Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the following:

• Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction (e.g. social-emotional reciprocity; non-verbal communication behaviors; developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships). ¹
• Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities (e.g. stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech; insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines, or ritualized patterns of verbal or nonverbal behavior; highly restricted, fixated interested that are abnormal in intensity or focus; hyper- or hyporeactivity to sensory input). ²

It is important to note that while symptoms must be present in the early developmental period, they may not fully manifest until social demands exceed limitations or may be masked by learned strategies. This helps explain why some individuals may receive a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder beyond childhood. Additionally, while the degree of impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning must be considered clinically significant, the level of impairment varies, hence this is a “spectrum” disorder.

The etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder continues to be widely debated and there is currently no consensus. Depending on the age, symptoms, and severity of impairment, treatment can include behavioral management therapy (e.g. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), social skills training), occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and pharmacological therapy. ³ 

¹Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 th edition, American Psychiatric Association, 2013.
²Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 th edition, American Psychiatric Association, 2013.
³Autism Science Foundation https://autismsciencefoundation.org/what-is-autism/treatment-options/