What is ASD?
A developmental disorder that affects communication and behaviour. Symptoms appear within the first 1-2 years of life.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) identifiies the following as symptoms of ASD:
- Difficulty with communication and interaction with other people
- Restricted interests and repetitive behaviours
- Symptoms that hurt the person’s ability to function properly in school, work and other areas of life
ASD Diagnosis
More often than not, diagnosis of ASD occurs in the early years of childhood. Diagnosis in adolescence and adulthood is still possible but unlikely.
STAGE 1: GENERAL DEVELOPMENT SCREENING
- Screening for developmental delays occurs at: 9, 18, 24 and 30 months of age
- Screening for ASD symptoms specifically occurs at: 18 and 24 months of age
STAGE 2: ADDITIONAL EVALUATION *only if ASD is suspected based on stage 1 evaluation*
- Cognitive testing
- Language ability evaluation
- Evaluation of execution of age-appropriate tasks (ex. Eating, dressing, self-hygeine)
During stage 1 doctors rely ASD screening tools outlined by the CDC as well as parent-provided information regarding the child behavioural tendencies and general disposition. If ASD is suspected the doctor will recommend additional testing prior to diagnosis.
This battery of tests are generally conducted and results are evaluated by developmental pediatricians, child psychologists, neuropsychologists and speech-language pathologists.
ASD Treatment
There is no one ideal treatment for ASD, therapies are often targeted towards teaching individuals life-skills, and providing tools to aid with social interactions. Pharmaceutical interventions do not treat ASD itself instead these agents are used to manage symptoms of the disorder like aggression, hyperactivity, anxiety and attention deficits.
ASD Risk Factors
The cause of ASD remains unknown, this is an active area of research as several mechanisms are hypothesized to contribute to the onset of this developmental disorder. Some risk factors outlined by the CDC include:
- Sibling with ASD
- Conception when the female is 35 years or older
- Genetic conditions (ex. Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome)
- Low birth weight
- Intake of certain medications during pregnancy (ex. valproic acid, thalidomide)
The CDC highlights that there is NO LINK BETWEEN VACCINES AND AUTISM
“we found no association between exposure to antigens from vaccines during infancy and the development of ASD with regression”
This is a direct quote from a 2013 CDC study published in the Journal of Pediatrics. This is one of the many studies that has aimed to diminish the fear instilled in many by the anti-vaccine movement prompted by Wakefield’s 1988 study.
Sources
Park, H.R., Lee, J.M., Moon, H.E., Lee, D.S., Kim, B., Kim, J. Kim, D. & Paek, S.H. (2016). A short review on the current understanding of autism spectrum disorders. Experimental Neurobiology, 25(1), 1-13.
DeFilippis, M. & Wagner, K.D. (2016). Treatment of autism spectrum disorder in children and adolescents. Psychopharmacology Bulletin, 46(2), 18-41.
DeStefano, F., Price, C.S., Weintruab, E.S. (2013). Increasing exposure to antibody-stimulating proteins and polysaccharides in vaccines is not associated with risk of autism. Journal of Pediatrics, 163(2), 561-7.