Autism spectrum disorder is a condition that affects the way individuals interact with the world around them and includes difficulties in social communication. Although its features may differ from person to person, autism spectrum disorder is not a disease to be treated, but a different way of thinking and interacting that deserves understanding and support. In this article, we will shed light on what autism spectrum disorder is, its possible causes, the challenges people with autism face, and the importance of awareness and community support.
What is autism spectrum disorder?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition associated with brain development that affects a person’s perception and interaction with others, causing barriers in social communication. Autism spectrum disorder begins in early childhood and can last a lifetime, often showing symptoms within the first year and eventually leading to issues with social functioning at school and work. Although there is no cure for autism spectrum disorder, early intensive treatment can make a big difference in the lives of many children.
It should be highlighted that autism spectrum disorder is not a disease because we usually resort to treating diseases and reaching a cure, but in autism, the goal is not to cure, but to find ways to help identify and utilize the child’s strengths to the fullest while managing any challenges they may face, as they may excel in certain areas and need more support in other areas compared to their peers with a normal neurological pattern.
As children with autism spectrum disorder reach adolescence and young adulthood, they may struggle to build and maintain friendships and may also suffer from conditions such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD, which are more common in people with autism than those without.
How does autism spectrum disorder affect socialization?
Social communication is one of the most affected aspects of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as they face challenges in establishing relationships with others and sharing emotions. These difficulties do not reflect a lack of desire to communicate, but are due to differences in the way social information is processed:
- Some children with ASD are unable to communicate with speech or language and may have very limited speaking skills, while others may have a rich vocabulary and be able to talk about specific topics in great detail.
- Lack of interest in playing with peers: Unlike normal children who naturally seek social interactions, individuals with autism may prefer solitary activities or have unique interests, hindering their ability to interact with their peers.
- Difficulties with non-verbal communication: They may have difficulty interpreting and using non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, gestures, and eye contact.
- Lack of empathy: Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, may be impaired in individuals with autism, but this does not mean that individuals with ASD lack empathy or the desire to connect with others, but rather that they find it difficult to identify and respond to the emotional states of others.
- Repetitive and restrictive behaviors: Performing repetitive movements such as hand flapping and body shaking that make it difficult to communicate with the environment by limiting flexibility or participating in activities with peers.
Causes of autism spectrum disorder: Genetic and environmental factors
Despite significant advances in the understanding of autism spectrum disorder, the exact causes of autism remain a subject of extensive and complex research. Studies indicate that the onset of autism is associated with multiple factors, including genetics and early environmental influences. While genetic factors play a significant role in increasing susceptibility, some environmental factors during pregnancy or after birth may contribute to triggering the onset of symptoms. In this context, we highlight the most prominent genetic and environmental causes that are thought to contribute to the development of autism spectrum disorder:
- Genetic factors: Many genetic variations are associated with autism. This means that people with autism may have one or more genetic variations that play a role in the different development of their brains, and heredity sometimes occurs in the form of genetic syndromes, as there is a higher prevalence of autism in some genetic syndromes such as fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis. Changes in certain genes or a person’s genome increase a child’s risk of developing autism. If a parent carries one or more of these genetic changes, they may be passed on to the child even if the parent does not have autism.
- Environmental factors: Some environmental factors may increase the risk of autism, such as advanced parental age, exposure to air pollution or certain pesticides before birth, obese mother, diabetes, immune system disorders, severe prematurity, very low birth weight, and birth complications that lead to periods of hypoxia in the baby’s brain. In addition to maternal smoking during pregnancy and bacterial and viral infections during pregnancy, as viral infections in the first trimester and bacterial infections in the second trimester may increase the risk of ASD, as well as the use of certain medications during pregnancy, such as: Valproic acid and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
- Other disorders: Several psychiatric diseases or conditions, such as Angelman syndrome, epilepsy, Rett syndrome, Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and tuberous sclerosis, may be associated with or cause early signs of autism.
It is worth noting that routine vaccines given during pregnancy, such as Influenza and whooping cough vaccines, are not environmental factors affecting autism, and there are no proven studies confirming that childhood vaccines given after birth increase the likelihood of autism.
Symptoms of autism spectrum disorder: How can it be recognized in the early stages?
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological disorder that affects the way an individual interacts and communicates with others, and is characterized by a range of symptoms and behaviors that vary from person to person. Knowing the symptoms is an essential step in understanding and effectively supporting those on the spectrum, such as:
- Poor eye contact: Failure to respond to name-calling or indifference.
