What is Autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

oIs a broad term used to describe a group of neurodevelopmental
disorders.
oThese disorders are characterized by problems with communication
and social interaction. People with ASD often demonstrate restricted,
repetitive, and stereotyped interests or patterns of behavior.
oIt’s a developmental disability that affects the way people
communicate, behave, or interact with others.
oASD is found in individuals around the world, regardless of race,
culture, or economic background. According to the 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source,
autism does occur more often in boys than in girls, with a 4 to 1
male-to-female ratio.
oHalf of parents of children with ASD noticed issues by the time their
child reached 12 months, and between 80% and 90% noticed
problems by 2 years. Children with ASD will have symptoms
throughout their lives, but it’s possible for them to get better as they
get older.
Types of Autism Spectrum Disorders
o Asperger's syndrome.
 These children don't have a problem with language; in fact, they
tend to score in the average or above-average range on intelligence
tests. But they have social problems and a narrow scope of interests.
oAutistic disorder. 
This is what most people think of when they hear the word
"autism." It refers to problems with social interactions,
communication, and play in children younger than 3 years.
Types of Autism Spectrum Disorders
oChildhood disintegrative disorder. 
These children have typical development for at least 2 years and
then lose some or most of their communication and social skills.
oPervasive developmental disorder (PDD or atypical autism). 
Your doctor might use this term if your child has some autistic
behavior, like delays in social and communications skills, but doesn’t
fit into another category.
What causes autism?
Some of the suspected risk factors for autism include:
o having an immediate family member with autism
o genetic mutations
o fragile X syndrome and other genetic disorders
o being born to older parents
o low birth weight
o metabolic imbalances
What causes autism?
Some of the suspected risk factors for autism include:
oexposure to heavy metals and environmental toxins
o a history of viral infections
o fetal exposure to the medications valproic acid (Depakene) or
thalidomide (Thalomid)
o Pregnant women who are exposed to certain drugs or chemicals, like 
alcohol or anti-seizure medications
o maternal metabolic conditions such as diabetes and obesity
Spotting Signs and Symptoms

Make an appointment with your child’s pediatrician if they don’t

meet these specific developmental milestones, or if they meet but
lose them later on:
o Smiles by 6 months
o Imitates facial expressions or sounds by 9 months
oCoos or babbles by 12 months
Spotting Signs and Symptoms

o Gestures (points or waves) by 14 months

o Speaks with single words by 16 months and uses phrases of two
words or more by 24 months
o Plays pretend or “make-believe” by 18 months
Social Skills
These may include any of the following:
o They don't respond to their name by their first birthday.
o Playing, sharing, or talking with other people don’t interest them.
o They prefer to be alone.
o They avoid or reject physical contact.
Social Skills
o They avoid eye contact.
o When they’re upset, they don’t like to be comforted.
o They don’t understand emotions -- their own or others’.
o They may not stretch out their arms to be picked up or guided with
walking.
Communication
Most have some problems with communication, including these:
o Delayed speech and language skills
o Flat, robotic speaking voice, or singsong voice
o Echolalia (repeating the same phrase over and over)
o Problems with pronouns (saying “you” instead of “I,” for example)
Communication
o Not using or rarely using common gestures (pointing or waving),
and not responding to them
o Inability to stay on topic when talking or answering questions
o Not recognizing sarcasm or joking
Patterns of Behavior

o Repetitive behaviors like hand-flapping, rocking, jumping, or

twirling
o Constant moving (pacing) and “hyper” behavior
o Fixations on certain activities or objects
o Specific routines or rituals (and getting upset when a routine is
changed, even slightly)
o Extreme sensitivity to touch, light, and sound
Patterns of Behavior

o Not taking part in “make-believe” play or imitating others’

behaviors
o Fussy eating habits
o Lack of coordination, clumsiness
o Impulsiveness (acting without thinking)
o Aggressive behavior, both with self and others
o Short attention span
Autism Screening and Diagnosis

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends

developmental and behavioral screening for all children during
regular well-child visits at these ages:
o 9 months
o 18 months
o 30 months
In addition, AAP recommends that all children be screened
specifically for ASD during regular well-child doctor visits at:
o 18 months
o 24 months
Additional screening might be needed if a child is at high risk for ASD
(e.g., having a sister, brother or other family member with an ASD) or
if behaviors sometimes associated with ASD are present.
Variety of Screeners
oThe Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, or M-CHAT
oChildhood Autism Rating Scale
oAges and Stages Questionnaire
oThe Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children, or
STAT
Diagnostic test
o Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, or the ADOS-2
o For kids older than thirty months, there are modules that include
more conversation, according to the child’s language level
o Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales (CSBS)
How is autism treated?
Many treatment approaches involve therapies such as:
o behavioral therapy
o play therapy
o occupational therapy
ophysical therapy
ospeech therapy
oMassages, weighted blankets and clothing, and 
meditation techniques may also induce relaxing effects.
Alternative treatments

o high-dose vitamins
o chelation therapy, which involves flushing metals from the body
o hyperbaric oxygen therapy
o melatonin to address sleep issues
Tips For Parents
o Learn as much as possible about autism spectrum disorder
o Provide consistent structure and routine
o Connect with other parents of children with autism
o Seek professional help for specific concerns
o Take time for yourself and other family members