Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disorders that cause lifelong difficulties with socializing, communicating and behavior. The term “spectrum†refers to the fact that some people have a few mild symptoms while others have severe symptoms. It affects 1 in 110 children.
How does autism develop?
It is not clear how or why autism develops. The general consensus is that autism spectrum disorders are a genetic disorder that affects brain development and impairs the development of social and communication skills.
There have been concerns within the general public about the safety of vaccination for children. These concerns include a relationship between vaccines and autism. Despite this concern, there is no scientific evidence that receiving these vaccines causes or increases the risk of developing autism. Studies that raised this possibility had significant weaknesses in their design.
Environmental factors such as toxic exposures before or after birth, complications during delivery and infections before birth may be responsible for a small percentage of cases. In children with a genetic predisposition, environmental factors may further increase the child’s risk of developing autism. It is not currently possible to test a child’s genes to determine if he or she is at risk for ASD.
Symptoms
Symptoms begin before the age of 3 and last throughout a person’s life, although symptoms may improve over time. Some children with an ASD show hints of future problems within the first few months of life. In others, symptoms might not show up until 24 months or older.
A person with an ASD might
- Not respond to their name by 12 months
- Not point at objects to show interest (point at an airplane flying over) by 14 months
- Not play “pretend†games by 18 months
- Avoid eye contact and want to be alone
- Have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings
- Have delayed speech and language skills
- Repeat words or phrases over and over
- Give unrelated answers to questions
- Get upset by minor changes
- Have obsessive interests
- Flap their hands, rock their body or spin in circles
- Have unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look or feel
Diagnosis
Diagnosing ASD can be difficult since there is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorders. Doctors look at the child’s behavior and development to make a diagnosis.
Treatment
Currently there is no cure. Research shows that early intervention treatment services can greatly improve a child’s development. Early intervention services help children from birth to 3 years learn important skills.
If you think your child might have an ASD or you think there could be a problem with the way your child plays, learns, speaks, or acts, contact your child’s doctor and share your concerns.