Autistic spectrum disorder, everything you want to know about Autism

What is autism? 

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people communicate, interact with others, and experience the world around them.

It is a spectrum disorder, meaning that it can present in a wide range of ways with varying degrees of severity.

Social communication and interaction skills can be challenging for people who have autistic spectrum disorder, like avoiding eye contact, not responding to names by 9 months of age, not playing small interactive games, using few or no gestures by 12 months of age, Does not share interests with others, Does not notice when others are hurt or upset, and Does not sing, dance, or act for you. es of severity.

Social communication and interaction skills can be challenging for people who have autistic spectrum disorder, like avoiding eye contact, he doesn't respond to name by 9 months of age, he doesn't play small interactive games, uses few or no gestures by 12 months of age, Does not share interests with others, Does not notice when others are hurt or upset, and Does not sing, dance, or act for you.

Causes of autism 

There is no obvious reason for autism. Some scientists recommended mutation and genetic behavior and some scientists said there is an interaction between the genetic behavior and environmental reasons.

No link has been found between autism and vaccines, including those containing thimerosal, a mercury-based compound. 

Environmental risk factors causes autism 

There is several factors associated with the causes of autism involving events during or before birth including :

These risks increase the baby's ability to autism

What are the autism spectrum disorders 

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people communicate, interact with others, and experience the world around them.

It is a spectrum disorder, meaning that it can present in a wide range of ways with varying degrees of severity.

What are the 5 different types of autism 

What are the 3 main symptoms of autism: 

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) manifests differently in each individual, making it difficult to pinpoint only three "main" symptoms.

However, some difficulties tend to be more prevalent than others. Here are three key areas that are often affected in autism:

1. Social Communication:

Difficulties with understanding and using verbal and nonverbal language, such as interpreting facial expressions, body language, or sarcasm.

Challenges with initiating and maintaining conversations, taking turns in conversations, or understanding social cues.

Repetitive or restricted patterns of communication, such as echoing phrases, using scripts, or speaking in a monotone voice.

2. Social Interaction:

Difficulty forming and maintaining friendships, preferring solitary activities or having challenges understanding social rules and expectations.

Challenges with expressing empathy and understanding the emotions of others.

Limited or unconventional ways of connecting with others, such as focusing on shared interests rather than emotional connection.

3. Sensory Processing:

Heightened or decreased sensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as sounds, sights, smells, touch, and taste. This can lead to discomfort in certain environments or difficulty regulating sensory input.

Repetitive or restricted sensory behaviors, such as seeking out specific textures, rocking, or flapping hands, as a way to self-regulate or cope with sensory overload.

It's important to remember that these are just some of the core difficulties often associated with ASD.

 The specific characteristics and challenges will vary greatly from person to person. Additionally, people with ASD often have significant strengths and talents alongside their challenges.

Autism tests

It is important to understand that online autism tests cannot provide a definitive diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

A diagnosis of ASD should only be made by a qualified healthcare professional, such as a developmental pediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist.

These professionals can conduct a comprehensive evaluation that includes interviews with the individual and their family, observations, and standardized assessments.

Online Tests:

While online autism tests cannot diagnose ASD, they can provide a general indication of whether someone may have traits associated with ASD.

These tests can be helpful in prompting further exploration or seeking professional evaluation.

Here are some things to keep in mind about online autism tests:

Limited accuracy: Online tests can be inaccurate, especially if the individual taking the test has other conditions or experiences that can mimic symptoms of ASD.

Misdiagnosis risk: Relying solely on an online test for diagnosis can lead to misdiagnosis, which can be harmful.

Focus on individual needs: Online tests often focus on specific symptoms and may not capture the full picture of an individual's experiences.

Types of Online Tests:

There are various types of online autism tests available. Some examples include:

Self-report tests: These tests are questionnaires that ask individuals to answer questions about their thoughts, behaviors, and experiences.

Screening tools: These tools are used to identify individuals who may be at risk for ASD and require further evaluation.

Diagnostic tools: Some online tools claim to provide diagnostic information, but it is crucial to remember that these cannot replace a professional evaluation.

It's important to know that there is no medication specifically for autism.

However, some medications can help manage certain symptoms that are often associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

These medications should only be prescribed and monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, such as a developmental pediatrician, psychiatrist, or neurologist, familiar with ASD.

Autism medication 

Here are some examples of medications that may be used in managing specific 

symptoms of ASD:

Antipsychotic medications: These medications can help to reduce aggression, irritability, and self-injurious behaviors. Examples include risperidone (Risperdal) and aripiprazole (Abilify).

Stimulants: Stimulants can be helpful for managing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is often co-occurring with ASD.

Examples include methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine (Adderall).

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): SSRIs can help to manage anxiety and depression, which are also common co-occurring conditions with ASD.

Examples include fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft).

Sleep medications: Melatonin or other sleep medications can be helpful for individuals with ASD who have difficulty sleeping.

We learnt in this article what autism is and the causes of autistic spectrum disorder and how we can treat the people who have autism. They are very special people.