Autism and Development

Autism and Development

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental and neurological disorder that starts early in life and affects how one behaves, communicates, learns, and interacts with others. Autism affects the function and structure of the brain and nervous system. Because it affects development, it is called a developmental disorder.

Children with autism may have different symptoms. For this reason, autism is called a "spectrum disorder," which means a range of traits can present in children. Kids with autism usually have the following characteristics:

• Ongoing social problems, including trouble communicating and interacting with others.
• Repetitive behavior and limited interests or activities.
• Symptoms are commonly discovered in the first two years of life.
• Indicators that affect the patient's social ability at school, work, or other areas of life.

Some children are mildly affected by symptoms, while others are severely disabled. Treatment and services can improve a person's symptoms and function. Families with concerns should speak with their pediatrician about their observations and possible screening for autism. Per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 1 in 59 children has some form of autism.

Signs and Symptoms of Autism 

ASD symptoms vary depending on severity. In young children with mild ASD or low levels of disability, symptoms may even go unrecognized. Some leading indicators are:

• No babbling or pointing since the first year of life.
• No single-word sentences at 16 months or two-word sentences at two years.
• Does not respond to their name.
• Loss of previously acquired language or social skills.
• Poor eye contact.
• Excessive lining up of toys or other objects.
• No smiling or social response.

Some indicators may develop as the child ages. A few later indicators might be:

• Limited ability to make friends with peers.
• Inability to initiate or maintain conversations with others.
• Lack or lack of imagination and social play.
• Repeated or unusual use of language.
• Unusually intense or focused on a specific object or topic.
• Inflexible compliance with certain routines or rituals.

Children with ASD may have other difficulties, like being sensitive to light, noise, clothing, or temperature. They may experience sleep complications, digestive problems, and irritability.

Autism Strengths and Abilities 

Autism is unique because children with ASD have many strengths, abilities, and challenges. Strengths and skills can be:

• Above-average intellect. According to the CDC, 46% of children with ASD have above-average intelligence.
• Ability to understand things in detail and retain information over time.
• Become a strong visual and auditory learner.
• Excel in math, science, music, or art.

Risk Factors for Autism 

Scientists don't know the exact cause of ASD, but research suggests that genes and the environment play an important role. Some known risk factors are:

• Gender: Boys are more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.
• They have a sibling with ASD.
• They have older parents (At birth, the mother is 35 or older, and the father is 40 or older).
• Genetics: About 20% of children with autism have some genetic condition. These diseases include Down Syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and Tuberous Sclerosis.

The amount of children with autism has grown in recent years. Experts disagree on whether this indicates an actual increase in ASD, as diagnostic guidelines have changed in recent years. In addition, more parents and doctors are aware of the disorder, which leads to more parents having their children screened.

Diagnosing Autism 

Doctors diagnose autism by observing a child's behavior and development. Young children with ASD can often be reliably diagnosed by age 2. Older children and adolescents should be screened for autism if parents or teachers have concerns about observing their child's social interaction, communication, and play.

The diagnosis of young children is usually divided into two steps:

Step 1: General Developmental Screening 

Every child should be well-screened by a pediatrician or early childhood care provider. The CDC recommends specific autism screenings at the 18-month and 24-month visits. You may need an early screening if your child is at high risk for autism or developmental problems. High-risk groups can include the following children:

• Have a sibling or other family member with ASD.
• Has some ASD-related behavior.
• Was born prematurely or with low birth weight.

Parental experiences and concerns are critical in the young child screening process. Doctors sometimes ask parents questions about their child's behavior and combine this information with their child's observations. Children with developmental problems during this screening process will be referred to another evaluation stage.

Step 2: Professional Review 

A professional evaluation is performed by a team of physicians and other healthcare professionals with extensive expertise experienced in diagnosing ASD. The team may include the following:

• Developmental Pediatrician: A doctor with specialized training in child development
• Child Psychologists and Child Psychiatrists: Doctors who understand brain development and behavior
• Speech-Language Pathologist: A health professional with special training in communication difficulties.

This assessment can evaluate:

• Cognitive level or thinking ability.
• Language skills.
• Age-appropriate skills needed to independently perform daily activities like dressing, toileting, and feeding themselves.

Because ASD is a complex disorder that sometimes co-occurs with other conditions or learning disabilities, the comprehensive assessment can include the following:

• Blood test
• Hearing test

The assessment should yield recommendations to support the treatment plan.

Autism Diagnosis in Adolescents 

Older children with ASD symptoms are usually first evaluated by the school's special education team. The school team can refer these children to a doctor.

Parents can discuss their child's social difficulties, including subtle communication problems, with a pediatrician. These problems may include understanding the tone of voice, facial expressions, or body language. Older children may have difficulty understanding idioms, humor, or sarcasm. Parents may find it difficult for their children to make friends with their peers. The pediatrician may refer the child for further evaluation and treatment.

