Autism, a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, is characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Its spectrum ranges from mild to severe, affecting each individual differently. Despite its popularity, autism remains widely misunderstood, leading to widespread ignorance and misconceptions. Many people lack awareness of the many characteristics and challenges associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This lack of understanding can lead to stigma, discrimination and barriers to accessing essential services and supports for people with autism. Furthermore, societal misconceptions often perpetuate stereotypes, hindering acceptance and inclusion. Increased education and advocacy efforts are critical to raise awareness, foster understanding, and promote acceptance of people with autism in communities around the world. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve outcomes, helping people with autism thrive and reach their full potential. Supportive therapies, such as behavioral interventions and educational programs, aim to address core symptoms and enhance social skills. Increasing awareness and acceptance is vital to promoting understanding and inclusion in society for individuals with autism. We spoke to Dr. Natasha Tipnis, Consultant, Neurologist & Epilepsy Specialist- Jaslok Hospital & Research Center, Mumbai about autism spectrum disorder, what causes it this and related instructions for parents. What is autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn and behave. Autism is more common in boys than girls. How is ASD diagnosed?i) ASD is diagnosed using DSM-V criteria which require symptoms in both categories: (a) Social communication impairments (all 3 required ) (b) Restricted interests or repetitive behaviors (required 2/4)What causes ASD? Although research is ongoing, we are still uncertain about the cause of ASD. Vaccines do NOT cause ASD. Here are some risk factors associated with ASD:
- Older mother/father age at birth
- Mother is taking special anti-epileptic drugs. sodium valprotate
- IUGR (Intrauterine growth retardation) and low birth weight
- Certain chromosomal or brain structural abnormalities
- Difficult labor or delivery
What is the earliest age at which ASD can be diagnosed? ASD can be diagnosed as early as 6 months of age. But it’s important to note that children often aren’t diagnosed until they’re in school. What signs of ASD can I recognize in my child as a parent?a. For children
- Lack of social smiles
- There is no response when the child’s name is called
- Do not make eye contact when talking to children
- Use your index finger to point to items of interest instead of naming them
- Children are not interested in the game
- Children do not imitate other people’s gestures and actions
- Children perform stereotypical actions – swinging, spinning, moving their fingers
b. For children > 2 years old:
- Disinterest in home/school interactions
- Do not maintain eye contact while conversing
- Perform stereotyped actions
- Have unusual interests for their age (for example: A 5-year-old child likes geology and metallurgy)
- Having an unusual attachment to objects
- Having sensory problems, for example. Don’t want to wear certain materials, can’t stand clothing labels
- Emphasis on habits, for example. Taking the same route to school, eating a special breakfast every day, and not being able to adapt to anything other than routine
Do all children with ASD have intellectual disabilities? Up to 75% of children with ASD have some degree of intellectual disability. However, there are also patients with ASD and high IQ (previously they were called Asperger syndrome).
How the air we breathe affects us
Can a child with ASD have any other neurological conditions/pathologies? Up to 20-30% of children with ASD have epilepsy. Others have movement disorders – chorea, dancing, speech stereotypies. Some even engage in self-injurious behavior. What are the available treatment options? The main treatment for ASD is therapy for both the child and the parents.
Do we have any drug treatments available? The 2 medications approved by the FDA for ASD are risperidone and aripiprazole, both of which are atypical antipsychotics. SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are used to treat symptoms of OCD, anxiety, irritability. If I have a child with ASD, does this mean all my other children are at risk? Having one child with ASD increases the risk of ASD in the next child by 20%, and if the first 2 children are diagnosed with ASD, the risk for the next child is 32%. Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with ASD than girls. Can children with ASD go to regular school? Most children with ASD need to go to a special school where teaching methods can be tailored to suit their special needs.
