Recognising the Signs of Autism: Early Diagnosis and Intervention

Autism Spectrum Disorder, also known as ASD, is a condition that affects brain development and how people interact and communicate with others. Medical experts highlight the importance of recognising early signs of autism and encouraging timely support on World Autism Awareness Day. However, detecting autism in early childhood can be challenging owing to a general lack of understanding in society and limited resources.

This article highlights the signs of ASD, autism symptoms, how it is diagnosed, and the benefits of seeking help early.

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder? 

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental condition that affects the brain and changes how a person interacts with others. People with autism can have problems with social skills, display repetitive behaviours, and face challenges in social situations.

The term “spectrum” indicates that autism symptoms can range from mild to severe. The process of autism diagnosis focuses on how a person communicates with other people, behaves, and learns, as these abilities can be different among individuals with autism.

What Causes Autism?

There is no single cause for autism. Instead, it likely results from a mix of genetic and environmental factors. While some genes may increase the risk, no specific gene has been linked to all the cases. Environmental influences, such as pregnancy complications, older parental age, and exposure to certain chemicals, can also contribute to the condition.

What Are Autism Symptoms? 

Autism symptoms appear differently in each child, though certain patterns remain the same. These autism symptoms include:

1. Social Communication Challenges: Children can face difficulty maintaining conversations and eye contact and exhibit delayed responses to name-calling.
2. Language Differences: Delayed speech development, conversation difficulties, or unusual speaking patterns.
3. Repetitive Behaviours: Repeated movements, routine adherence, and focused interests on specific topics.
4. Sensory Sensitivities: Many children react strongly or weakly to sounds, lights, textures, or tastes.
5. Play Patterns: Children can prefer repetitive play instead of imaginative play and often line up toys or focus on parts of objects.

Early autism diagnosis through these autism symptoms in children requires an understanding of normal developmental milestones and noticing the differences.

What Are the Risk Factors for Autism?

 There are several factors that can increase a child’s risk of developing autism spectrum disorder:

1. Family History: Families with one child with autism spectrum disorder have an elevated risk of having another child with the same.
2. Gender: Boys are about four times more likely to develop autism than girls.
3. Premature Birth: Children born before 26 weeks of gestation have a greater risk of autism.
4. Parental Age: Children born to older parents have a higher risk of autism.
5. Certain Medical Conditions: Children with some genetic or chromosomal problems, such as fragile X syndrome or tuberous sclerosis, are at an increased risk of autism.

How Is Autism Diagnosed? 

There aren’t any lab tests or specific markers for autism diagnosis. Medical specialists use tools such as developmental screenings, behavioural observations, and thorough assessments. These include:

1. Developmental Monitoring: Tracking developmental milestones during routine check-ups.
2. Structured Screenings: Identifying concerns around 9, 18, and 24-30 months.
3. Comprehensive Evaluations: Conducting parent interviews, observing behaviours, employing standardised assessment tools, and performing medical examinations to rule out other conditions
4. Multidisciplinary Assessments: Gathering input from paediatricians, psychologists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists

On World Autism Awareness Day, specialists emphasise the importance of individualising autism diagnosis. They highlight that each diagnosis should be based on specific needs, rather than applying a uniform approach to all cases.

For parents noticing autism symptoms in their children, early genetic testing can help find possible conditions that need further evaluation. They should consult a doctor and book NxGen Sequencing at Dr Lal PathLabs for assistance in identifying genetic factors associated with autism spectrum disorders.

FAQs 

1. What are the 3 main symptoms of autism?

The three main autism symptoms include challenges with social communication, repetitive behaviours, and constrained interests. These three main autism symptoms are used by healthcare professionals for assessment.

2. When is autism diagnosed?

The autism diagnosis can vary widely among children. Some show signs within the first year, while others may not display autism symptoms until 24 months or later. Medical experts recommend checking all children for autism at 18 and 24 months, as early recognition is vital for effective support.

3. When is World Autism Day celebrated?

World Autism Day is celebrated worldwide every year on April 2nd. It was established by the United Nations in 2007 to raise awareness about ASD, promote inclusion and acceptance of people with autism, and encourage early diagnosis and support.

4. Is there a cure for autism?

Autism occurs because one’s brain develops differently. Hence, there is no cure for autism.