to note that an early recognition of the condition along-with early treatment interventions can significantly improve outcomes

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Autism:

The following article link will help you understand Down syndrome genetic condition.

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/down-syndrome/

Was this article helpful

On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

0 Comments

Please log in to post a comment.

Related Articles

Test Your Knowledge

Asked by users

Related Centers

Loading

Related Specialties

Loading card

Related Physicians

Related Procedures

Related Resources

Join DoveHubs

and connect with fellow professionals

Related Directories

Who we are

At DoveMed, our utmost priority is your well-being. We are an online medical resource dedicated to providing you with accurate and up-to-date information on a wide range of medical topics. But we're more than just an information hub - we genuinely care about your health journey. That's why we offer a variety of products tailored for both healthcare consumers and professionals, because we believe in empowering everyone involved in the care process.
Our mission is to create a user-friendly healthcare technology portal that helps you make better decisions about your overall health and well-being. We understand that navigating the complexities of healthcare can be overwhelming, so we strive to be a reliable and compassionate companion on your path to wellness.
As an impartial and trusted online resource, we connect healthcare seekers, physicians, and hospitals in a marketplace that promotes a higher quality, easy-to-use healthcare experience. You can trust that our content is unbiased and impartial, as it is trusted by physicians, researchers, and university professors around the globe. Importantly, we are not influenced or owned by any pharmaceutical, medical, or media companies. At DoveMed, we are a group of passionate individuals who deeply care about improving health and wellness for people everywhere. Your well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

© 2023 DoveMed. All rights reserved. It is not the intention of DoveMed to provide specific medical advice. DoveMed urges its users to consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and answers to their personal medical questions. Always call 911 (or your local emergency number) if you have a medical emergency!