Autism Spectrum Disorder (or ASD) is a developmental disability. It is characterized by impairments in reciprocal social interaction, in verbal and non verbal communication, and the presence of a pattern of repetitive, stereotypic activities.
The term spectrum is used because every person with Autism is different from each other.
This term as a category is used when there is impairment in the development of reciprocal social interaction or verbal and nonverbal communication skills, or when stereotyped behaviour, interests, and activities are present, but all the criteria for Autism are not met.
ADHD or (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is also known as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)
ADHD is a neurobiological condition of the brain that makes it difficult for children to control their behavior.
Although the cause of Autism is not fully understood, there is a complex genetic component interacting with environmental factors. Researchers throughout the world are looking to identify these factors and explain why autism arises as a spectrum of disorders. Outside of this, explanations such as bad parenting have now been dismissed.
There are no prenatal or carrier state diagnostic tests to diagnose Autism.
In many families, there is a pattern of ASD, suggesting that there is a genetic basis to the disorder. There is some tendency for ASD to cluster in families with the incidence rate amongst siblings 50 times that of the general population.
Studies suggest the prevalence is somewhere between 1 in 36 to 1 in 127 worldwide.The variation is due to the fact that the diagnosis is still not uniform in different countries and regions of the world. In India, the record suggests approx 1 in 65. There has been a large increase in the number of children diagnosed with ASD, particularly those in the high functioning category. This is probably due to a broadening of the criteria for diagnosis, and better diagnostics methods enabling detection at a very young age. The high prevalence of ASD makes it one of the most common developmental disabilities, commoner than cerebral palsy or Down’s syndrome. Yet many in the community lack an understanding of how individuals are affected by it.
Approximately three out of four people with ASD are male. It is not known why this occurs, but this high ratio of boys is consistent with other disorders involving language and learning.
About 30% of children with ASD will also develop epilepsy. The group most likely to develop epilepsy are those children who have a more severe intellectual disability. The onset may occur at any age but most frequently occurs during adolescence.
Treatment for ASD involves a multidisciplinary approach that may include different therapies to address specific symptoms or comorbid conditions. Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition and generally considered a lifelong condition, and strategies focus on improving quality of life.
Behavioural therapy or intervention for autistic individuals is an approach that aims to address and modify specific behaviours associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This type of therapy is based on the principles of applied behaviour analysis (ABA), which is a systematic and evidence-based approach to understanding and changing behaviour.
Early intervention is crucial for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Research suggests that starting interventions as early as possible can lead to better outcomes. Many developmental milestones occur during the early years of life, and targeting these critical periods can have a positive impact on a child’s social, communication, and behavioural skills.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterised by challenges in social communication and behaviour. While there is no known cure for ASD, various interventions, including drug and nutritional therapies, are often used to manage symptoms and improve the overall well-being of individuals with ASD. It’s important to note that the effectiveness of these interventions can vary from person to person, and not all individuals with ASD may benefit from the same approaches.
