In the past, medical professionals believed that autism or related developmental problems might be divided into several forms. Since these symptoms are included in the spectrum of autistic spectrum disorders, the following labels are no longer used:
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Asperger’s syndrome. On IQ tests, children with Asperger syndrome typically receive average or above-average scores. However, they could have a limited range of interests and struggle with social skills.
autism. This is what most people think of when they hear the term “autism.” For kids under three, it impacts play, social connections, and communication.
disintegrative condition in children. After at least two years of ordinary growth, children with this disease lose some or most of their social and communicative abilities.
Atypical autism or pervasive developmental disability (PDD). If your child doesn’t fall into another group yet exhibits certain autistic behaviors, such as impairments in social and communication abilities, your doctor may use this phrase.
Why Do People Get Autism?
It’s unclear exactly why autism occurs. It could be caused by issues with the areas of your brain that process language and interpret sensory information.
People of any race, nationality, or social background can develop autism. A child’s likelihood of developing autism is unaffected by family wealth, lifestyle, or educational attainment. However, a few risk factors are as follows:
Having elder parents during birth
being male or born with a male gender assignment. Boys are four times as likely than females to have autism.
An autistic sibling
Genetic disorders such as Rett, Down, and fragile X syndromes
extremely low birth weight
Is autism inherited?
A child’s risk may be increased by specific gene combinations since autism runs in families. Autism may be caused by changes in over 1,000 genes. However, not all of them have expert confirmation. Between 40% and 80% of an individual’s risk of autism can be influenced by genetic factors.
The mix of your genes, environment, parents’ ages, and any birth defects determines your total risk.
About 2% to 4% of individuals with autism are likely to have an uncommon gene mutation or chromosomal problem as their only cause. This often occurs in disorders, such as mutations in the ADNP gene, that also affect other sections of the body. A person with ADNP syndrome will have certain facial characteristics in addition to autistic symptoms.
Brain development is linked to a large number of the genes implicated with autism. This might be the reason why communication, cognitive, or socialization problems are common in autistic symptoms.
Autism and vaccines
Autism is not brought on by vaccines. Studies have revealed that there is no connection between the two, despite the fact that some individuals worry that they do. Experts have examined the safety of eight adult and pediatric vaccinations. They discovered that, with very few exceptions, they are quite safe. Other research has examined the components of many vaccinations and has not shown any connection to autism. Any possible hazards are greatly outweighed by the health advantages of vaccinations in avoiding disease.
Testing for Autism
Obtaining a definitive diagnosis of autism can be challenging. Your physician will concentrate on growth and behavior.
Diagnosing children often involves two phases.
Your doctor can determine if your kid is on track with fundamental skills including learning, speaking, behavior, and movement by conducting a developmental test. During routine checks at 9, 18, and 24 or 30 months of age, experts advise doctors to assess children for these developmental delays. Children are often examined by pediatricians for autism at their 18- and 24-month checks.
Your kid will require a more thorough review if these screens reveal any indications of a problem. Even without a recommendation from a physician, you can ask your state’s early intervention agency to conduct an autism examination for your kid. To determine if your kid has autism, a qualified specialist—typically a developmental-behavioral pediatrician or child psychologist—will examine a variety of factors. The specialist will interview you extensively on the behavior, communication, and growth of your child. Additionally, they will employ several assessments to gauge your child’s cognitive, linguistic, and self-help (feeding, dressing, and using the restroom) skills. The expert will watch how your youngster behaves. Based on your concerns and your kid’s symptoms, an occupational therapist and speech-language pathologist may also evaluate your child. Additionally, your physician can suggest genetic or hearing and vision testing. These elements aid in the team’s accurate diagnosis.
Speak with your doctor if you were not given an autism diagnosis as a kid but you see symptoms that are interfering with your life. To help you understand your symptoms and determine whether you have autism, you could be sent to an autism expert.
See your physician if you exhibit symptoms but were not given an autism diagnosis as a kid. To help you understand your symptoms and determine whether you have autism, you could be sent to an autism expert.
What to do following a diagnosis of autism
To feel your best after receiving a diagnosis of autism, follow these steps:
Give yourself enough time to comprehend the diagnosis. You may experience a variety of feelings. Be aware that you can ask your doctor for assistance. Even after receiving a diagnosis, you can carry on with your regular routine.
Finish your homework. Articles regarding autism are available for you to read. Although there is a wealth of material available, you only need to consult a few reliable sites to begin learning about your diagnosis.
Pay attention to those with autism. To learn more about the disease, you can utilize a variety of blogs, books, and videos. You may learn more about autism by listening to people with the condition tell their stories.
Obtain the assistance you require. Seek help if you or your kid feel isolated after receiving an autism diagnosis. You can manage a diagnosis with the aid of national advocacy groups, support groups, your doctor, other autistic individuals on social media, or your school, workplace, or college.
Watch for other health problems. Although autism is not a disease, many individuals with autism may also have other diseases such as dyslexia, ADHD, and others. See your physician and discuss any concerns you may have regarding your health or the health of your kid.