10 autism facts

10 autism facts

Key Points

• Prevalence: ASD is very common – approximately 1 in 100 children in the UK have ASD.
• Early diagnosis: Essential for improved outcomes and intervention.
• Multidisciplinary approach: Involves pediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists.
• Individualised care: Should be tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

1. Definition

• Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction.
• Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.
• Symptoms present from an early age, typically before 3 years.
• Significant impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning.

• Autistic Disorder (Classic Autism): Most severe form, marked by significant impairments in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviours.
• Asperger’s Syndrome: Less severe, characterised by difficulties in social interaction and repetitive behaviors, but without significant communication impairments.
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD-NOS): A milder form, with some symptoms of autistic disorder, but not meeting full criteria.

• Prevalence: Estimated 1.1% of the UK population (approximately 1 in 100 children).
• Male-to-female ratio: 3-4:1.
• Age: Symptoms typically appear before 3 years.

• Genetic predisposition: Family history of ASD.
• Preterm birth: Increased risk.
• Advanced parental age: Increased risk.
• Neurodevelopmental disorders: Co-occurring conditions (e.g. ADHD, intellectual disability).

• Genetic mutations: Associated with ASD.
• Environmental factors: Prenatal exposure to toxins, infections, or nutritional deficiencies.
• Neurobiological abnormalities: Altered brain structure and function.

• Social communication difficulties: Impaired verbal and nonverbal communication.
• Social interaction challenges: Difficulty initiating or maintaining conversations.
• Restricted and repetitive behaviors: Hand flapping, body rocking, or insistence on routines.
• Sensory sensitivities: Hypersensitivity to sounds, lights, or textures.

6. Diagnosis

• Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation: Multidisciplinary assessment.
• Diagnostic criteria: DSM-5 and ICD-11 guidelines.
• Screening tools: Autism Quotient (AQ) and Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT).

• Physical examination: Rule out underlying medical conditions.
• Developmental assessments: Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST) and Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ).
• Imaging studies: MRI or CT scans (if indicated).

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
• Anxiety disorders.
• Intellectual disability.
• Language disorders.

There is no cure or single effective treatment for ASD. But these treatments may help.

• Early Intervention: Behavioral therapies (e.g. Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)).
• Medications: For co-occurring conditions (e.g. ADHD, anxiety).
• Speech and language therapy: Communication strategies.
• Occupational therapy: Sensory integration techniques.

• Concerns about development: Delayed speech, social interaction difficulties.
• Regression: Loss of previously acquired skills.
• Co-occurring conditions: ADHD, anxiety, or intellectual disability.

• Mental health issues: Depression, anxiety.
• Sleep disturbances: Insomnia, daytime fatigue.
• Gastrointestinal problems: Constipation, abdominal pain.
• Social isolation: Difficulty forming relationships.

• Variable outcomes: Depending on severity and intervention.
• Improved outcomes: With early diagnosis and intervention.
• Supportive care: Ongoing therapy and accommodations.

• Genetic counselling: For families with a history of ASD.
• Prenatal care: Folic acid supplementation, avoiding toxins.
• Early screening: Regular developmental assessments.

Summary

We have described 10 facts about autism. We hope it has been helpful.

• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE; 2013). Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: recognition, referral and diagnosis.
• American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th edn).