Autism in Focus: From Past Misunderstandings to Present Awareness
In the past few years, there has been a lot of talk about autism in the media. Many times, what you see on the news is not very positive. People might be pointing fingers, blaming others, or making claims about what causes autism. There are a lot of wrong ideas about autism, like thinking it's a new thing or not understanding how it happens. The statistics alone can be staggering – one in 36 children is diagnosed with autism and this number seems to be going up with each new report.
Explaining Autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a type of brain development difference that can affect how people communicate and behave. People with ASD might find it challenging to connect with others, and they might have certain habits or interests that they really like and do repeatedly.
Doctors usually identify ASD when children are very young, but sometimes it's not recognized until they're older, even as teenagers or adults. This can happen because some people have milder symptoms and can manage well without being diagnosed until later.
Back in 2013, ASD became known as a "spectrum" by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – 5th edition (DSM-5). Before that, there were separate names like autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). Now they're all considered part of the same category because ASD can show up in many different ways, and not everyone acts or seems the same.
The History of Autism
Even though some might think autism is a new idea, it's actually been around for a long time. The word "autism" was first used in 1911 by a doctor named Eugen Bleuler. He used it to describe certain behaviors in people with schizophrenia, where they got lost in their own thoughts and imagined things. The real understanding of autism started to develop in 1943 when Dr. Leo Kanner wrote about signs that helped define it better.
In the 1960s, child psychologists challenged Bleuler’s definition and used the term to describe a lack of imagination. Then in the 1970s, they discovered that autism was related to how the brain grows and works, rather than just being a psychological thing. This changed the way autism was understood and diagnosed. Since then, doctors have learned a lot more about autism, and they've become better at spotting the signs and understanding how it affects people.
Autism: Statistically speaking
As of 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that one in 36 children (8 years old) in the United States has received an ASD diagnosis.
As of 2020:
ASD rates have increased by at least 30% among Asian, Black, and Hispanic children compared to 2018.
ASD rates among White children were 14.6% higher in 2020 compared to 2018.
A larger percentage of Asian or Pacific Islander (3.3%), Hispanic (3.2%), and Black (2.9%) children were identified as having autism in comparison to White children (2.4%).
Boys are significantly more likely than girls, with a fourfold higher likelihood, to receive an autism diagnosis.
Among children with ASD, 31% have an intellectual disability.
Interestingly, 44% of those with ASD have IQ scores in the average to above-average range.
Recognizing signs and symptoms of Autism
Every person with autism has a unique combination of strengths and challenges. Autism can present in a number of ways, and the signs and symptoms vary from child to child. Some common signs of autism in children include:
Social Interaction Difficulties:
Limited eye contact and facial expressions
Difficulty understanding and responding to social cues
Challenges in developing and maintaining relationships with peers
Difficulty adjusting to situations or change
Communication and Language Challenges:
Delayed language development or absence of speech
Repeating words or phrases
Difficulty initiating or sustaining conversations
Repetitive Behaviors and Restricted Interests:
Engaging in repetitive movements (e.g., hand flapping, rocking)
Unusual fixation on specific objects or topics
Resistance to changes in routines or rituals
Being upset about subtle changes in routine or struggling with transitions
Myths and causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Early reports suggested that autism was caused by emotionally distant parents. This theory has been debunked. A child's ASD is unrelated to their parents' parenting abilities or lack thereof.
The exact cause of ASD is unknown. As it stands, there are believed to be a number of possible causes rather than one definitive cause. Complications during pregnancy or birth, infection, genetics, parents' advanced age at conception, or family history have all been linked to ASD.
Various studies have conclusively demonstrated that vaccinations do not play a role in causing autism.
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder Levels: From Severe to Mild
Autism used to be categorized into three types: autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder. However, in 2013, these diagnoses were combined into Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which is now classified based on severity levels ranging from 3 to 1.
Level 3: Demands Significant Support – Individuals at this level experience considerable challenges in verbal and nonverbal communication and overall functioning. They struggle to adjust their behaviors or focus, and repetitive actions seriously impede their daily activities.
Level 2: Requires Substantial Support – People at this level face difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication, leading to limitations in social interactions. Coping with change and managing repetitive behaviors can be problematic in certain situations.
Level 1: Needs Support – Individuals in this category exhibit noticeable deficits in social communication, including poor social interaction skills. While they might be able to communicate clearly, they struggle with successful social exchanges. Their behaviors impact daily functioning, and their difficulty adapting activities can cause disruptions.
Therapies and support for children with Autism
Therapies and support can make a world of difference for children dealing with ASD. The sooner they start the better. Beginning therapies early can help kids develop important skills they'll carry with them. With the number of issues that can be present for those with ASD, it can require a mix of therapies. There's no one-size-fits-all solution; instead, it's about finding the right combination of treatments and services that fit each child's unique needs.
Some children may be prescribed medications to help improve mood, behaviors, attention, or mental health. Children may need care from specialists in behavioral, psychological, or developmental areas. Additionally, educational support often proves essential for children with ASD.
When it comes to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it's all about understanding, kindness, and getting the right support. We've moved forward from old misconceptions to seeing ASD as a whole range of issues. Helping each child in the ways they need is what is important. Learning the facts and using different kinds of support can really make a big difference for kids with ASD. Together, we can positively impact the lives of those with ASD and collectively shape a brighter future.
