Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism or Autistic has become a known term in the present times, thanks to awareness. However, not many people truly understand what it truly means. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a mental condition in which one faces issues with brain development. The condition affects the child and changes how they perceive and interact with the environment.
It is called a spectrum because the individual with ASD experiences a range of effects. For example, difficulty in social communication, behaviour patterns, and unique strengths. The article aims to help everyone understand Autism Spectrum Disorder better by understanding their symptoms, causes, treatments, how to support Autistic patients and more.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

ASD, or Autism Spectrum Disorder, is a brain condition. In medical terms, it is a neurodevelopmental disorder. The onset of the disorder typically happens and becomes noticeable in early childhood. The condition affects the patient's behaviour, communication, and sensory processing and thus requires help based on their effects to develop skills. It is important to understand that ASD is not a disease with a cure. It is a brain condition developed at birth and affects the person’s power to understand and interact with their environment. With professional help, they can develop skills, work on challenges, and find their unique talents.

Types of Autism Spectrum Disorder

While ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition, it does have a few types. Each type has different symptoms and effects, creating various conditions for the same disorder. However, classification can only be done through a proper diagnosis, which can then lead to appropriate autism spectrum disorder treatment. Here are the different types of ASD seen among patients:

1. Autistic Disorder - People suffering from autistic disorder suffer from communication challenges, which involve the inability to learn and understand language. They also have slow growth and development.

2. Asperger vs. Autism - what’s the difference? People with Asperger Syndrome often go undiagnosed initially for a long time as the symptoms seen in the patients are mild. Also, their intelligence level is average or above average, making it all the more difficult to identify the issue initially.

3. Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS): This is a condition when the patient does not completely meet the criteria of the specific categories but shows some symptoms. For example, slow development, communication challenges, etc.

Causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex condition whose exact causes have not been identified yet. However, continuous research holds a few factors responsible for the condition. It could be a combination of several or just one factor causing the condition in a patient. Every patient may have a unique factor contributing to the condition.

What Causes Autism?

Here is the list of potential causes of ASD:

• Genetic Factors: A family history of Autism, a Gene Mutation, or a combination of genes can cause the onset of Autism.
• Prenatal and Perinatal Factors: The mother having infections, inflammations, or exposure to toxins during pregnancy may increase the risk of ASD in the child. The health condition of the mother may also influence the condition, such as obesity, diabetes, or an autoimmune disease. Additionally, low child weight at birth or premature birth can also lead to incomplete development of the brain, leading to ASD conditions.
• Neurological Factors: The child's body may also create issues during brain development, leading to a disconnect between neurotransmitters or irregular brain chemicals.
• Environmental Triggers: Several environmental factors, like the advanced age of the father, exposure to toxins, or certain medications, have also been linked to increasing the risk of ASD.

Signs and Symptoms-

The autism spectrum disorder symptoms can vary widely. However, they can be classified into two main categories- Social Communication Challenges and Repetitive Behaviors. We dig deep into each category to understand them better and identify actual signs and symptoms related to the condition and the classification.

What Are The Complications Of Autism?

The following list will tell you what are the symptoms of autism:

Social Communication Challenges

• The child is facing difficulty in understanding interactions or social cues.
• Doesn’t make eye contact.
• Gets triggered by people.
• Cannot form relationships with anyone.
• Cannot get comfortable around people.

Repetitive Behaviors

• Keeps repeating the same things, such as phrases, activities, and movements.
• Does not understand changes and cannot learn them.
• Very keen interest in some particular topics, subjects, or activities.

Sensitive Senses:

• Lights, sounds, or sometimes textures of different materials can cause either too much of a reaction or no reaction.

When Should You Consider Seeking Help?

• The child does not respond to their name being called even after a year.
• Have not spoken a single word even for 16 months.
• Cannot learn skills and easily forget them.

Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Multidisciplinary doctors diagnose autism spectrum disorder using several tests and screenings. Here is a general process of detection in children:

• Developmental Screening: The doctors compare the development rate with the ideal growth rate of children when they are taken for doctor visits.
• Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation: ASD is detected through a number of pathological tests - neurological, genetic, and psychological tests to understand behaviour.
• DSM-5 Criteria: It is used by professional mental health care providers and psychiatrists to confirm ASD.

Early Diagnosis:

Similar to any health condition, early detection and intervention can truly bring great results in a child suffering from ASD. Appropriate autism spectrum disorder treatment starting early can help both the parents and the children grow effectively without having many issues.

Treatment Options for Autism Spectrum Disorder

ASD, as mentioned above, is a complex neurodevelopmental condition. It is a brain disorder with gene mutations, which hasn't found any cure with the present medical advances. However, early intervention and various autism spectrum disorder treatment methods can help manage the autism spectrum disorder symptoms and control them effectively for growth and improvement in the quality of life.

