Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference characterized by alterations in social functioning, hypersensitivity to stimuli, repetitive behaviors, and deep interests, often combined with advanced cognitive & perceptive abilities. Autism spectrum disorder includes conditions that were once thought to be separate, autism, Asperger's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and a form of widespread developmental disorder that isn't specified.
Some children show signs of autism spectrum disorder in early infancy, such as less eye contact, not responding to their names or not being interested in caregivers. Other children may not develop as expected for the first few months or years of life. Then they suddenly become withdrawn or aggressive or lose the language skills they had before. Signs usually are seen by ages 2 to 3 years old.
Autism spectrum has no single known cause, but it is highly heritable. Frequently, if a child is diagnosed with Autism, there is at least one other person in the family who is Autistic.
Social Differences
Being lower in social motivation
Not understanding small talk
Prone to overlook or ignore certain social conventions
Literal interpretations
Using technical language
Reduced display of emotions
Sensory Needs
Hypersensitivity to certain sounds, smells, textures, tastes, or visuals
This hypersensitivity can lead to “meltdowns” or “shutdowns,” where the Autistic person becomes overwhelmed
Repetitive Behaviors
Requiring a strict routine that causes distress if it isn’t followed
Stimming- this can look like rocking, hand-flapping, making repetitive sounds or repeating what they hear (Echolalia), tapping a foot, twirling hair, etc.
Cognitive Differences
Rigid or inflexible thinking
Difficulty identifying or describing emotions (Alexithymia)
Ability to easily recognize patterns
High correlation between Autism and “giftedness”
Deep Interests
Tendency to hyper-focus on one subject or task
“Special interests”
Common co-occurring conditions include: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (50-70%), anxiety or depression (50-70%), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (10-20%), substance use disorders (30-40%), and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (15-25%).
Gender Differences
Much of what is understood about Autism, including the diagnostic criteria, are based on the experiences of male Autistics. Because of differences in how boys and girls are socialized or expected to behave, presentations of Autism between genders can look quite different. Additionally, girls and women are often misdiagnosed (with depression, anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, PTSD, or Borderline Personality Disorder) or not diagnosed at all.
Girls with autism often exhibit an internalized expression of symptoms, which makes their condition harder to notice and frequently leads to delayed or missed diagnoses. This is primarily due to social conditioning and a tendency to "mask" or "camouflage" their difficulties to fit in with peers.
Treatment
There is no cure for autism spectrum disorder, but there are treatment options that may help an Autistic’s experience. Early identification and intervention is crucial for improving outcomes.
Therapy
Individual Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Speech Therapy
Family Therapy
Support groups for the individual and/or family members.
Medications
Risperidone
Aripriprazole
A common treatment for Autism is Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA. There is concern amongst Autistic individuals and advocates that this treatment is coercive and harmful. Additionally, there are frequently claims regarding vaccines, medications, or other specific environmental factors causing Autism, but there is very little, if any, evidence to support these claims. It is important to understand that Autism itself is not something that needs to be, or can be, “fixed.” However, treatment can help with some symptoms that are causing harm to the Autistic individual or making it difficult to function.
Relevant resources
Embrace Autism. (n.d.). Embrace Autism. https://embrace-autism.com/
Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Autism spectrum disorder: Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352928
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. (n.d.). Evidence-based treatment options for autism. https://www.chop.edu/news/evidence-based-treatment-options-autism
