6 Important Facts About Autism Spectrum Disorder You Should Know
- Lifestyle Health
Alessia Braun- 0
- 6 minutes read
Autism spectrum disorder or ASD is a developmental and neurological disorder that starts early in childhood and remains throughout a person’s life. It impacts how a person acts and interacts with others, learns, and communicates. It involves what used to be called Asperger syndrome and pervasive developmental disorders. In this article, we are going to learn some facts about ASD.
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) meaning a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that impacts how people learn, behave, communicate, and socially interact. People may have characteristic and repetitive patterns of behavior or even narrow interests. Not everyone who has ASD may include these symptoms, which are usually present from early childhood and impact regular functioning. Both adults and children can have ASD.
The word “spectrum” implies the broad range of skills, symptoms, and levels of disability in operation that can happen in people with ASD. Some adults and children with ASD are completely able to perform all chores of daily living while others need substantial help to perform basic tasks. Thinking and learning can range from being highly gifted to requiring severe help. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which was published in 2013 includes childhood disintegrative disorder, Asperger syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorders not otherwise mentioned (PDD-NOS) as part of ASD rather than as different disorders. A diagnosis of ASD involves an assessment of intellectual disability and also language impairment.
ASD happens in every ethnic and racial group, and across all socioeconomic ranges. However, boys are prominently more likely to develop ASD in comparison to girls.
6 Key Factors Of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Now that you know what exactly is an Autism Spectrum Disorder, let us have a look at some of the key factors of ASD.
1. It affects each person differently
Autism is also popular as a spectrum disorder. That is because not everyone who suffers from autism has the exact similar symptoms with the same severity. However, there are some prominent symptom areas that people with ASD have. These involve issues with social communication, such as avoiding eye contact; facing difficulty with the back and forth of conversation; or having trouble evaluating the points of view of other people. Other Autism Spectrum Disorder symptoms involve repeating several behaviors or having unusual or limited behaviors.
2. Symptoms can change over time
There are some symptoms that can change and may become less or more severe as people with ASD age. Symptoms can also alter with medication or behavioral intervention.
3. ASD isn't specific to one race or ethnicity
Autism happens in individuals of all racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds. People who have older parents, a sibling having ADS, or a genetic syndrome like the Down syndrome are more prone to be diagnosed with this disease. Also as stated before, boys are four times more likely in comparison to girls to be diagnosed with ASD.
4. There is still much to learn
While scientists do not know the exact reason for ASD, research predicts that genes can act together with environmental mechanisms to impact development in ways that can lead to ASD. That is why researchers funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are operating to better evaluate the condition and diagnose it soonest.
5. ASD isn't a weakness
While people suffering from autism do experience many obstacles, they can also have great strengths. These are performing well in math, science, and the arts; remembering specific details for a long span of time; and being strong learners.
6. It's a lifelong journey
While individuals are often diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder as children, they are impacted throughout their lives. That is why NIH also funds research to evaluate how to best support those with ASD as they turn adults; for instance, by helping them to enter the workforce and also live independently.
Do Symptoms Of Autism Spectrum Disorder Change Over Time?
In the case of many children, symptoms enhance with age and behavioral treatment. During adolescence, some children who have ASD may become depressed or can go through behavioral issues, and their treatment may require some modification as they enter adulthood. People with ASD usually prevail to need services and support as they get older, but as per the severity of the disorder, people with ASD may be able to function successfully and live independently or within a supportive space.
Conclusion: Its Treatments
Presently there is no cure for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Behavioral interventions and therapies are designed to remedy some of the symptoms and can substantially enhance those symptoms. Some symptoms can also be treated with medication. The perfect Autism Spectrum Disorder treatment plan coordinates interventions and therapies that meet the specific requirements of the individual. Most health care experts agree that the faster the intervention, the better.
