DEVELOPMENTAL CONCERNS/AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. An ASD diagnosis includes challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. 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.
Why is Autism now referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the DSM-V?
Previously, we had different diagnoses for developmental disorders: Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, and Asperger’s.
The DSM-5 now has only one broad category for autism: autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which replaces all the previous disorders within the spectrum.
This change was applied because research showed that there was little consistency in the way Asperger’s and PDDs were applied. The changes were also intended to provide a more reliable way of capturing all children who would benefit from treatment for ASD.
What influences the development of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
There is not just one cause of ASD. There are many different factors that have been identified that may make a child more likely to have ASD, including environmental, biologic, and genetic factors.
Although we know little about specific causes, the available evidence suggests that the following may put children at greater risk for developing ASD:
- Having a sibling with ASD
- Having certain genetic or chromosomal conditions, such as fragile X syndrome or tuberous sclerosis
- Experiencing complications at birth
- Having a very low birth weight
- Being born to older parents
How is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosed?
ASD can sometimes be detected at 18 months of age or younger. By age 2, a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered reliable.
Developmental screenings by pediatricians are often the first step to indicate whether a child is on the right development track or if a specialist should take a closer look.
If the screening tool identifies an area of concern, a formal developmental evaluation may be needed. During the evaluation, a specialist may observe the child, give the child a structured test like the ADOS-2, ask the parents or caregivers questions, or ask them to fill out questionnaires.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a guide created by the American Psychiatric Association that health care providers use to diagnose mental disorders, people with ASD often have:
- Difficulty with communication and interaction with other people
- Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors
- Symptoms that affect their ability to function in school, work, and other areas of life
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