What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability  that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. There is often nothing about how people with ASD look that sets them apart from other people, but people with ASD may communicate, interact, behave, and learn in ways that are different from most other people. The learning, thinking, and problem-solving abilities of people with ASD can range from gifted to severely challenged. Some people with ASD need a lot of help in their daily lives; others need less.

A diagnosis of ASD now includes several conditions that used to be diagnosed separately: autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome. These conditions are now all called autism spectrum disorder.

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Signs and Symptoms
People with ASD often have problems with social, emotional, and communication skills. They might repeat certain behaviors and might not want change in their daily activities. Many people with ASD also have different ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to things. Signs of ASD begin during early childhood and typically last throughout a person’s life.

Children or adults with ASD might:

• not point at objects to show interest (for example, not point at an airplane flying over)

• not look at objects when another person points at them

• have trouble relating to others or not have an interest in other people at all

• avoid eye contact and want to be alone

• have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings

• prefer not to be held or cuddled, or might cuddle only when they want to

• appear to be unaware when people talk to them, but respond to other sounds

• be very interested in people, but not know how to talk, play, or relate to them

• repeat or echo words or phrases said to them, or repeat words or phrases in place of normal language

• have trouble expressing their needs using typical words or motions

• not play “pretend” games (for example, not pretend to “feed” a doll)

• repeat actions over and over again

• have trouble adapting when a routine changes

• have unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel, or sound

• lose skills they once had (for example, stop saying words they were using)

Diagnosis
Diagnosing ASD can be difficult since there is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorders. Doctors look at the child’s behavior and development to make a diagnosis.

ASD can sometimes be detected at 18 months or younger. By age 2, a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered very reliable.1 However, many children do not receive a final diagnosis until much older. This delay means that children with ASD might not get the early help they need.

For information about obtaining a Diagnosis in Utah visit the Autism Council of Utah website here.

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Treatment
There is currently no cure for ASD. However, research shows that early intervention treatment services can improve a child’s development.2, 3 Early intervention services help children from birth to 3 years old (36 months) learn important skills. Services can include therapy to help the child talk, walk, and interact with others. Therefore, it is important to talk to your child’s doctor as soon as possible if you think your child has ASD or other developmental problem.

Even if your child has not been diagnosed with an ASD, he or she may be eligible for early intervention treatment services. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)external icon says that children under the age of 3 years (36 months) who are at risk of having developmental delays may be eligible for services. These services are provided through an early intervention system in your state. Through this system, you can ask for an evaluation.

In addition, treatment for particular symptoms, such as speech therapy for language delays, often does not need to wait for a formal ASD diagnosis.

For a list of Utah Providers visit the Autism Council of Utah website here.

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References https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html