Autism spectrum

The autism spectrum or autistic spectrum encompasses a range of neurodegenerative conditions, including autism and Asperger syndrome, generally known as autism spectrum disorders or autistic spectrum disorders (ASD).

Clinical features

Individuals on the autistic spectrum typically experience difficulties with social communication and interaction and may also exhibit restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.

Symptoms

Symptoms are typically recognized between one and two years of age in boys. However, many children are not diagnosed until they are older. It is also common for diagnosis to be received as an adolescent or as an adult.

Pathophysiology

Autism spectrum disorder, also known as ASD, is a form of developmental disability that is brought on by changes in the brain. Some individuals who have autism spectrum disorder are recognized to have a difference, such as a genetic disease. Other factors are a mystery at this point. Researchers have hypothesized that there may be more than one factor that contributes to the development of autism spectrum disorder, and that these factors may interact with one another. We have a lot more to understand about these reasons and how they affect persons who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Neurodegenerative condition

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodegenerative condition that causes people to behave, speak, interact, and learn in ways that are distinct from the majority of other people. There is typically nothing about their appearance that distinguishes them from the appearance of other people. Ability levels might vary greatly among individuals who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). For instance, some individuals with ASD may have highly developed conversational skills, whereas others with the disorder may be nonverbal. Some persons who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) require a great deal of assistance in their day-to-day life, while others with the condition are able to work and live with little to no assistance.

Onset

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) typically manifests itself before the age of three and may continue throughout a person's entire life, despite the fact that some symptoms may become less severe as time passes. Some youngsters show indications of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) within the first year of their lives. In other cases, the manifestation of symptoms might not take place until 24 months of age or later. Some children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continue to acquire new skills and reach developmental milestones until they are between the ages of 18 and 24 months, at which point they either cease acquiring new skills or lose the skills they previously have.

Social interactions

When children who have autism spectrum disorder grow into teens and young adults, they may have difficulty forming and maintaining friendships, communicating with peers and adults, or understanding what actions are required of them at school or on the job. They may attract the attention of healthcare practitioners due to the fact that they also suffer from disorders such as anxiety, depression, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, all of which are more prevalent in persons who have ASD than in people who do not have ASD.

Communication

People who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently struggle with social communication and engagement, as well as restricted or repetitive interests or actions. People who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may also have distinct approaches to learning, movement, or paying attention. These features have the potential to make life exceedingly difficult. It is essential to keep in mind that some persons who do not have autism spectrum disorder may also have some of these symptoms.

Diagnosis

Due to the absence of a reliable diagnostic medical test, such as a blood test, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be challenging to diagnose. When making a diagnosis, doctors consider the child's behavior as well as their overall development. Autism spectrum disorder can sometimes be identified in children as young as 18 months of age. A reliable diagnosis can be made after the age of 2 if it is performed by an experienced specialist. 1 On the other hand, a definitive diagnosis is not given to a lot of youngsters until they are a lot older. Some people do not receive a diagnosis until they are in their teenage years or even later. Because of this delay, individuals who have ASD may not receive the early intervention they require.

Treatment

The current treatments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) focus on alleviating symptoms that get in the way of daily functioning and overall quality of life. Because ASD manifests itself uniquely in each individual, those who have autism face their own specific set of advantages and disadvantages as well as treatment requirements that are one-of-a-kind. Treatment plans typically involve a team of healthcare professionals and are adapted to each patient's specific needs.

Risk factors

1. Autism Spectrum Disorder is not caused by a single factor. A child's environment, biology, and even their genes can all play a role in increasing their risk of developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which has led to the discovery of a wide variety of risk factors.
2. Even though we have a limited understanding of the factors that cause autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the information that we do have suggests that the following may place children at a greater risk of having ASD:
3. Having a sibling who suffers from ASD
4. Being afflicted with particular genetic or chromosomal disorders, such as fragile X syndrome or tuberous sclerosis, for example
5. encountering difficulties during one's delivery
6. being born to parents of a more advanced age

Prevalence

• Since the year 2000, the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network of the CDC has been conducting an annual estimate of the number of children in the United States who are 8 years old and have ASD.
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects people of every race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background. It affects boys more frequently than it does girls more than four times as often.

Autism spectrum Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? WikiMD's DocFinder can help find general and specialist physicians.	Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials.