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Autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 20, 2023.

What is autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder)?

Harvard Health Publishing

Autism is a developmental disorder of the brain. People with autism have problems communicating and interacting socially. They also may have unusual patterns of behavior, interests and activities.

Doctors use the term autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In the past, there were different kinds of autism disorders, but in 2013 the criteria for autism were updated to include all of them under a single diagnosis. The criteria for a diagnosis of autism include:

These are the basic symptoms that all children with autism have in common. In addition to these, children with autism may have:

Signs of autism spectrum disorder are typically first seen before a child's third birthday. However, only half of children with autism are diagnosed before kindergarten.

Some syndromes that cause autistic behaviors, such as Rett Syndrome, have a known genetic cause. 

The causes of the other types of autism remain unknown. Various studies suggest that autism may:

Studies have found no link between vaccines and autism.

All types of autism except Rett syndrome are more common in boys than in girls.

Symptoms of autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder)

At birth, a child with ASD often appears normal.

Symptoms may appear as early as the first year of life. But it may not be until the child is 2 or 3 years old that the parents realize something is not quite right.

Infants with autism spectrum disorder:

Symptoms vary from mild to severe.

Some behaviors associated with autism include:

Any attempt to divert the child can provoke an emotional outburst.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are in some way related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

View more treatment options

Diagnosing autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder)

The diagnosis usually is made by specialists, and is based on:

In some cases, tests will be ordered to check for other medical conditions that can look like autism.

Expected duration of autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder)

ASD is a lifelong condition.

Preventing autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder)

The causes of most types of ASD remain unknown. There is no way to prevent them.

Treating autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder)

There is no cure for autism spectrum disorder. However, a child's symptoms may improve with intense treatment.

Treatment generally includes education, behavioral management and medications.

Education

Educators develop an individualized education program to address the child's specific problems. This typically includes speech and language therapy, social skills and life-skills training.

Behavioral management

The goal of behavioral management is to enhance appropriate behavior and reduce inappropriate behaviors.

Behavior modification strategies include positive reinforcement, "time out" and comprehensive behavioral interventions. Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) is a teaching approach that reinforces the practice of specific skills.

Medications

There is not one drug that treats all symptoms of autism effectively. Medications that may be considered include:

Complementary medicine

Some people believe that changes in diet, herbal medicines, and other forms of complementary medicine can help autistic children. As of now there isn't enough information to recommend them.

Some of these treatments can be dangerous or have side effects. Talk to your doctor about any treatment you may be considering.

When to call a professional

Call your doctor if your toddler:

Call your doctor right away if your child tries to injure himself or herself.

Prognosis

Some children with autism are able to live independently. Others may struggle to maintain normal social interactions, communication and behaviors.

Experts believe earlier ASD diagnosis and treatment leads to a better outcome.

Life expectancy depends on whether the person has other conditions and the person's overall health.

Additional Info

Autism Society of America
http://www.autism-society.org/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Autism Spectrum Disorders

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html


Learn more about Autism

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.