Belonging to The Spectrum

By Oriana Tolentino

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) encompasses a set of neurodevelopmental disorders that affects the brain’s capacity to function and process information. These involve difficulties in expressing themselves, understanding other people’s thoughts and emotions, and recognizing basic social cues. People with ASD then usually struggle with maintaining close relationships as neurotypical individuals may not be accustomed to their behaviors and may be unable to connect with them emotionally. Additionally, patients may experience anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, seizures, and heightened sensitivity to certain stimuli. When they encounter overwhelming situations or unlikable environments, they resort to stimming or self-stimulating behaviors, which include making repetitive movements and sounds. Stimming is a means for them to calm themselves and convey their discomfort to others.

Conditions in ASD:

ASD affects each individual differently as there are varying extents from possessing exceptional capabilities to being extremely challenged and having higher dependence on others. Therefore, medical professionals divided the spectrum into 4 disorders or levels of severity:

Asperger’s Syndrome

This is named after Hans Asperger, an Austrian pediatrician and professor, who noticed that children could have normal (average or even above average) intellectual capacities and at the same time, have troubles with developing social and communication skills. People who have this condition may be independent and be able to perform daily tasks, however, they may still share the same struggle with social interactions as others on the spectrum.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)

This involves symptoms more severe than Asperger’s Syndrome, but not as serious as Autistic Disorder.

Autistic Disorder

The struggles of patients with this condition are more intense than the two others previously stated and explained.

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

This is the most uncommon and severe level as the individual would normally develop for about two years, however, one would quickly forget the majority of his/her acquired skills and behaviors. There is also a high possibility of being diagnosed with a seizure disorder.

Possible Causes and Risk Factors:

Scientists have spent numerous years studying ASD. They have come up with a list of factors that may contribute to increasing the possibility of having the condition.

Having a family member (parent or sibling) that has ASD
Being born out of geriatric pregnancy
Having an inherited or genetic disorder like Fragile X Syndrome
Combination of family members’ genes results in a genetic mutation
Had contact with heavy metals and toxins
Mother’s ingestion of certain prescription drugs during pregnancy

Diagnostic Procedures:

Several assessments can be performed to determine whether one has ASD or not. Developmental screening may be carried out to evaluate the person’s basic abilities and to monitor any signs of cognitive and emotional delays during the childhood stages. In case problems are detected in the initial screening, a thorough evaluation and analysis must be made which includes a DNA test (to see if the individual has inherited any diseases from family members or relatives) and typical hearing and vision tests. Additionally, an Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) may be administered for the physician/examiner to have direct interaction with the individual. Through this first-hand experience in a controlled environment, the specialist may accurately assess one’s social and communication capabilities as well as repetitive practices. Furthermore, a Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) requires the parents of the child to accomplish a 20-question survey to evaluate and calculate the risk of autism.

Symptoms:

The manifestation of symptoms usually occurs when a child is at an age between 12 and 24 months. The following are the possible indicators of ASD:

Has delayed communication and behavioral development
Is unable to adhere to the typical back-and-forth conversational style
Possesses a monotone or robotic voice
May not comprehend other people’s feelings and speak out about their own
Fails to maintain eye contact with others
Tends to do and say things repetitively
Easily stressed and frustrated about sudden modifications in one’s routine
Expresses distress when being touched or held
Has trouble defining interests or has extreme fascination/obsession on a certain subject
Has a high sensitivity to selected stimuli
May be capable of retaining an immense amount of information for a long time and may be proficient in Mathematics, Science, and Arts

Treatment Options:

Upon reaching the diagnosis of ASD, medical professionals may recommend the patient to be involved with various types of therapies and may also prescribe medications to manage the symptoms.

The individual may undergo behavioral and communication therapies to instill the proper habits and abilities that may help him/her in daily living. Firstly, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) aims to foster positive behavior through a reward system. Secondly, Occupational Therapy may aid the person to learn and practice skills required to perform daily tasks. Thirdly, Sensory Therapy is made for those who are extremely sensitive to light, sound, and touch in order to help them become more comfortable with such.

All of the prescription drugs have risks to the well-being of the patient; therefore, one must strictly follow the physician’s orders and be educated about the contents of the medications. If one has problems with the duration and quality of sleep, melatonin supplements can be taken especially since poor sleep may aggravate the symptoms. If one has seizure disorders, anticonvulsants may be taken to reduce the occurrences of spasms. Furthermore, amino acids like Taurine and L-Carnosine may manage repetitive behaviors and serotonin concentrations. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), which are antidepressants, may also help with decreasing hyperactivity, aggressiveness, compulsive behaviors, and anxiety.

References:

Belonging to The Spectrum

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