Submitted by Penn Highlands Healthcare
April is National Autism Acceptance Month. This month serves as a time to learn more about the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, how to get a diagnosis and what the treatment process is like.
What is autism spectrum disorder and what are the symptoms?
Autism spectrum disorder is a complex, lifelong developmental condition that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships and self-regulation. Autism is referred to as a “spectrum” disorder due to the extensive range of symptom types and severities that individuals may experience.
Likewise, the abilities of people with ASD can vary significantly. Common characteristics include:
- Lack of response to normal stimuli such as verbal or visual cues
- Delayed movement, language and/or cognitive skills
- Difficulty understanding or showing emotions
- Avoidance of eye contact
- Restricted or repetitive behaviors, movements or phrases
- Co-occurring conditions including but not limited to mental health illness, gastrointestinal issues, seizure disorders and more
“While there is no known single cause for autism, it is widely accepted that it is caused by differences in brain structure or genetic factors,” explained Rachael Conner, director of autism services at Penn Highlands Connellsville Regional Center for Autism in Connellsville. “Early diagnosis and intervention can greatly support a person on the spectrum with the resources needed to live to their full potential.”
How is ASD diagnosed?
It can be difficult to diagnose ASD because unlike other disorders, there is not a medical test, such as a CT scan or blood test, that can be used to provide a diagnosis. Medical professionals review the child’s developmental history and behaviors to make a diagnosis. ASD can sometimes be identified as early as 18 months of age, and diagnosis at age 2 or older can be considered reliable.
It is important to note that some people are not diagnosed until they are much older — even adults — which means that they may not receive the early help and therapies they need. Autism is diagnosed four times more often in boys than in girls. Since autism was first diagnosed in the U.S., the incidence has climbed to an alarming one in 36 children in the country.
How is autism spectrum disorder treated?
There is no cure for ASD, though with early intervention and treatment, the diverse symptoms can be greatly improved.
Current treatments seek to reduce symptoms that interfere with daily functioning and quality of life. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment, but recommended therapies include applied behavioral analysis, which encourages desired behaviors and discourages undesired behaviors; speech therapy; and sensory integration therapy. Each person with ASD has their own strengths and weaknesses and should be treated on an individual basis to address their specific needs.
Common therapies include:
- Speech-language therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Vision/orientation and mobility
- Hearing therapy
- Music therapy
- Dog therapy
“It is important that all therapy goals are individualized in order to maximize the person’s abilities,” explained Conner.
Treatments can be given in education, health, community and home settings, or in a combination of settings. It is important that providers communicate with each other and the person with ASD and their family to ensure that treatment goals and progress are meeting expectations.
