Active Fit: Understanding autism spectrum disorder

Licking Memorial Health Systems
·2 min read
To diagnose a child with autism spectrum disorder, an evaluation is typical early in their life.
To diagnose a child with autism spectrum disorder, an evaluation is typical early in their life.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that often results in social communication and interaction issues or restricted and repetitive behaviors. The condition is present at birth, but symptoms might not appear until age 2 or later. There is not a determined cause of ASD, though multiple studies show that genetics play a role. According to the National Institute for Mental Health, the following factors increase the chance of ASD:

  • Having a sibling with ASD

  • Having older parents

  • Having certain genetic conditions such as Down syndrome or Fragile X syndrome

  • Having a very low birth weight

Autism is known as a spectrum disorder because there is a lot of variation in the severity and type of symptoms; therefore, some children may be diagnosed later in life as symptoms become more noticeable. There are a large range of symptoms of ASD, including:

  • Making little or inconsistent eye contact

  • Not looking at or listening to people who are talking

  • Infrequently sharing interest, emotion or enjoyment of objects or activities

  • Not responding or having a delayed response to one’s name or other verbal bids for attention

  • Difficulty navigating conversation

  • Often talking at length about a favorite subject without noticing that others are not interested or without giving others a chance to respond

  • Displaying facial expressions, movements, and gestures that do not match the conversation

  • Difficulty understanding another person’s perspectives or being unable to predict or understand people’s actions

  • Difficulties adjusting to social situations and sharing in imaginative play or in making friends

Children may also display restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. They may line up toys in a certain way each time they play and respond negatively if the order is not correct, insist on following routines, or react negatively or unusually to certain sounds, smells, tastes, sights, or textures. It is important to note that some people without ASD might also have these symptoms; therefore, it can be difficult to diagnose.

To diagnose a child with ASD, an evaluation is typical early in their life. It is important to diagnose children early in order to prepare for their challenges and strengths and receive help in managing those challenges.

If you suspect that your child has ASD or has symptoms, a primary care physician may refer the child to ASD specialists after the physician has determined that further evaluation is necessary. This may include a team of healthcare providers such as child neurologists, developmental pediatricians, speech-language pathologists, child psychologists and psychiatrists, educational specialists, and occupational therapists.

A parent may feel anxious when their child is diagnosed with ASD; however, there are many resources that will help the parent and child navigate ASD and learn different strategies to help the child.

This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Active Fit: Understanding autism spectrum disorder