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ASD
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that
affects communication and behavior. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is described as a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a guide created by the American Psychiatric Association used to diagnose mental disorders, people with ASD have: ⊲ Difficulty with communication and interaction with other people ⊲ Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors ⊲ Symptoms that affect the person’s ability to function in school, work, and other areas of life Autism is known as a “spectrum” disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience ASD occurs in all ethnic, racial, and economic groups. Although ASD can be a lifelong disorder, treatments and services can improve a person’s symptoms and ability to function. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be screened for autism. All caregivers should talk to their child’s doctor about ASD screening or evaluation What are the signs and symptoms of ASD? Social communication/interaction behaviors may include: ⊲ Making little or inconsistent eye contact ⊲ Having a tendency not to look at or listen to people ⊲ Rarely sharing enjoyment of objects or activities by pointing at or showing things to others ⊲ Failing to, or being slow to, respond to someone calling their name or to other verbal attempts to gain attention ⊲ Having difficulties with the back and forth of conversation ⊲ Often talking at length about a favorite subject without noticing that others are not interested or without giving others a chance to respond ⊲ Having facial expressions, movements, and gestures that do not match what is being said ⊲ Having an unusual tone of voice that may sound sing-song or flat and robot-like ⊲ Having trouble understanding another person’s point of view or being unable to predict or understand other people’s actions Restrictive/repetitive behaviors may include: ⊲ Repeating certain behaviors or having unusual behaviors, such as repeating words or phrases (a behavior called echolalia) ⊲ Having a lasting intense interest in certain topics, such as numbers, details, or facts ⊲ Having overly focused interests, such as with moving objects or with parts of objects ⊲ Getting upset by slight changes in a routine ⊲ Being more sensitive or less sensitive than other people to sensory input, such as light, noise, clothing, or temperature People with ASD may also experience sleep problems and irritability. Although people with ASD experience many challenges, they may also have many strengths, including: ⊲ Being able to learn things in detail and remember information for long periods of time ⊲ Being strong visual and auditory learners ⊲ Excelling in math, science, music, or art What are the causes and risk factors for ASD? Researchers don’t know the exact causes of ASD, but studies suggest that genes can act together with influences from the environment to affect development in ways that lead to ASD. Although scientists are still trying to understand why some people develop ASD and others don’t, some factors that increase the risk of developing ASD include: ⊲ Having a sibling with ASD ⊲ Having older parents ⊲ Having certain genetic conditions (For example, people with conditions such as Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, and Rett syndrome are more likely than others to have ASD.) ⊲ Being born with a very low birth weight Not everyone who has these risk factors develops ASD. Treatment Treatment for ASD should begin as soon as possible after diagnosis. Early treatment for ASD is important because proper care can reduce individuals’ difficulties while helping them learn new skills and make the most of their strengths. The wide range of issues facing people with ASD means that there is no single best treatment for ASD. Working closely with a doctor or health care professional is an important part of finding the right treatment program. Medication A doctor may use medication to treat some symptoms that are common with ASD. With medication, a person with ASD may have fewer problems with: ⊲ Irritability ⊲ Aggression ⊲ Repetitive behavior ⊲ Hyperactivity ⊲ Attention problems ⊲ Anxiety and depression Behavioral, Psychological, and Educational Therapy People with ASD may be referred to doctors who specialize in providing behavioral, psychological, educational, or skill-building interventions. These programs are typically highly structured and intensive and may involve parents, siblings, and other family members. These programs may help people with ASD: ⊲ Learn life skills necessary to live independently. ⊲ Reduce challenging behaviors. ⊲ Increase or build upon strengths. ⊲ Learn social, communication, and language skills