- Isolated and aggressive: These children develop normally for the first few months or years of their lives, then suddenly become withdrawn, aggressive, or lose the language skills they had previously acquired.
- Resistance to hugs and snuggles: The child seems to prefer to play alone, isolated in their own world.
- Doesn’t speak or has delayed speech, or loses their previous ability to pronounce words or sentences.
- Performs repetitive movements, Such as swinging, spinning, or flapping hands.
- Has coordination issues or odd movement patterns, such as clumsiness or walking on toes, and has strange, stiff, or exaggerated body language.
- Abnormally intense or focused on an object or activity
- Repeats words or phrases verbatim, but doesn’t understand how to use them
- He gets very upset at any change in his routine
As they mature, some children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) become more interactive with others and show fewer behavioral disturbances. Some may eventually lead relatively normal lives. However, others continue to have difficulties with language or social skills, and the teenage years may cause worse behavioral and emotional issues.
Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder: How to accurately determine the condition
Autism spectrum disorder symptoms vary widely among individuals, and early and accurate diagnosis is an essential step in understanding the condition and providing appropriate support. There is no specific test to diagnose it, as diagnostic tools typically rely on two main sources of information: parents’ or caregivers’ descriptions of their child’s development, and a specialist’s observation of the child’s behavior through:
- Developmental examination: The first step in diagnosing autism in infants is routine check-ups. Typically, a doctor conducts an autism screening at 18 and 24 months of age, assessing basic skills such as learning abilities, speech development, as well as behavior and movement.
- Comprehensive behavioral assessment: Diagnosing autism in children involves a comprehensive assessment to determine a child’s cognitive skills and language abilities, as well as their ability to perform daily living skills such as eating, dressing, and going to the bathroom on their own.
- Other tests and examinations may help rule out similar conditions and aid in diagnosis, such as Hearing and vision tests, blood tests, and genetic tests.
The diagnosis of autism is based on comparing a child’s symptoms to the diagnostic criteria for autism in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, which states that the child must have:
- Persistent issues with social interaction
- Difficulty communicating non-verbally with others, such as not making eye contact or understanding gestures
- Inability to build or maintain relationships with others
- Sticking to a routine and getting very upset when it changes, no matter how small
- Paying attention to specific things and focusing on them intensely
- Repeating certain movements or phrases
- Extreme sensitivity or hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli such as sounds, smells, or tastes
Daily challenges for children and adults with autism spectrum disorder
Children and adults on the autism spectrum experience a range of daily challenges that vary in severity depending on the individual:
- Communication: Difficulty expressing oneself or understanding spoken language or nonverbal cues, leading to challenges in interacting with others.
- Social interaction: Difficulties building relationships or understanding emotions and social behaviors, which can lead to isolation.
- Behavioral flexibility: Resistance to change or adherence to routine, making sudden changes in the environment or schedule, disruptive or confusing.
- Sensory processing: An over- or under-response to sensory stimuli such as sounds, lights, and touch, which affects their daily comfort.
- Self-regulation: Difficulty regulating emotions or behaviors, which may manifest in outbursts of anger, anxiety, or excessive stress.
- Education and work: Challenges in environments that require social or organizational skills, such as school or the workplace, require special adaptation or additional support.
Different treatment options for autism spectrum disorder
Although autism is not completely curable, early and appropriate interventions can significantly improve an individual’s ability to learn, communicate, and integrate. Treatment methods vary according to each person’s needs and aim to enhance strengths and develop skills needed for daily life, such as:
- Behavior and communication therapies: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of the leading behavioral therapies for people with autism spectrum disorder. ABA encourages desired behaviors and prevents unwanted behaviors to improve a variety of skills.
- Speech and language therapy: Used to improve communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal.
- Psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Especially useful for adults and adolescents, to help them deal with anxiety, anger, or stress.
- Family support: Training parents on how to deal with their child effectively is an important part of treatment.
- Occupational therapy: Helps develop life skills such as eating, dressing, and self-reliance.
There are no medications to treat the core symptoms of ASD. Some medications treat comorbid symptoms (those that occur with ASD) and can help people with ASD improve their functioning. For example, medications may help manage high energy levels, inability to concentrate, or self-harming behaviors such as head banging or hand biting. Medications can also help manage co-occurring psychological conditions such as anxiety or depression, as well as medical conditions such as seizures, sleep issues, stomach issues, or other digestive issues.
