Posted: September 5th, 2022

Autism syndrome disorder

Autism syndrome disorder
Introduction
Autism syndrome disorder (ASD) is a condition related to the brain that interferes with perception and social interaction. The condition affects the development of communication and language skills and causes repetitive behaviors such as spinning and handshaking. People living with this condition are aggressive with self-injurious behaviors such as biting their hands and banging their heads.
Causes
Health professionals have not been able to define the exact cause of the condition. However, genetic disorders together with some environmental factors can lead to ASD. Having a sibling living with the condition, low birth weight and older parents create higher chances of getting the disorder. Genetic mutations and disorders such as Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome and Rett syndrome also cause ASD.
Diagnosis
There are two steps of conducting a diagnosis in children. General developmental screening during child checkups and additional evaluation. According to the American Academy of Pediatricians, child’s checkups should be done regularly. It is advisable for a specific autism test to be done on the 9 and 24 months. Children at a higher risk of contracting the condition should undergo more checkups.
If a child depicts developmental problems, they should proceed to additional evaluation. The evaluation stage consists of several experts with knowledge of children’s health. The team should consist of a developmental pediatrician, children psychologist, children physiologist, and a neuropsychologist. The additional evaluation assesses the child’s ability to think, communicate and carry out activities such as eating independently. The diagnosis may include a blood and hearing test too. If it tests positive, health experts should give a formal diagnosis and recommendation for treatment.
Diagnosing ASD in adults is a bit challenging because it can be confused with hyperactivity. A person with the condition has fewer friends, problems understanding voices and body language. If a caregiver, parent or peers identify these symptoms in an individual. They should take the person to a hospital for further diagnosis.
Support
Although there is no permanent cure for people living with ASD, continued support, medication and therapy can help patients improve their body functioning and overcome challenging behaviors. Some symptoms such as aggressiveness, repetitive behavior, hyperactivity, depression, and irritation can be controlled using medication.
Behavioral psychology and educational therapy are given to people living with the condition to help them improve their life skills, build strengths, and learn language and communication skills. Patients can also join an ASD support group where people living with the condition share their experiences and how they control it.
Conclusion
Autism syndrome disorder is a complex brain condition that affects communication and social interaction. People with a sibling living with the condition, genetic mutations and disorders, older parents and low weight at birth are at a higher risk of contracting the condition. Although it does not have a permanent cure it can be controlled through medication, therapy, and support.
References
Sparks, B. F., Friedman, S. D., Shaw, D. W., Aylward, E. H., Echelard, D., Artru, A. A., … & Dager, S. R. (2002). Brain structural abnormalities in young children with autism spectrum disorder. Neurology, 59(2), 184-192.
Christensen, D. L., Braun, K. V. N., Baio, J., Bilder, D., Charles, J., Constantino, J. N., … & Lee, L. C. (2018). Prevalence and characteristics of autism spectrum disorder among children aged 8 years—autism and developmental disabilities monitoring network, 11 sites, United States, 2012. MMWR Surveillance Summaries, 65(13), 1.
Baio, J. (2014). Prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among children aged 8 years-autism and developmental disabilities monitoring network, 11 sites, United States, 2010.

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