What is ASD?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (or ASD) is a developmental disability. It is characterized by impairments in reciprocal social interaction, in verbal and non verbal communication, and the presence of a pattern of repetitive, stereotypic activities.
The term spectrum is used because every person with Autism is different from each other.
What is PDD NOS?
This term as a category is used when there is impairment in the development of reciprocal social interaction or verbal and nonverbal communication skills, or when stereotyped behaviour, interests, and activities are present, but all the criteria for Autism are not met.
What is ADHD / ADD?
ADHD or (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is also known as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)
ADHD is a neurobiological condition of the brain that makes it difficult for children to control their behavior.
Some Characteristics of ADHD/ADD
Inattention – inability to concentrate on a task
Impulsivity – tendency to respond quickly without thinking through the consequences of an action
Hyperactivity – a child races from one interest to another
ADHD can be associated with Autism. But many children with Autism initially are diagnosed with ADHD and Autism is overlooked .This may mean the child may not get appropriate support and training at a young age. Also even where there is no ADHD many children with Autism are hyperactive and show impulsive behaviour.
What causes ASD?
The specific cause of ASD is not known. 5-10% cases of autism have an identifiable underlying medical disorder.In the remaining 90% cases of Autism, there is no identifiable cause (idiopathic). Current research evidence available gives families empirical recurrence risks only.
Although the cause of Autism is not fully understood, there is a complex genetic component interacting with environmental factors. Researchers throughout the world are looking to identify these factors and explain why autism arises as a spectrum of disorders. Outside of this, explanations such as bad parenting and misbehavior have now been dismissed.
ARE THERE ANY PRENATAL OR CARRIER STATE TESTS TO DIAGNOSE AUTISM?
There are no prenatal or carrier state diagnostic tests to diagnose Autism.
IS ASD HEREDITARY?
In many families, there is a pattern of ASD, suggesting that there is a genetic basis to the disorder. There is some tendency for ASD to cluster in families with the incidence rate amongst siblings 50 times that of the general population.
WHAT IS THE INCIDENCE OF ASD?
Studies suggest the prevalence is somewhere between 1 in 100 – 500. In recent years there has been a large increase in the number of children diagnosed with ASD, particularly those in the high functioning category. This is probably due to a broadening of the criteria for diagnosis, and better diagnostics methods enabling detection at a very young age. The high prevalence of ASD makes it one of the most common developmental disabilities, commoner than cerebral palsy or Down’s syndrome. Yet many in the community lack an understanding of how individuals are affected by it.
WHY DOES ASD AFFECT MORE MALES THAN FEMALES?
Approximately three out of four people with ASD are male. It is not known why this occurs, but this high ratio of boys is consistent with other disorders involving language and learning.
IS THERE A CONNECTION BETWEEN ASD AND EPILEPSY?
About 30% of children with ASD will also develop epilepsy. The group most likely to develop epilepsy are those children who have a more severe intellectual disability. The onset may occur at any age but most frequently occurs during adolescence.
WHAT METHODS ARE CURRENTLY USED TO TREAT ASD?
Treatment for ASD involves a multidisciplinary approach that may include different therapies to address specific symptoms or comorbid conditions. Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition and generally considered a lifelong condition, and strategies focus on improving quality of life.
WHAT IS BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY / INTERVENTION?
Behavioural therapy or intervention for autistic individuals is an approach that aims to address and modify specific behaviours associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This type of therapy is based on the principles of applied behaviour analysis (ABA), which is a systematic and evidence-based approach to understanding and changing behaviour.
HOW EARLY CAN WE START INTERVENTION?
Early intervention is crucial for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Research suggests that starting interventions as early as possible can lead to better outcomes. Many developmental milestones occur during the early years of life, and targeting these critical periods can have a positive impact on a child’s social, communication, and behavioural skills.
CAN DRUG AND NUTRITIONAL THERAPIES HELP TREAT ASD?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterised by challenges in social communication and behaviour. While there is no known cure for ASD, various interventions, including drug and nutritional therapies, are often used to manage symptoms and improve the overall well-being of individuals with ASD. It’s important to note that the effectiveness of these interventions can vary from person to person, and not all individuals with ASD may benefit from the same approaches.
