Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism, currently known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a lifelong neuropsychiatric disorder that starts before three years of age. The behavioral and cognitive symptoms seem to be caused by an abnormal synaptic connectivity that leads to deficits in the ability to filter sensory information. Poor filtering seems to constitute a barrier for the integration and processing of neuronal information. Because ASD is not a neurodegenerative disorder, under appropriate conditions, symptoms usually improve over time, probably because the autistic person learns to filter sensory information by alternative neuronal routes. This allows him/her to have a better understanding of the surrounding environment and in turn facilitates learning. Early intervention on children identified before age 2 notably improves prognosis. Currently, ASD can be detected in boys and girls when they are about 18 months old. However, parents and autism experts can observe symptoms before that age. The participation of the health system in order to prepare parents, pediatricians, and caregivers is highly important and leads to significant improvements in the quality of life of autistic individuals and of caregivers Autism Spectrum Disorder .

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It’s a fact: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is becoming more widespread across the United States. There is no consensus on why the prevalence of the condition is continuing to rise. Theories range from more awareness, to better diagnosis, to genetic mutations… even to environmental factors. Regardless of the reason or reasons for the rise in diagnosis of children with autism, experts stress that it is important for parents to have early screenings for ASD and, if their child shows any symptoms, to take immediate action.

A complex developmental disability related to brain development, ASD typically appears during early childhood and affects the child’s ability to communicate and interact with others. This not only causes communication issues but problems with every day social interaction. Because individuals have a wide range of symptoms and severity—varying from mild to severe or somewhere in between—it is considered a “spectrum” condition.

Every child on the autism spectrum has a range of problems and issues to overcome. Among the more common symptoms and signs of ASD are problems with social communication and interaction, delayed language skills and learning, difficulty making eye contact, narrow or intense interests, repetitive patterns of behaviors and sensory sensitivities Autism Spectrum Disorder .

Not all of these symptoms are necessarily manifested. Children may have just a few of these or even unique symptoms that are either separate from these or in combination with them. Some children may only have mild impairments while others face greater obstacles. Additionally, many of these symptoms can persist throughout the child’s life.

The Benefits of Early Intervention

There is no cure for ASD and there’s no consensus on what causes it. Nor is there agreement on whether there is a “standard” treatment course for it. However, everyone agrees that the earlier intervention begins for children with ASD, the more dramatic of a difference it can make in their lives.

That makes it vitally important to diagnose autism at the earliest possible age in order to optimize outcomes for children with ASD. Diagnosis is ideal when made by the age of 2, which is currently the earliest age that is reliable[i]—although symptoms can appear as early as 12 to 18 months.

Unfortunately, most children with ASD are not diagnosed until after they are 4 years old, which means they are missing the most opportune time to be getting treatment. There are a variety of reasons for this, including parents’ reluctance to identify and recognize the severity of the symptoms displayed, as well as a lack of trained professionals.

Once diagnosed, treatment should begin as soon as possible. There is ample evidence that early intervention can improve social and communication skills during infancy and this has the potential to significantly help improve the child’s later development. Additionally, early intervention stops problematic behavior from becoming a habit.

Proper early treatment can reduce children’s symptoms and can improve their overall development by helping them learn new skills that will allow them to be more independent throughout their life. Because they are receiving appropriate treatment at key developmental stages, children with autism are more apt to gain essential social skills and the ability to act better in social situations. These are valuable tools that will help the children to be more independent require fewer services as they age. In short, early detection can help the children make the most of their strengths and provide them with the potential for a better, more independent life throughout childhood and well beyond.

Early diagnosis can also benefit parents. Instead of noticing symptoms and worrying that something is wrong with their child, an early diagnosis enables parents to take action and begin helping him or her. Under the guidance of specialists and organizations such as Alternative Behavior Strategies (ABS), parents can begin following the prescribed treatment to help their child improve throughout his or her developmental stages—setting the stage for significantly improved outcomes Autism Spectrum Disorder .