Autism disorder is not actually a single disorder that has similar symptoms for each individual diagnosed, but is rather considered a spectrum of disorders. Autism spectrum disorders, or ASDs, vary along a continuum of severity with differing symptoms, ages of onset, and how the symptoms affect the life of the person diagnosed with the disorder. Although symptoms and diagnoses may differ, all autism spectrum disorders are characterized by the presence of developmental disabilities that cause difficulties with communication and social interaction.
Autism spectrum disorders include the conditions of autistic disorder, Asperberger syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder that is not otherwise specified. Most individuals with an autism spectrum disorder may have one or more symptoms including difficulty interacting with others or communicating, paying attention, or having unusual behavior issues, such as adhering to repetitive behaviors or an insistence on maintaining extremely rigid routines. They may also have diverse and extreme sensory reactions and unusual ways of learning, although people with ASDs can range from being very challenged to extremely gifted, to everything in between.
Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders usually occurs early in childhood. A child who does not reach certain milestones by specific ages should be monitored by health care professionals, parents, and teachers to determine whether there is a possibility that the child has an autism spectrum disorder. ASDs can be diagnosed as early as eighteen months, and most autism spectrum disorders can be diagnosed accurately before the age of three. In most cases it is parents or early caregivers who notice symptoms that lead to additional assessment and diagnosis. Some children, however, are not correctly diagnosed until after the onset of school when they are in a more social and structured setting outside of the home.
There are a number of symptoms that can indicate that a child may have an ASD, but as a general rule, those children who appear not to communicate with or react to others should be closely watched. Some early warning signs include a child who does not like to be held, does not make eye contact, has difficulty expressing his or her needs, repeats words or actions over and over, loses skills he or she had previously developed, does not seem to respond when spoken to, and other similar and unusual responses to social interaction. Of course, this list is not a complete indication of all symptoms, and just because a child exhibits these symptoms does not mean he or she has an autism spectrum disorder. It is merely a general idea of warning signs to look for that may indicate that further assessment is needed.
The earlier autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed, the more likely it is that intervention and therapy can benefit the individual and that improvements can be made. Research has shown that early intervention can be an effective tool in improving the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders and most early intervention programs are focused on helping the child develop improved social and communication skills, as well as other cognitive-related skills.
Autism spectrum disorders are four times more likely to affect boys than girls, although they occur among all ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic groups. There is no known cure for autism and no way to effectively prevent the disorder. The best possible outcomes for those with one of the autism spectrum disorders usually occur with proper diagnosis and treatment, including early intervention therapies, when possible. Autism spectrum disorders can last a lifetime but with effective treatment and therapy, symptoms can improve greatly.