Early Intervention for Autism

Research shows that early diagnosis and intervention for autism are more likely to have long-term positive effects on symptoms and later skills. ASD can sometimes be diagnosed before a child is two years old. Some children with autism typically develop until this time but begin to degenerate before or around age two.

Early intervention programs typically include:

• Family education
• Speech therapy
• Hearing-impaired services
• Physiotherapy
• Nutrition

Early intervention occurs in preschool or preschool years, as early as age two or three. During this time, a young child's brain is still forming. Because of this, treatments are more likely to be effective in the long term. Early intervention gives children the best chance to start and reach their full potential. The sooner a child is helped, the better the opportunity for learning and progress. Recent guidelines recommend initiating comprehensive developmental and behavioral interventions immediately after diagnosis or suspicion of autism.

With early intervention, 3% to 25% of children with autism progress so quickly that they no longer fall on the autism spectrum as they age. Many children who later go off the spectrum have a few commonalities:

• Early diagnosis and treatment
• A higher IQ than the average autistic child
• Improved language and motor skills

Objectives of Early Intervention 

Early intervention programs help children acquire essential skills they usually learn in the first two years of life, such as

• Physical skills
• Thinking ability
• Communication
• Social skills
• Emotional skills

Treatments and Therapies 

Early treatment and proper care can reduce a child's difficulties with autism and help them learn new skills to make the most of their strengths.

There is no single best treatment for autism. Working closely with a doctor or other healthcare expert is essential to finding the right treatment plan. Treatments, social services, programs, and other resources can help.

Symptoms of ASD and other disorders – like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – may overlap, so it is crucial that treatment focus on the child's specific needs rather than diagnostic labels.

Here are some essential tips:

1. Keep notes: Record conversations and meetings with healthcare providers and teachers. This information can be helpful when a decision needs to be made.
2. Record medical reports: This information can help children qualify for special programs.
3. Seek help: Contact your local school, health department, or ASD advocacy group to learn more about their specific programs.
4. Have a plan: Speak with a pediatrician, school official, or doctor to find a local autism specialist who can help you develop an intervention plan and find other local resources.
5. Get support: Sharing information and experiences can help caregivers and those with ASD to educate themselves about choices, make decisions, and reduce stress.

Autism and Development

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental and neurological disorder that starts early in life and affects how one behaves, communicates, learns, and interacts with others. Autism affects the function and structure of the brain and nervous system. Because it affects development, it is called a developmental disorder.

Children with autism may have different symptoms. For this reason, autism is called a "spectrum disorder," which means a range of traits can present in children. Kids with autism usually have the following characteristics:

• Ongoing social problems, including trouble communicating and interacting with others.
• Repetitive behavior and limited interests or activities.
• Symptoms are commonly discovered in the first two years of life.
• Indicators that affect the patient's social ability at school, work, or other areas of life.

Some children are mildly affected by symptoms, while others are severely disabled. Treatment and services can improve a person's symptoms and function. Families with concerns should speak with their pediatrician about their observations and possible screening for autism. Per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 1 in 59 children has some form of autism.

Signs and Symptoms of Autism 

ASD symptoms vary depending on severity. In young children with mild ASD or low levels of disability, symptoms may even go unrecognized. Some leading indicators are:

• No babbling or pointing since the first year of life.
• No single-word sentences at 16 months or two-word sentences at two years.
• Does not respond to their name.
• Loss of previously acquired language or social skills.
• Poor eye contact.
• Excessive lining up of toys or other objects.
• No smiling or social response.

Some indicators may develop as the child ages. A few later indicators might be:

• Limited ability to make friends with peers.
• Inability to initiate or maintain conversations with others.
• Lack or lack of imagination and social play.
• Repeated or unusual use of language.
• Unusually intense or focused on a specific object or topic.
• Inflexible compliance with certain routines or rituals.

Children with ASD may have other difficulties, like being sensitive to light, noise, clothing, or temperature. They may experience sleep complications, digestive problems, and irritability.

Autism Strengths and Abilities 

Autism is unique because children with ASD have many strengths, abilities, and challenges. Strengths and skills can be:

• Above-average intellect. According to the CDC, 46% of children with ASD have above-average intelligence.
• Ability to understand things in detail and retain information over time.
• Become a strong visual and auditory learner.
• Excel in math, science, music, or art.

Risk Factors for Autism 

Scientists don't know the exact cause of ASD, but research suggests that genes and the environment play an important role. Some known risk factors are:

• Gender: Boys are more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.
• They have a sibling with ASD.
• They have older parents (At birth, the mother is 35 or older, and the father is 40 or older).
• Genetics: About 20% of children with autism have some genetic condition. These diseases include Down Syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and Tuberous Sclerosis.

