Autism is generally confused as a behavioral disorder based on its challenges in behavior, but it is a complex developmental disorder affecting social communication and interaction.
Research shows that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is highly heritable and has a worldwide prevalence of under 1% but these estimates are more in high-income countries.
Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disorder that affects social, communication, and behavioral patterns. The core features of Autism is seen in social interaction and repetitive, restricted motor, and sensory behaviors. As defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5), ASD is associated with symptoms that include “persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts” and “restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.” Although the diagnosis of autism can be done at any age, symptoms start appearing in the first two years of growth; which is why it is categorized as a “developmental” disorder. The term “spectrum” in ASD denotes the wide range in the severity and type of symptoms that could be experienced, which can be understood better after psychological evaluations. ASD can be comorbid with several other disorders, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Signs and symptoms:
The list of signs and symptoms below give examples of varying behaviors in social interaction and restricted, repetitive behaviors of individuals diagnosed with ASD. Not all symptoms will be seen in all individuals with ASD, but most will show several behavioral patterns.
Social interaction behaviors may include:
-
Eye contact is little or unstable
-
Tendencies of not listening to people
-
Rare gestures of pointing or showing things to others to express enjoyment of objects
-
Slow or no response to someone calling their name or alternative verbal attempts to grasp the attention
-
Difficulties with leading the conversation back and forth
-
Not noticing if others are interested in their topic of conversation; also not giving others a chance to respond
-
Lack of appropriateness in facial expressions, gestures, and movement to the context of the conversation
-
The tone of voice is not usual with a voice that may be heard as sing-song or robot-like
-
Difficulty in understanding other person’s viewpoint and unable to understand other’s actions
Restrictive and repetitive behaviors may include:
-
Repetition in certain or unusual behaviors, like repeating words or phrases (echolalia)
-
A constant interest in topics such as numbers, facts, or particular details
-
Overly focused interest with moving objects or parts of it
-
Hindrance in routine (even slight changes) causing them to be upset
-
Sensory inputs could be more or less than other people, like noise, light, temperature
Individuals with ASD could also experience sleep disturbances and irritability. Despite experiences several challenges, individuals with ASD may have some distinctive strengths such as:
-
Retaining information for a long period and learning things in detail
-
Strong visual and auditory learners
-
Excellent in science, music, math, or art
Treatment of ASD :
Research suggests that early intervention services can help improve a child’s symptoms and the developmental process of learning important skills, from birth to the age of 3 years. The precise cure for ASD is still under research, but psychosocial interventions and therapy can reduce behaviors and help with social communication to a large extent; Special Education, Speech and Language Therapy, and Occupational Therapy are some areas that would benefit the child resulting in improved independence and quality of life, over time. Looking at Autism as a neurodiversity that needs to be understood, as opposed to being managed, can help understand the individual’s potential. Some children may show behavioral needs more than others, where a Clinical Psychologist could recommend the child to an Adolescent Psychiatrist.
Importance of Professional Counseling: A friend or family member may listen to you, but they aren’t professionally, technically qualified or experienced to offer you professional advice. If you wish you can contact us at MindTribe to receive help from our team of expert psychologists.
About MindTribe.in.
MindTribe Founder Dr. Prerna Kohli, India’s eminent psychologist, established the company to leverage the strength of the online to make counseling affordable and accessible to everyone. MindTribe provides counseling, workshops, support groups, forums, and eLearning.
About the Author.
Jumana Attaree is a psychologist at MindTribe.in. You can learn more about her by clicking here
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of MindTribe.in, the Founders, or management team.
Acknowledgement: All images used are open source and from Unsplash.