Understanding Autism Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Dr.Madhukar Bhardwaj, 3 mins read

Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a term that is used for describing a group of neuro-developmental conditions, as opposed to the common notion that it is an individual disorder. There are also different kinds of autism, all of which can be characterized by alterations in the way individuals communicate and interact with others in social spaces. People with autism often exhibit repeated or restricted interests in things and/ or behavioral patterns. While it is still unclear what causes autism in the brain, it is found across the world, in all people, regardless of their racial background, ethnic buildup, financial condition, and culture. As per findings, autism spectrum disorder is diagnosed more often in boys than in girls and even the symptoms of autism in adults are not the same as those of children. Recent statistical findings point toward a rising incidence of autism; now is this down to more diagnoses due to better testing or worsening environmental factors around us, experts remain divided. Read on to understand what Autism Spectrum Disorder is, and what are the 3 main symptoms and treatments of autism. 

The symptoms of autism:-

The symptoms of autism become evident during early childhood, between 12 and 24 months and there are 3 main symptoms of autism that need to be looked out for: 

A delay in development

Normally, a child will start to coo, make babbling sounds, smile, point at things, roll around and sit up eventually by a certain respective age; these tiny achievements are called milestones. Remember, every child is not the same and while some may achieve their milestones early on, some might take longer, they are all precious and special all the same. 

However, you might consider visiting your paediatrician if your child has shown no facial expressions by the age of nine months if the child has not smiled by the age of six months, has not made any cooing noises, or begun babbling by the age of twelve months, has not pointed or waived at you by the age of one year, and if the child has not begun to speak by the time it is sixteen months old. 

Being Socially Awkward 

While social awkwardness is understandable to some extent, you should take note if you find your child keeping away from you and instead of playing alone, avoiding eye contact with you, not responding to their name being called, preferring to stick to fixed routines and even a slight change upsets them, avoiding physical contact, trouble with feelings or talking about them 

Issues with verbal and nonverbal communication

If you find your child repeating their words, talking in a flat tone without expression, being unable to understand emotions like someone being angry or happy in a conversation with them, or if they find it hard to communicate what they want exactly. 

You should also be aware of some other symptoms, for instance, the regression of milestones, where your child achieves regular milestones by the expected age but loses them completely around the age of 12-18 months. This is most certainly cause for concern.

If your child exhibits an abnormal desire to eat something that is not food, like glue, dirt, clay, ice, or hair. They may also prefer to have only certain foods like spicy or sweet food or a particular color of food.

If your child displays repetitive behaviors like the twitching of the eyelid, head flapping, spinning in circles, twirling, or flapping their hands 

If your child shows extreme agitation and irritation between the ages of 2 to 5 years, throwing tantrums by lying on or banging against the floor. They might even reach unusually and have normal smells and known voices.

The different types of autism:-

Currently, clinicians recognize and diagnose five different autism subtypes, or specifiers and individuals can be diagnosed with one or more of these. 

Autism with or without intellectual impairment accompanying language impairment, if it is caused by a medical or genetic condition and even environmental factors, if it’s associated with another mental, neurodevelopmental, mental, or behavioral disorder, and when it accompanies catatonia are the 5 categories of autism. 

Causes of autism:-

As mentioned, the exact cause of autism is yet unknown and research currently points toward no single cause but suspects a combination of risk factors such as having an immediate family member who has autism, fragile X syndrome, genetic disorders, genetic mutations, low birth rate, being born to older parents, metabolic imbalances, exposure to metals and environmental toxins, fetal exposure to the medications valproic acid or thalidomide (Thalomid) and history of viral infections on your maternal side. It seems a combination of both genetics and environment may determine whether a person develops autism. 

Many screenings, genetic testing, and evaluation are needed to conclusively diagnose autism. We highly advise all parents to have their children go through screening for autism between the ages of eighteen and twenty-four months.

These tests and screenings can identify autism spectrum disorder in children earlier, which in turn can help them by way of support and preparation for the future. 

There is the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, called M-Chat: which is a screening tool many pediatricians use. Parents will need to fill out a questionnaire that will help doctors identify children who may have an increased chance of developing autism.

Please understand that screening is not a diagnosis and children who screen positively for autism will not necessarily have the disease sometimes, screenings are not always able to correctly diagnose every child who’s autistic.

Other screenings and tests:-

A combination of tests for autism such as DNA testing for genetic diseases, visual and audio tests, behavioral evaluation, and other developmental questionnaires may also be used.  

Treatment for Autism:- 

There is no “cure” for autism, but there is supportive therapy that can help people with autism deal with certain symptoms. Behavioral therapy, play therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, a good diet, speech therapy, and massage therapy, all help but results can vary.

Also Read: Common Neurological Disorders