The amount of children with autism has grown in recent years. Experts disagree on whether this indicates an actual increase in ASD, as diagnostic guidelines have changed in recent years. In addition, more parents and doctors are aware of the disorder, which leads to more parents having their children screened.

Diagnosing Autism 

Doctors diagnose autism by observing a child's behavior and development. Young children with ASD can often be reliably diagnosed by age 2. Older children and adolescents should be screened for autism if parents or teachers have concerns about observing their child's social interaction, communication, and play.

The diagnosis of young children is usually divided into two steps:

Step 1: General Developmental Screening 

Every child should be well-screened by a pediatrician or early childhood care provider. The CDC recommends specific autism screenings at the 18-month and 24-month visits. You may need an early screening if your child is at high risk for autism or developmental problems. High-risk groups can include the following children:

• Have a sibling or other family member with ASD.
• Has some ASD-related behavior.
• Was born prematurely or with low birth weight.

Parental experiences and concerns are critical in the young child screening process. Doctors sometimes ask parents questions about their child's behavior and combine this information with their child's observations. Children with developmental problems during this screening process will be referred to another evaluation stage.

Step 2: Professional Review 

A professional evaluation is performed by a team of physicians and other healthcare professionals with extensive expertise experienced in diagnosing ASD. The team may include the following:

• Developmental Pediatrician: A doctor with specialized training in child development
• Child Psychologists and Child Psychiatrists: Doctors who understand brain development and behavior
• Speech-Language Pathologist: A health professional with special training in communication difficulties.

This assessment can evaluate:

• Cognitive level or thinking ability.
• Language skills.
• Age-appropriate skills needed to independently perform daily activities like dressing, toileting, and feeding themselves.

Because ASD is a complex disorder that sometimes co-occurs with other conditions or learning disabilities, the comprehensive assessment can include the following:

• Blood test
• Hearing test

The assessment should yield recommendations to support the treatment plan.

Autism Diagnosis in Adolescents 

Older children with ASD symptoms are usually first evaluated by the school's special education team. The school team can refer these children to a doctor.

Parents can discuss their child's social difficulties, including subtle communication problems, with a pediatrician. These problems may include understanding the tone of voice, facial expressions, or body language. Older children may have difficulty understanding idioms, humor, or sarcasm. Parents may find it difficult for their children to make friends with their peers. The pediatrician may refer the child for further evaluation and treatment.

Early Intervention for Autism

Research shows that early diagnosis and intervention for autism are more likely to have long-term positive effects on symptoms and later skills. ASD can sometimes be diagnosed before a child is two years old. Some children with autism typically develop until this time but begin to degenerate before or around age two.

Early intervention programs typically include:

• Family education
• Speech therapy
• Hearing-impaired services
• Physiotherapy
• Nutrition

Early intervention occurs in preschool or preschool years, as early as age two or three. During this time, a young child's brain is still forming. Because of this, treatments are more likely to be effective in the long term. Early intervention gives children the best chance to start and reach their full potential. The sooner a child is helped, the better the opportunity for learning and progress. Recent guidelines recommend initiating comprehensive developmental and behavioral interventions immediately after diagnosis or suspicion of autism.

With early intervention, 3% to 25% of children with autism progress so quickly that they no longer fall on the autism spectrum as they age. Many children who later go off the spectrum have a few commonalities:

• Early diagnosis and treatment
• A higher IQ than the average autistic child
• Improved language and motor skills

Objectives of Early Intervention 

Early intervention programs help children acquire essential skills they usually learn in the first two years of life, such as

• Physical skills
• Thinking ability
• Communication
• Social skills
• Emotional skills

Treatments and Therapies 

Early treatment and proper care can reduce a child's difficulties with autism and help them learn new skills to make the most of their strengths.

There is no single best treatment for autism. Working closely with a doctor or other healthcare expert is essential to finding the right treatment plan. Treatments, social services, programs, and other resources can help.

Symptoms of ASD and other disorders – like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – may overlap, so it is crucial that treatment focus on the child's specific needs rather than diagnostic labels.

Here are some essential tips:

1. Keep notes: Record conversations and meetings with healthcare providers and teachers. This information can be helpful when a decision needs to be made.
2. Record medical reports: This information can help children qualify for special programs.
3. Seek help: Contact your local school, health department, or ASD advocacy group to learn more about their specific programs.
4. Have a plan: Speak with a pediatrician, school official, or doctor to find a local autism specialist who can help you develop an intervention plan and find other local resources.
5. Get support: Sharing information and experiences can help caregivers and those with ASD to educate themselves about choices, make decisions, and reduce stress.