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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023
Additional names
This group contains additional names: - Asperger's Syndrome - Infantile Autism - Childhood Disintegrative Disorder - Pervasive Developmental Disorders
General
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a term describing a range of neurodevelopmental disorders, including Autism, Asperger, and more. Patients with ASD demonstrate difficulties with communication and social interaction and exhibit restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped behaviors. It is estimated that 1 in 59 children is diagnosed with ASD, with a higher occurrence in boys (4 to 1 male-to-female ratio). There is no single cause for ASD, and both genetic and environmental factors are involved.
9755 people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Learn from others who are experiencing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms are usually evident since early childhood, between 12 to 24 months of age. Symptoms are divided into two categories: social and communication symptoms and behavioral symptoms. Difficulties with Social and communication include: - Verbal communication – difficulties with sharing emotions and making conversations. - Nonverbal communication – poor eye contact and diminished understanding of body language and facial expressions. - Relationships creation and maintenance. Behavioral symptoms include: - Stereotypical behaviors – repetitive movements or speech patterns. - Self-injury behaviors – head-banging, hair-pulling, or self-biting. - Difficulties with change – adherence to rigid routines, and distress when deviating from it. - Restricted interests - Oversensitivity to different stimuli such as sounds, smells, touch.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made via different tests and evaluations, including: - Behavioral assessment by a specialized physician. - Developmental evaluation. - DNA testing - Visual and hearing tests to exclude other diseases.
Treatment
Autism is a chronic disorder, and treatments are focused on improving life quality and easing the patients’ symptoms. Treatments include speech therapy, behavioral therapy, occupational therapy, play therapy, and meditation techniques. Patients with ASD may respond differently to various therapies, and the treatment should be adjusted to the patient.
Note
☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike
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