Autism spectrum disorder is a condition related to brain development that affects how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication. The disorder also includes limited and repetitive patterns of behavior. The term spectrum in autism spectrum disorder refers to the wide range of symptoms and severity. Symptoms associated with the disorder may also be related to other developmental disorders.
It is usually based on the level of disabilities and how they affect the ability to function. If you are concerned about your child's development or suspect that your child may have autism spectrum disorder, discuss your concerns with your doctor. Autism spectrum disorder does not have a single known cause. Given the complexity of the disorder and the fact that symptoms and severity vary, there are probably many causes.
Both genetics and the environment can influence. Early diagnosis and intervention are very helpful and can improve behavior, skills, and language development. However, intervention is useful at any age. While children usually don't outgrow the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, they can learn to function well. Research on the genetics of autism may offer interventions that can correct genetic errors before signs and symptoms of autism develop. Milder symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder who work best may not be recognized until they are in school.
While ASD can be a lifelong disorder, treatments and services can improve a person's symptoms and daily functioning. This could be because they fall into the highest functioning range of the autism spectrum and their symptoms are less severe, or because they were misdiagnosed with a condition such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is described as a “developmental disorder” because the symptoms usually appear in the first two years of life. The term spectrum refers to the wide range of symptoms, abilities, and levels of functional disability that can occur in people with autism spectrum disorder. As such, it is important to note that a person with autism spectrum disorder will not show all symptoms and the symptoms will vary in severity. Many different variables enter each person's experience with autism, including associated symptoms and behaviors and their severity, family environment, and types of interventions used.
Caregivers and teachers are often the first to recognize ASD symptoms in older children and adolescents who attend school. Some parents and professionals have reported improvements in autism symptoms when consistently following diets that eliminate suspicious proteins, such as gluten (found in wheat flour). Autism cannot be cured, but therapies and support services can help a person with ASD improve their symptoms and quality of life. Autism is a lifelong condition, and the symptoms and signs of autism may first appear when a child is very young. Autism is known as a “spectrum disorder” because there is a wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms that people experience.
