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Autism 101

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder affecting communication and behavior. Autism can be diagnosed at any age. It is considered a developmental disorder because symptoms generally surface in the first two years of a child’s life.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a guide created by the American Psychiatric Association used to diagnose mental disorders, people with ASD typically have:

Difficulty with communication and interaction with other people
Limited interests and repetitive behaviors
Symptoms that negatively impact the person’s ability to function properly in school, work, and other areas of life

Autism is a spectrum disorder because there is a wide variation in the severity and type of symptoms people exhibit. ASD exists in all racial, ethnic, and economic groups.

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What Causes Autism?

In 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a new estimate that increased the prevalence of ASD to one in 36 children in the United States. This represents a 15% increase from an estimate two years previous of one in 68 children.

We do not definitively know the root cause of autism. We do know there is no single cause. Scientists believe both genetic and environmental influences likely play a role in the development of ASD. These influences appear to increase the risk a child will develop autism.

It is important to note that an increased risk is not the same as cause. Some gene changes currently associated with autism can also be found in people who don’t have ASD. Not everyone exposed to an environmental risk factor for ASD will develop the disorder. In fact, most will not.

Genetic Risk Factors:

Research suggests ASD tends to run in families. Changes in certain genes increase the risk a child will develop autism. If a parent carries one or more of these genes, it may get passed to a child (even if the parent does not have Autism).
In other instances, the genetic changes spontaneously arise in an early embryo or the sperm and/or egg combining to create the embryo.
It is important to note the majority of these gene changes do not cause autism by themselves.

Environmental Risk Factors:

Advanced parent age (either parent).
Pregnancy and birth complications (e.g. extreme prematurity, low birthweight, multiple pregnancies).
It is important to note the majority of these gene changes do not cause autism by themselves.

Signs of Autism

People with ASD often have difficulty with social communication and interaction, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors.

See below for some examples of the behaviors seen in people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Please note that not all people with ASD will demonstrate all behaviors, but most will show several.

Social Communication/Interaction Behavior Signs

Tending not to look at or listen to people who are speaking.
Making minimal or inconsistent eye contact.
Failing to, or being slow to, respond to someone calling their name or other verbal attempts to gain attention
Having difficulties with back and forth communication.
Rarely showing enjoyment in objects or activities by pointing or showing things to others.
Talking at length about a subject without noticing others are not interested or without giving others a chance to respond
Displaying facial expressions, gestures, and movements that do not match or complement with what is being said
Using an abnormal tone of voice sounding flat and robot-like or sing-song
Having trouble comprehending another person’s point of view or being unable to predict or understand other people’s actions.

Restrictive/Repetitive Behaviors Signs

Displaying a lasting and intense interest in certain topics such as numbers, facts, or details.
Having overly focused interests such as moving objects or certain parts of objects.
Repeating certain behaviors or having unusual behaviors such as repeating words or phrases
Being more or less sensitive than other people regarding sensory input such as light, temperature, clothing, or noise.

Although people with ASD experience many challenges, they also tend to have many strengths, including:

Excelling in math, science, art, or music
Being strong visual and auditory learners
Being able to learn things in specific detail and remember information for extended periods

For more on the signs of autism, visit some additional resources of ours here:

How to Diagnose Autism

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all children be screened for autism. Screening for autism at an early age gives families the support they need to help their children succeed in life. All parents and caregivers should talk to a doctor about autism and schedule an evaluation to diagnose autism early.

If you notice anything different about your child’s typical developmental milestones or other behavioral or social issues, schedule an appointment and discuss what’s going on with your doctor. There are different types of autism, too, such as level 1 autism and non-verbal autism, and a doctor will be able to help diagnose and establish what type of autism your child has.

We created these two guides to help with the before and after of an autism diagnosis: Life Before an Autism Diagnosis and Life After an Autism Diagnosis

Autism Treatment Options

No two children will respond to the same autism treatment or therapy. There is no cure for autism, and treatment is not intended to “cure” autism. Ascend Autism focuses on therapies that help manage symptoms and help improve a child’s quality of life.

Autism therapy varies from child to child and should be supported by your doctor and treatment team once your child is evaluated and diagnosed. By ensuring your child gets the best treatment option for their case of autism, you can help them grow and learn the skills they need to interact with you, your family, and the world around them.

If you want to learn more about some of the most common autism therapy options, we’ve created these resources to get you started:

This is not an exhaustive list, and new therapy options are being studied and used throughout the world to help those diagnosed with ASD.

If you need help finding autism treatment options, our guide here will help.

Autism Support for Parents

Children aren’t the only ones who need love and support when dealing with autism. Parents need it, too. Parental support comes from you and your partner, your family, your friends, and the social circle you have around you. There are a variety of resources we’ve put together to help support you as well:

Learning More About Autism is Just a Click Away

If your child is facing an autism diagnosis, learning as much as you can to support them is critical to their development. Ascend Autism will continue to provide relevant content, guides, and resources for families to help their children thrive. Now that you know what autism is, the different therapy options, and more, you’ll feel confident in the next steps you take with your child, their doctor, and their treatment team as you look to their future.

Get Started

The conversation starts with you. We listen and will help you think things through, adding an unmatched level of expertise and caring guidance so you can help your child find their way. Speak with us today.

Get in Touch with Ascend Autism!

877.323.8668

info@ascendautism.com

Ascend Autism is elevating the outcomes of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (“ASD”).

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