Autism spectrum disorder

What is autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurobiologically based neurodevelopmental disorder with a prevalence of 1 in 36 people and a clear predominance in males.

It is characterized by deficits in social cognition and communication, restricted interests and stereotyped behaviors and is associated with sensory dysfunctions, other neurodevelopmental conditions, neuropsychiatric disorders, epilepsy and/or sleep disorders, and restrictive and repetitive patterns of behavior.

Neurodevelopmental disorders encompass a diverse set of conditions, each with its own clinical presentation. However, they share an early origin in the development of the nervous system, which can be influenced by genetic, environmental factors or a combination of both, and which disrupts the complex sequences involved in typical brain development.

This condition will accompany people throughout their lives and just one of the great challenges is the social and the daily issues of the day.

Warning signs of autism spectrum disorder

Signs of autism spectrum disorder include communication difficulties, such as the absence of babbling or words at 12 months of age and a lack of interest in social interaction. Repeated behaviors, such as movement patterns or game patterns, such as rocking or a.

Lack of eye contact and lack of response when called by name are indicators. In addition, social isolation, such as showing little interest in playing with other children and preferring solitary activities, is also a cause for alertness.

Between six and twelve months they can present an atypical interest in their hands and focus on static objects in their environment, can demonstrate lack of interest in games and mobile objects, and present a backwardness of expressive and receptive language.

Common comorbid conditions such as problems with sleep and motor function, as well as association with epilepsy, attention deficit, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder, among others, often exist.

ASD is grouped around a triad of symptoms

• Persistent disabilities in social interaction The ability to communicate with others The ability to communicate with others The ability to communicate with each other
• Persistent deficiencies in social communication:
• Restrictive and repetitive browns of behavior, interests or activities.

Autism spectrum disorder is diagnosed based on the simultaneous presence of these three characteristics. These appear at an early age (before 36 months), because interviews with parents are necessary to confirm their presence within the first three years of life.

It is important to note that this diagnostic criterion makes autism a behaviorally characterized condition. There is no clear and definitive biological marker for autism; instead, an observational assessment of these specific social, communicative, and cognitive patterns is required through dimensions such as social interaction, language, and the presence of restricted or repetitive behaviors.

Treatment for autism spectrum disorder

The goal of treatment is to maximize your ability to perform by reducing symptoms of the disorder and supporting development and learning. Early intervention during preschool years can help you learn fundamental behavioral, communication, functional, and social skills.

Behavioral and communication therapies

 Many programs address the variety of social, language and behavioral difficulties associated with autism spectrum disorder. Some programss focus on reducing problematic behaviors and teaching new skills. Others focus on teaching them how to act in social situations or how to communicate better with others.  Applied behavior analysis can help children learn new skills and generalize them to various situations through a reward-based motivation system.

Educational therapies.

Often, they respond well to the educational programmes. very structured. These consist of a group of specialists and a variety of activities to improve social skills, communication and behavior. Preschool-age children receiving intensive and individualized behavioural interventions in general show good progress.

Family therapies.

 Parents and other family members can learn to play and interact with their children in ways that promote social interaction skills, control problematic behaviors, and teach them skills and communication in everyday life.

Other therapies.

Conversation therapy to improve communication skills, occupational therapy to learn daily life activities and physiotherapy to improve movement and balance. A psychologist can recommend ways to address problematic behaviors.

Medicines

No medicine can improve the central signs of autism spectrum disorder, but some specific medications can help control symptoms. . For example, certain medications may be prescribed if it is hyperactive; sometimes antipsychotic drugs are used to treat serious behavioral problems; and antidepressants may be prescribed to treat anxiety. Medicines should always be prescribed by a doctor.

MSc: Mariela Garrido Soto