Let's talk about Autism

What is Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention.

Some people with ASD have a known difference, such as a genetic condition. Other causes are not yet known. Scientists believe there are multiple causes of ASD that act together to change the most common ways people develop. We still have much to learn about these causes and how they impact people with ASD.

People with ASD may behave, communicate, interact, and learn in ways that are different from most other people. There is often nothing about how they look that sets them apart from other people. The abilities of people with ASD can vary significantly. For example, some people with ASD may have advanced conversations skills whereas others may be nonverbal. Some people with ASD need a lot of help in their daily lives; others can work and live with little to no support.

Autism detection

ASD begins before the age of 3 years and can last throughout a person's life, although symptoms may improve over time. Some children show ASD symptoms within the first 12 months of life. In others, symptoms may not show up until 24 months of age or later. Some children with ASD gain new skills and meet developmental milestones until around 18 to 24 months of age, and then they stop gaining new skills or loose the skills they once had.

As children with ASD become adolescents and young adults, they may have difficulties developing and maintaining friendships, communicating with peers and adults, or understanding what behaviors are expected in school or on the job. They may come to the attention of healthcare providers because they also have conditions such as anxiety, depression, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, which occur more often in people with ASD than in people without ASD.

Diagnosis

ASD is difficult to diagnose because there is no medical test, such as blood test, to do so. To make a diagnosis, doctors examine the child's behavior and development. ASD can be detected as early as 18 months of age. A diagnosis from an experienced professional can be considered reliable by the age of two, however, many children do not receive a final diagnosis until they are much older. Some people do not receive diagnosis until they are teenagers or adults. Because of this delay, people with ASD may not receive the necessary early intervention.

There are visible signs of Autism that can be detected on your child by yourself and that you can discuss with your doctor. You can check a list of those signs on our recommended post "Do you see signs of Autism in your Child?".

Information taken from U.S Department of Health and Human Services (CDC)

www.cdc.gov

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