On the Spectrum: Autism Spectrum Disorder

In the last few years, the plea to “Light it Up Blue” has been more prevalent in media and outreach to gain support for the diagnosis and treatment of autism. To understand the disorder, research must be studied regarding the etiology, incidence, symptomatology, and therapies available. There have been many conflicting reports on the exact cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder, however, the National Institute of Mental Health has provided evidence on the following causes: genetic factors and environmental factors and addresses the possibility of ASD as a result of vaccinations. Genetic factors are likely to be a cause in autism, the NIMH describes it in the context of twins, “if one [twin] has ASD, the other twin also has ASD in nearly 9 out of 10 cases.” However, the information continues that in a family history, ASD is generally not apparent and is a random and rare gene mutation. There are studies that are ongoing in this field and scientists are working to isolate the gene that ASD is attached so they can study the disorder further. The environmental factors that researchers are studying as relating to autism are genetic medical conditions, age and heritage of parents, exposure to environmental toxins, and complications in utero or after birth. There has also been information available that states that vaccinations are the cause of autism, although this has been greatly refuted (NIMH). The belief that the disorder is the effect of a vaccine is likely because children generally begin to show signs of autism around the age of 2 when they are developing language. During these years, children are also given many vaccines and the connection was suggested. However, this data and research is inconclusive and should not be considered a valid cause. 

Awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder has greatly increased in the last few years and so has the number of cases, most likely because children who were previously diagnosed with other disorders are being reclassified as being on the autism spectrum (NIMH, Overview). Autismspeaks.org, a United States-based non-profit that raises awareness and money for autism research cites statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that they “identify around 1 in 88 American children as on the autism spectrum,” with boys being diagnosed at four to five times the rate of American girls. Globally, ASD “affects tens of millions worldwide” (Autismspeaks.org) but research organizations are unsure of the exact number, which they suggest will be available in the next few years when global studies are complete (Autismspeaks.org). 

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) classifies the symptoms of autism into three categories: “social impairment, communication difficulties, and repetitive and stereotyped behaviors (NIMH, Symptoms). The symptoms of social impairment are obvious in interpersonal communications where an individual with autism will avoid eye contact, have difficulty with listening and responding when he or she is talked to, and struggles to follow social rules such as sharing and acceptable emotional response to situations (for example, an autistic individual may respond with a violent outburst while his peers may just respond with mild disappointment). The communication issues may be the first signs of autism as the child may have a serious delay in language development, use of gestures, and response to his or her own name. The third, and largest, category of symptoms is the repetitive and stereotypical behaviors that fall within the autistic spectrum, including hyper-fixation of objects, overly focused attention on moving parts, obsession with a specific topic, and anxiety over changes in schedule. However, there are interventions and therapies and there is life after Autism.

All of the studies and organizations that support the awareness of autism focus on the absolute importance of early intervention. As soon as a child begins to show signs of autism, parents are urged to seek diagnosis and support for their child. This not only lessens the stress and trauma on the child but also is a decision “that financially benefits society by reducing the need for costly services later in life,” (Peterson, et al). Evidence for both of these is important because if a child can learn to adapt and fit into society, he or she is more likely to be able to be self-supporting individuals. The NIMH Parent’s Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorder suggests three kinds of early interventions: Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-based Floortime Model; the Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication handicapped Children model; and Interpersonal Synchrony. Each intervention begins before the age of three and seeks to improve basic level social skills so they are able to “make friends, be a good sport, and respond appropriately to teasing” (NIMH, Parent’s).  These different skills must be taught before the child enters school so he or she can assimilate from the beginning of his or her school career.  

For older children or adults with autism, beginning or continued treatment is generally psychotherapy that focuses on building an individual’s coping skills in social and interpersonal settings. Since people with ASD generally struggle in group settings, one form of psychotherapy is “Autism Meet Ups” where individuals with ASD meet in a setting, such as a conference room or public location, and practice socializing with other individuals with autism. Another model of the “Autism Meet Up” is to have an inclusive model with some members on the autism spectrum socializing with members who do not (Autism-Society) to practice interacting skills needed to survive in the workplace.

While there are drug treatments for the symptoms of autism, there is no cure or medication to treat autism itself. There are three general kinds of medications prescribed to individuals with autism: antipsychotic medications, antidepressant medications, and stimulants like Piracetam. According to the FDA, antipsychotics are often prescribed to autistic patients with very extreme problems with rage or who attempt to injure themselves. While teenagers and adults are often prescribed antidepressants to help them cope with the severe social anxiety individuals with autism feel, the FDA released information in 2011 that warned that suicide and suicide attempts may be increased with this particular drug treatment. Stimulants, like Ritalin, are used to treat ADHD effectively and some individuals with autism who suffer from hyperactive disorders may find relief from these symptoms with this treatment. 

Overall, the prognosis of people with ASD is positive, although each case is dependent upon many different factors. For example, a child who is diagnosed on the autism scale as having Asperger’s may be more successful in school if given the right support and may go on to pursue a relatively normal life. On the other hand, a child who is diagnosed later in life and falls in a high symptomatic range may struggle with assimilating into society without the right support. 

Works Cited

"Antidepressant Use in Children, Adolescents, and Adults." U S Food and Drug Administration Home Page. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2013. <http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/Information

"Autism Society - Homepage." Autism Society - Homepage. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2013.  <http://www.autism-society.org/>.

Christopher Petersen, et al. "Comparison Of Scores On The Checklist For Autism Spectrum Disorder, Childhood Autism Rating Scale, And Gilliam Asperger’S Disorder Scale For Children With Low Functioning Autism, High Functioning Autism, Asperger’s Disorder, ADHD, And.." Journal Of Autism & Developmental Disorders 39.12 (2009): 1682- 1693. Academic Search Premier. Web. 28 Apr. 2013.

"NIMH · What causes ASD?" NIMH · Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2013. <http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/a-parents-guide-to-autism-spectrum-disorder/what-causes-asd.shtml>.

"What Is Autism? Autism Speaks. “Home: Autism Speaks. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2013. <http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism>.