Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disorder that is usually diagnosed at a young age. The disorder could affect an individual’s social interactions and performance at school and at the workplace. While there is no clear cause for the development of autism spectrum disorder, there are a number of risk factors that could lead to the development of the disorder.
What is autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Therapists, mental health professionals, and health professionals use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to make their diagnosis. The latest addition, the 5th edition, was published in 2013. This manual is referred to as the DSM-V. Previous editions of the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders identified different subtypes of autism. These subtypes included Asperger's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder. The DSM-V no longer recognizes these subtypes of autism; instead, it defines autism as a spectrum disorder. Autism is referred to as a spectrum disorder because the severity of symptoms and the types of symptoms vary widely.What are the main symptoms of autism spectrum disorder
- The individual shows limited social abilities which include and affects communication, interpersonal relationship, and social interactions. These deficits are present across different environments and situations.
- Repetition of a restricted set of behavioral patterns, interests, and activities. The patterns, interest, and activities should include at least two of the following:
- The repetition of motor movements, use of objects, or speech. This could include echolalia (repetition of others' words) and quirky phrases.
- Insistence on consistency, uncompromising observance of routines, and ritualized patterns of verbal and non-verbal behavior.
- Interests are limited and carry an abnormal amount of intensity and focus.
- The person is either profoundly affected or completely under affected by sensory input. This could also include a keen and unusual interest being shown to specific objects.
- The symptoms should be present from a young age but could only become clearly observed once the social demands are more significant than the individual's capabilities.
- The symptoms should cause significant impairment in functioning that includes socializing and occupational functions.
- All other potential reasons for the impairment should be ruled out. This includes intellectual developmental disorder or a developmental delay that might have affected a larger group of individuals.
What do the symptoms look like
Because autism is a spectrum disorder, signs and symptoms could vary from person to person. Here are a few examples of behavior that could indicate autism spectrum disorder .- Avoiding looking at or listening to people.
- Not making eye contact, or if eye contact is made, doing so inconsistently.
- Struggling with back and forth conversation.
- Does not share the enjoyment of things and activities by involving others.
- Not responding, or responding very slowly when someone calls their name or tries to get their attention verbally.
- Getting upset by small changes or deviations from a routine.
- Repetitive behaviors, or engaging an unusual behavior like the repetition of words or phrases.
- Either being more or less sensitive to sensory input than other people. This includes lights, noise clothing, or temperature.