ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by difficulties in socialization, communication and stereotype patterns of behavior. Children and adults with ASD handle information in their brain differently than other people. ASD can be identified as early as a few months of life but symptoms may not show up until 24 months or later. ASD affects individuals differently because one person may have mild symptoms, while another may have serious symptoms.
ASD historically was broken into subcategories such as Asperger’s, Autism, Pervasive Development Delays-Not otherwise specified, Rett’s Syndrome and Child Disintegrative Disorder. However, a new clinical diagnosis is being adopted by the American Psychiatric Association to eliminate the subcategories and focus on the severity of the characteristics of ASD. The symptoms last throughout a person's life, although symptoms may improve over time. It is important to note that the impairments of ASD make life very challenging for individuals with this disorder.
A person with ASD might have average to high intelligence, may use limited verbal language and may demonstrate self-stimulatory behaviors (ex. hand-flapping or intense focus on an interest). A person with ASD may under-react or over-react to pain, sound or touch. They may have very good gross motor skills and have a weakness in daily living skills. They may have difficulty with personal hygiene or making friends. Sometimes a person with ASD may have difficulty making eye contact or difficulty interpreting what others are feeling and may appear to not be interested in other people. Someone with ASD may also have difficulty with organization, attention to task, and may be impulsive. They may have unusual eating and sleeping patterns and difficulty with behavioral regulation.
ASD varies significantly in character and severity; it occurs in all ethnic and socioeconomic groups and affects every age group. Research estimates that 1 out of 88 children have ASD. Males are four times more likely to have an ASD than females.
Risk Factors
There is not just one identified cause of ASD. At this time, researchers and experts in the field believe that genetics, biological factors and environmental factors play a role. Having a parent or sibling with the disorder will cause a higher risk of developing ASD. People with certain genetic and chromosomal issues such as Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome have an increased risk of ASD. When taken during pregnancy, many prescription drugs have been linked to higher risks of ASD. Children who are born prematurely or with low birth rates are at greater risk of developing the disorder. Also, the immune system may play a role in increasing the risk of ASD as well as the use of certain vaccinations. Other factors are advanced parental age at time of conception (both parents), maternal illness during pregnancy and difficulties during birth.
Experts have documented a number of rare gene changes or genetic mutations that are associated with ASD. Studies have found irregularities in several regions of the brain. This suggests that there might be a disruption of normal brain development in the fetal developmental of someone with ASD. Most cases appear to be a combination of autism risk genes and environmental factors that influence early brain development. It’s important to know that the theory of parenting skills have been disproved in being responsible for causing ASD for decades. Experts continue to complete research to further our understanding of the causes of ASD.
Warning Signs
Children are typically identified with ASD through their parents. One third to half of parents of children with an ASD noticed a problem before their child’s first birthday, and nearly 80%–90% saw problems by 24 months of age. It may go unrecognized in children who are mildly affected and if the child has other disabilities or delays. My Autism Consultant, LLC alert parents to look for these “Red Flags.”
• Not respond to their name by 12 months of age
• Not point at objects to show interest (point at an airplane flying over) by 14 months
• Not play "pretend" games (pretend to "feed" a doll) by 18 months
• Avoid eye contact and want to be alone
• Have trouble understanding other people's feelings or talking about their own feelings
• Have delayed speech and language skills
• Repeat words or phrases over and over (echolalia)
• Give unrelated answers to questions
• Get upset by minor changes
• Have obsessive interests
• Flap their hands, rock their body, or spin in circles
• Have unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel
Later indicators:
• Impaired ability to make friends with peers
• Impaired ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others
• Absence or impairment of imaginative and social play
• Stereotyped, repetitive, or unusual use of language
• Restricted patterns of interest that are abnormal in intensity or focus
• Preoccupation with certain objects or subjects
• Inflexible adherence to specific routines or rituals
(The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012).
If you have any concerns about your child’s development have them screened by an expert. Your child’s pediatrician may have used a questionnaire to gather information about your child’s development. If this screening indicates the possibility of delays, a comprehensive evaluation will be recommended by your doctor. If your doctor does not discuss your child’s development with you express your concerns with them directly. Other experts that can address your concerns and maybe involved in formally evaluating your child are psychologist, psychiatrist, developmental pediatrician, or neurologist. My Autism Consultant, LLC can prescreen and help you identify those who can perform a formal evaluation. My Autism Consultant is able to help parents who are not sure of what steps to take with their child.
Treatment
There is no cure for ASD. However, there is research which proves that when ASD is detected early and intensive evidence-based treatment is provided, positive changes, successful relationships and a meaningful life are possible. Categories of treatment that families use to provide positive results include:
• Behavior and Communication Approaches (Treatment that is research based such as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and social skills)
• Dietary Approaches (changes in diet and nutrients)
• Medication
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine (biomedical treatment, cutting edge treatment)
How Can My Autism Consultant Help?
My Autism Consultant provides families with many options of treatment. We have consultants trained in ABA, social skills training and Early Intensive Behavioral Interventions. We have consultants that are trained in Verbal Behavior, Discrete Trial, TEACCH, Picture Exchange Communication, Sign Language and the P.L.A.Y Project. We also recognize that families have choices when treating their children and support families who choose to use alternative interventions. For more information on treatment options, go to www.myautismconsultant.com.
My Autism Consultant, LLC
A private consulting firm not affiliated with any wrap-around agency, My Autism Consultant provides consultation services to school districts and community organizations such as daycares, Behavioral Health Services, and private schools. We can complete Functional Behavioral Assessments, develop Behavioral Plans and assist with classroom strategies and programs. We provide an extensive list of training opportunities to school districts, colleges and community organizations to ensure continuity of care. We can tailor to your programs current and ongoing needs. My Autism Consultant offers trained staff that has a combined total of 30 years experience in treatment of children, adolescents and adults with ASD. We provide training and consultation via web conferencing and will travel as needed to meet an organization's or families requests. For more information on our staff, click here.