Behavioral therapy, speech therapy, and medical interventions
Behavioral therapies, specifically Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and speech therapy, are among the most important treatments for children with autism, helping them improve communication, social skills, and daily living abilities. ABA uses structured methods to reinforce positive behaviors and reduce those that hinder learning and socialization, while speech therapy addresses language and communication challenges.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a field based on the science of learning and behavior, meaning that it helps us understand how behavior works and how behavior is affected by the environment and how to learn, as it can be used as a technique that contributes to the development of new behaviors and skills for the child through positive reinforcement, which is encouraging the child to acquire the desired behaviors. In general, ABA aims to improve a child’s response to social situations, increase concentration and learning skills, help them learn to perform personal tasks such as how to eat, bathe, or dress with less assistance or independently, and help them improve learning and response skills.
Applied behavior analysis can provide benefits that include:
- Increase the child’s interest in their surroundings and the people around them
- Promote communication with others
- Improve concentration and learning abilities in school
- Reduce or stop self-injurious behaviors and tantrums
Speech therapy
Speech therapy goals for people on the autism spectrum:
- Developing verbal communication skills: Such as improving pronunciation of words, building sentences, and increasing vocabulary.
- Promote non-verbal communication: Such as using gestures, facial expressions, or alternative means such as pictures.
- Understanding the language: Train the child to understand instructions, questions, and abstract concepts.
- Develop dialog and social interaction skills: Such as initiating conversations, taking turns, and using language in an appropriate social context.
The importance of family support and early intervention in improving children’s well-being
The family plays a pivotal role in the development of a child with ASD. A supportive family environment is a key element in promoting emotional, behavioral, and social development. Positive and warm interactions within the family help reduce negative behaviors, while excessive stress or criticism can exacerbate these challenges. Family relationships also form the basis for a child’s social skills and emotional resilience, making parental involvement in the treatment process crucial. This is where parental education comes in, providing parents with the knowledge and practical tools to help them support their child in the home environment.
Early intervention is a critical step in supporting children with ASD, especially during the first three years of life, a critical period for the development of basic skills, as these services help children acquire important skills such as speaking, walking, and social interaction. Research suggests that early intervention improves cognitive development, develops social skills, enhances academic performance, and supports independence later in life. These interventions often focus on key areas such as language development, behavior modification, and social skill building, and among the most commonly used methods are Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and speech therapy, both of which have been shown to be effective in significantly enhancing a child’s development.
In short, the combination of early intervention and effective family support is not only beneficial but necessary to achieve the best possible outcomes.
The role of community and educational support in improving the quality of life of people with autism
Community and educational support is the cornerstone of empowerment for individuals with autism, making a real difference in their daily lives through flexible learning environments and conscious communities, where their abilities can be enhanced and their opportunities for learning and communication expanded, paving the way for a more independent and inclusive life.
Community support
- Education and awareness: Spreading awareness about the characteristics and challenges associated with autism helps correct misconceptions and build a more accepting environment.
- Promote empathy and understanding: Through sensory experiences or simulated activities, others can be helped to understand the perspectives and needs of people with autism in a realistic and humanizing way.
- Engage in community activities: Participating in clubs, social events, and recreational activities promotes friendships, develops social skills, and deepens a sense of belonging.
- Support networks: Relationships with parents, teachers, and professionals provide opportunities to share experiences and emotional support, empowering and supporting families.
Educational support
- Individualized educational programs: These programs are designed to meet the specific needs of each student, providing a supportive and stimulating learning environment.
- Integrating community education: Aimed at transferring skills learned in school to real-life environments, promoting independence and self-confidence.
- Life skills training: Includes skills such as time management, budgeting, and relationship building, helping individuals succeed in their daily lives.
- Vocational training and continuing education: By providing vocational training and further education opportunities, individuals are supported in developing their skills and engaging in the labor market in line with their interests.
In conclusion, autism spectrum disorder is a multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorder associated with complex genetic and environmental factors that are not yet fully understood, and although there is no definitive cure, early, evidence-based interventions such as behavioral and speech therapy show clear effectiveness in improving communication and social skills. Advances in scientific research and understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms of autism spectrum disorder are an essential step toward developing more accurate and personalized diagnosis and treatment methods that will improve the quality of life for affected individuals and their families.
Sources:
- World Health Organization. (n.d.). Autism spectrum disorders
- Autism Speaks. (n.d.). Autism Speaks
- National Autistic Society. (n.d.). Autism