How Is Autism Treated?

The following are the most common methods that answer how autism is treated:

1. Behavioural Therapy: Doctors often advise Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to ASD patients. It aims to develop skills and help manage and control disruptive behaviours.

2. Speech and Language Therapy: The therapy helps patients with ASD develop and improve their communication skills.

3. Occupational Therapy: The therapy helps the patient develop motor skills that help them to do activities properly. The therapy includes working on sensory organs.

4. Medications: In some cases, doctors may prescribe medicines to control re-occurring conditions that often come with autism spectrum disorder, like anxiety or ADHD.

5. Educational Support: Children with ASD are advised to take Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) as formal education and social gatherings can be too difficult for them.

Common Myths and Misconceptions

Wrong information can lead to triggering the patient incorrectly or worsening the conditions. One should always ask a doctor to clear all doubts surrounding ASD before believing any new information.
Here are some of the myths and misconceptions about ASD that need to be debunked:

Debunking Myths:

1. Vaccines cause autism - Firstly, vaccines are released to the public after extensive clinical trials and research. Secondly, continuous and extensive research has proven that vaccines have no connection with ASD.

2. People with autism lack emotions - Several people believe that patients suffering from ASD lack emotions and cannot feel anything. The reality is very different, though. ASD patients have a full range of emotions and can be highly sensitive. The confusion arises due to the difference in their expression. Over time, family members learn the difference between their emotions and reactions.

3. All individuals with autism have exceptional skills - One of the autism spectrum disorder symptoms is having an exceptional skill or a very deep interest in something they can expertise in. However, it isn’t a universal truth. We have discussed that ASD can be of several types, and the symptoms can vary with the types. So, while it is common for Autistic patients to have exceptional skills, it is not compulsory.

4. Autism vs. ADHD - Several times people confuse Autism with ADHD, but the symptoms vary. Also, believing in a doctor’s diagnosis rather than making an assumption is extremely important.

Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder

ASD is a complex condition which can make things difficult for the ones suffering and even for the family members because of the unpredictability. Therapies and Educational Support from professionals help the patient and family members better understand the condition and the patient and develop skills to manage autism spectrum disorder symptoms. Taking professional help and being surrounded by a supportive network can significantly enhance the development and overall well-being of the family.

Tips for Individuals with ASD

Here are some tips that can help individuals with autism spectrum disorder:

• Developing a routine from the beginning helps patients with ASD learn behaviour and increases the chances of predictability.
• The present times with advancing technologies make lives a lot easier for patients and their families. Several technologies advised by a doctor can help the patient’s recurring symptoms.
• Bringing self-care and mindfulness into the routine can help relax the patient and calm them.
• Practice self-care and relaxation techniques.

How to Support Loved Ones with ASD

ASD patients need a supportive network to live with. They need to have a healthy and supportive environment in which they can feel safe, which can enhance their development. Here are a few ways one can support their loved one with autism spectrum disorder effectively:

• Educate Yourself - Educate yourself about ASD to understand the condition and the unique needs of the patients.
• Encourage Open Communication - Create a safe space for them to speak freely. Communication is tough for them, but being someone they can trust and feel comfortable with can make a lot of difference.
• Be Patient - People with ASD are not easy to handle. They can be extremely sensitive and are resistant to change. They can also get triggered easily. Being patient is key to being helpful. With time, you will understand their ways, speed up your learning, and learn more about them while gaining their trust.
• Seek Professional Guidance - Never underestimate professional help or resist them. Seek help and get access to therapies and support services, as they can make a huge difference in the patient and help you learn skills to handle them as well.

Jagruti Treatment and Recovery

Jagruti Rehab is a reputed organisation providing mental health care and more. We offer personalised care plans for autism spectrum disorder patients as well as experts in the field who plan their treatment and give them the care they need. We approach ASD treatment with a more holistic view and include the following:

• Expert Therapists - Our team of certified psychiatrists, therapists, and counsellors conduct ABA, speech, and occupational therapy for ASD patients.
• Family Involvement - One of our prime focuses is to involve the family members in the treatment process. We help them with the right training and resources to understand and handle the patient well.
• Comprehensive Programs - At Jagruti Rehab, we take a customised route to autism spectrum disorder treatment. Our deep comprehension of the patient allows us to understand their likes and dislikes, along with their strengths. Based on our report, we tailor our treatment plan to get the best results from the patient and see great and long-term results.

Statistics and Facts

ASD in India is more than you think. The last research in 2023 revealed that 1 in every 68 children is diagnosed with Autism. Also, ASD is more common in boys than girls, with the male-to-female ratio being 3:1 (approximately). Another key information was that girls often show different ASD symptoms than boys.