Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects communication, behavior and perception. It is called a “spectrum” because it encompasses a wide range of symptoms and abilities. In this article, we’ll cover the fundamentals of ASD, including what it is, common symptoms, and important statistics.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that usually appears in early childhood. It affects the perception of self and others, behavior, and communication. It can also impact learning, physical sensations, and emotional regulation. ASD often leads to challenges in a person’s personal and social life.
Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder
The symptoms of ASD can vary greatly between people. However, there are some common characteristics that many individuals with autism share.
Social Communication and Interaction
- Challenges with conversational skills, like starting, maintaining the natural flow of, and understanding the social expectations of conversation.
- Nonverbal communication like difficulty using and interpreting gestures, facial expressions, and body language.
- Developing and maintaining relationships, like making friends, interacting cooperatively, or adjusting behavior to suit various social situations.
Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors
- Repetitive movements, like hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning.
- A strong preference for routine and distress over changes or disruptions.
- Intense interests, with a deep focus on specific topics or activities, often to the exclusion of other interests.
Sensory Issues
- Over- or under-responsiveness to lights, sounds, textures, tastes and smells.
- Trouble with balance, and interpreting physical cues like hunger, pain and movement.
Causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder
While the exact causes of ASD are not fully understood, researchers believe that both genetic and environmental factors play a significant role.
- Family history. Research suggests that ASD has a genetic component. People who have a sibling with autism are 10x more likely to have it, too.
- Genetic mutations. Certain gene mutations, like Fragile X Syndrome, may increase the occurrence of autism.
- Older parental age, premature birth, pregnancy complications, and environmental pollution have been suggested as potential risk factors. However, more research is needed.
Autism in Adults
ASD is commonly discussed in the context of children and less about what happens when they become adults (or, for adults just discovering they have it). ASD can affect adults in multiple ways:
- Trouble staying organized.
- Difficulty with social and professional interactions.
- A preference for working and doing hobbies alone.
- Difficulty consistently doing daily tasks, like chores, managing finances and attending appointments.
- Struggle to adapt to change, and significant emotional distress when it happens.
Not all adults with ASD struggle in these areas. But those who do may require additional help, like assisted living, a support worker, medication, ongoing therapy, etc.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Statistics
Prevalence and Gender Differences
Rate of occurrence. Approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with ASD.
Gender differences. Males are reported to be four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than females. However, this statistic may be biased as females may display symptoms differently.
Age of Diagnosis
Median age. The median age of diagnosis in the U.S. is 4 years old, though some children are diagnosed earlier.
Quality of Life
- Only about 14% of adults with ASD hold full-time, paid employment.
- Mental health. Individuals with ASD have higher rates of co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
- Suicide rates. The rate of attempted and completed suicides is significantly higher than the general population. In a UK study, up to 35% with ASD had attempted suicide at some point.
Common Misconceptions About Autism Spectrum Disorder
All individuals with autism have intellectual disabilities
Autism is not synonymous with intellectual disability. While some people with ASD may have intellectual challenges, others have average or above-average intelligence.
Autism is a result of poor parenting
This is a harmful myth. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that is not caused by parenting styles or actions.
All people experience autism in the same way
As a spectrum disorder, autism manifests uniquely in each individual. People with autism have diverse strengths, abilities, and challenges.
Autism can be cured
There is currently no cure for autism. However, early intervention and supportive therapies can help individuals develop skills and strategies to navigate their world more effectively.
Vaccines cause autism
Vaccines do not cause autism. This myth came from two fraudulent studies in the 1990s (from the same researcher), in which the data was misrepresented. These studies were retracted from the scientific record. Many studies have been done to validate the safety of vaccines, and it has been determined that they do not cause autism.
Supporting People with Autism
Understanding and acceptance are key to supporting individuals with ASD. Here are some ways to provide effective support:
- Get educated. Learn about autism and share accurate information to dispel myths.
- Be patient and kind. Recognize that social and communication challenges are part of ASD, and try not to take it personally.
- Encourage inclusive practices. Foster environments that accommodate diverse needs, such as sensory-friendly spaces and clear, direct communication.
- Advocate for early intervention and therapies that address communication, social skills, and behavioral strategies.
Sources
https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352928
https://www.autism-society.org/what-is/facts-and-statistics/
(https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4381277/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4164392/
https://www.verywellhealth.com/why-high-functioning-autism-is-so-challenging-259951