Neurodevelopmental disorder: ASD

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological development disorder that affects how people interact, learn, and communicate. It is referred to as a developmental disorder as the symptoms gradually develop during a person's life, usually during the first two years, and can be diagnosed anytime during a person's life. 

How is it caused? 

While the primary cause of ASD is unknown to scientists, the most common reason is changes (mutations) in genes or having specific genetic conditions, like Down syndrome. One of the most prominent factors influencing a person's development is their environment.

Other factors include: 

• Having a sibling with ASD

• Having older parents

• Having a very low birth weight

Symptoms

ASD affects a child's interaction with others, restricts their interests, and leads to repetitive behaviour. It affects their communication as they have trouble understanding  nonverbal communication, like making eye contact or facial expressions. They may not pay attention when someone is talking or be very slow when responding. This greatly affects their language skills and ability to make relationships.

Along with effects on their social communication and their interactive behaviours, they may show sensory-seeking behaviours. An example of this can be infrequent pointing at or showing things to others with overly focused and intense interests.  Lastly,  people with ASD are usually more sensitive to light or other sensory inputs and experience more irritability as well.

On the other hand, there are many advantages of ASD, including being able to recall information for long periods of time, learning in detail especially when it comes to maths or science, as well as being strong visual and auditory learners.

Treatment 

ASD is a life condition, hence effective treatment and care is essential to manage it. 

1. Therapy 

There are many different types of therapy to treat autism these include occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and behavioural therapy. These forms of therapy can be individually (more focused) or in groups. Occupational therapy can teach people with ASD how to improve everyday skills, balance, coordination, motor skills and make the brain more aware. 

Speech and language therapy can improve communication, whether verbal or nonverbal. Lastly, behavioural therapy teaches skills related to socialising, managing emotions and prepares them for school. 

2. Medication

There is medication available to treat specific symptoms, these can include anxiety, depression, irritability , or aggression. For example Risperidone (Risperdal) and Aripiprazole (Abilify) can be prescribed to help children with irritability and aggression.

3. Support programs 

Finding local programs, within your community or schools can bring together caregivers and patients to connect with others by building a supportive network. These programs can promote independence and skill development and provide various new useful resources.

References 

https://www.facebook.com/ashaclinicdelhi (2019). Leading the Way in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Treatment in New Delhi. [online] Asha Speech and Hearing Clinic. Available at: https://www.ashaspeechhearingclinic.com/facilities/autism/ [Accessed 1 Feb. 2025].

Public (2024). Autism: Supports and services - Canada.ca. [online] Canada.ca. Available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/autism-spectrum-disorder-asd/supports-services.html [Accessed 1 Feb. 2025].

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2025). Autism Spectrum Disorder. [online] Available at:

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd [Accessed 1 Feb. 2025].

Psychiatry.org. (2025). What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder? [online] Available at: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/autism/what-is-autism-spectrum-disorder [Accessed 1 Feb. 2025].

Clinic, C. (2023). Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Symptoms & Causes. [online] Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/autism [Accessed 1 Feb. 2025].