What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological and developmental condition that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is described as a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first few years of life. It has become a growing diagnosis as more recognition and early detection have become increasingly common.

People with autism have a wide range of symptoms, which can include differences in social and communication behaviors, intellectual disabilities, and other physical and mental health conditions. People with autism may also have a wide range of health care and service needs related to their diagnosis or other co-occurring conditions. Research shows that access to needed services and supports early in life can promote people’s health and well-being over the long term.

Autism is a Spectrum, and it's not the same for everyone. It is important to affirm individual experiences.

There are various presentations of Autism symptoms and other sensory differences that play into how each person experiences ASD. The environmental factors may also play a role in the degree of challenge with coping or adapting in the moment creating differences in symptom severity situationally creating even more complexity.

The NIMH conducts research addressing this critical topic, they share on their website:

"NIMH supports the Autism Centers of Excellence Program , an NIH-wide initiative funding large-scale, multidisciplinary studies on autism spectrum disorder. Here is guidance directly sourced from their guide to understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder. Many people may not be diagnosed accurately with ASD until adolescence or even adulthood due the the complex presentations seen across the spectrum. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a guide created by the American Psychiatric Association that health care providers use to diagnose mental disorders, people with ASD often have: ● Difficulty with communication and interaction with other people ● Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors ● Symptoms that affect their ability to function in school, work, and other areas of life Autism is known as a “spectrum” disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience. People of all genders, races, ethnicities, and economic backgrounds can be diagnosed with ASD. Although ASD can be a lifelong disorder, treatments and services can improve a person’s symptoms and daily functioning. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children receive screening for autism. Caregivers should talk to their child’s health care provider about ASD screening or evaluation.

The list below gives some examples of common types of behaviors in people diagnosed with ASD. Not all people with ASD will have all behaviors, but most will have several of the behaviors listed below. Social communication and social interaction behaviors may include:

● Making little or inconsistent eye contact

● Appearing not to look at or listen to people who are talking

● Infrequently sharing interest, emotion, or enjoyment of objects or activities (including infrequently pointing at or showing things to others)

● Not responding or being slow to respond to one’s name or to verbal bids for attention

● Having difficulties with the back and forth of conversation

● Often talking at length about a favorite subject without noticing that others are not interested or without giving others a chance to respond

● Displaying facial expressions, movements, and gestures that do not match what is being said

● Having an unusual tone of voice that may sound sing-song, or flat, or robot-like or struggling to maintain normal tone of voice throughout conversation ● Having trouble understanding another person’s point of view or being able to predict or understand other people’s actions ● Difficulties adjusting behavior to different social situations ● Difficulties sharing in imaginative play or in making friends or the opposite, an overly friendly presentation (naïvely) over sharing special interests Restrictive/repetitive behaviors may include: ● Repeating certain behaviors or having unusual behaviors, such as repeating words or phrases (a behavior called echolalia) ● Having a lasting intense interest in specific topics, such as numbers, details, or facts ● Showing overly focused interests, such as with moving objects or with parts of objects ● Becoming upset by slight changes in a routine and having difficulty with transitions ● Being more sensitive or less sensitive than other people to sensory input, such as light, sound, clothing, temperature, or textures.

People with ASD also may experience sleep problems and irritability. People on the autism spectrum also may have many strengths, including: ● Being able to learn things in detail and remember information for long periods of time ● Being strong visual and auditory learners ● Excelling in math, science, music, or art

This can also include excelling within areas aligned with their special interests or other specific skills developed by repetitive focus often seen in ASD.

To learn more about ASD screening tools, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/hcp-screening.html. If a child shows developmental differences in behavior or functioning during this screening process, the health care provider may refer the child for additional evaluation.

A team of health care providers who have experience diagnosing ASD will conduct the diagnostic evaluation. This team may include child neurologists, developmental behavioral pediatricians, speech-language pathologists, child psychologists and psychiatrists, educational specialists, and occupational therapists.

The diagnostic evaluation is likely to include:

● Medical and neurological examinations

● Assessment of the child’s cognitive abilities

● Assessment of the child’s speech and language abilities

● Observation of the child’s behavior

● An in-depth conversation with the child’s caregivers about the child’s behavior and development

● Assessment of age-appropriate skills needed to complete daily activities independently, such as eating, dressing, and toileting

● Questions about the child’s family history

Because ASD is a complex disorder that sometimes occurs with other illnesses or learning disorders, the comprehensive evaluation may include blood tests and a hearing test. The outcome of this evaluation may result in a formal diagnosis and recommendations for treatment.

Adults who notice signs and symptoms of ASD should talk with a health care provider and ask for a referral for an ASD evaluation. Although evaluation for ASD in adults is still being refined, adults can be referred to a neuropsychologist, psychologist, or psychiatrist who has experience with ASD. The expert could ask about: ● Social interaction and communication challenges ● Sensory issues ● Repetitive behaviors ● Restricted interests The evaluation also may include a conversation with caregivers and other family members to learn about the person’s early developmental history, which can help ensure an accurate diagnosis. Obtaining a correct diagnosis of ASD as an adult can help people understand past challenges, identify personal strengths, and find the right kind of help. Studies are underway to determine the types of services and supports that are most helpful for improving the functioning and community integration of autistic transition-age youth and adults. A health care provider may prescribe medication to treat specific symptoms. With medication, a person with ASD may have fewer problems with conditions like: ● Irritability ● Aggression ● Hyperactivity ● Attention ● Anxiety or Depression

People with ASD may be referred to health care providers who specialize in providing behavioral, psychological, educational, or skill-building interventions. These programs are typically highly structured and intensive, and they may involve caregivers, siblings, and other family members. These programs may help people with ASD: ● Learn social, communication, and language skills ● Reduce behaviors that interfere with daily functioning ● Increase or build on strengths ● Learn life skills for living independently" --- For more information see this publication by NIMH How does Kaleidoscope Help Those with Autism (ASD)? Our program offers a hybrid approach for a holistic balance of care and coaching with our network of providers for specialized support. We provide an inclusive space, group coaching, individual guidance from neurodiversity coaches, and resources from Spectrum focused service providers for more targeted medical care for individuals living with ASD or those seeking formal diagnosis. Our forums offer peer-to-peer communication for discussions about hard topics and how to navigate neurodiversity in your daily life. Sometimes the best perspectives can come from other patients and caregivers. The Kaleidoscope Support Network provides a space for anyone to learn and share their experience on the spectrum with our community. By sharing your voice, you can help contribute to more understanding and help change perspectives in the future for those living with ASD. Your voice matters and we would love to hear it. Check out the forums to learn more.

Remember that ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is a complex condition with diverse presentations across the spectrum. We affirm each individual is unique in their experience with Autism and how it impacts them, and we seek to provide more understanding for all of those living with or navigating neurodiversity.