Autism Spectrum Disorder

Writer: Riya Kathpalia

It is estimated that one in 160 million children worldwide are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), a neurological and development disorder that can result in behavior and social alterations. The symptoms ofASD can be seen as early as childhood and last throughout a person's life, affecting their neurological state and cognitive abilities. For instance, a person diagnosed with ASD can have difficulty interacting and communicating with others.

SYMPTOMS

Let’s learn about the symptoms of ASD. Firstly, this neurological disorder is referred to as a

"spectrum" disorder because people with ASD can have a range of symptoms. People with ASD can have problems interacting with others in that they might avoid eye contact or have trouble expressing themselves clearly. Individuals diagnosed with ASD may also have restricted interests and exhibit repetitive behaviours. They may spend a lot of time putting things in order, or they may repeat the same sentences multiple times. Simply put, individuals who are diagnosed with ASD may often seem to be in their "own world” as they cease to care about others besides them. The causes of ASD are still unknown, however in recent years, scientists have hypothesized that both genes and one’s environment play an influential role in the development of the disease.

TYPES

As mentioned earlier, ASD can be presented in various types as it’s called a spectrum. For

instance, there’s Asperger’s Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Autistic Disorder, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Asperger’s Syndrome is on the milder end of the autism spectrum. A person diagnosed with Asperger's may be very intelligent and be able to handle their routines pertaining to their daily lives. They may also be really focused on topics that interest them and discuss them incessantly. On the other hand, in individuals diagnosed with Pervasive Development Disorder, most children experience symptoms more severe compared to individuals diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, but not as severe as those diagnosed with Autistic Disorder. However, one aspect of life remains the same in all individuals diagnosed with ASD -- the difficulty interacting with others.

TREATMENT

Currently, there is no standard treatment for ASD. However, there are many ways to increase the patient’s ability to grow as an individual and to learn new skills. It’s scientifically known that prepping them earlier on as a child can lead to better results in terms of cognitive abilities. Current treatments include behaviour and communication therapies, skills training, and various medicines to control and cease symptoms, however, none of these have the ability to permanently relieve the symptoms individuals diagnosed with ASD encounter everyday. Additionally, early diagnosis and treatment is always preferable because there can be an overlap in symptoms between ASD and other disorders, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). There's no way to prevent Autism Spectrum Disorder, but there are treatment options available. Although children do not usually outgrow Autism Spectrum Disorder’s symptoms, they may learn to socialize and interact with others.

Look out for symptoms of ASD as early as possible and take care of your loved ones :)