Autism

Overview

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, behavior, social interaction, and learning. While there is no "cure" for autism, therapy can significantly improve quality of life, help individuals develop important skills, and support independence. Below is a comprehensive description of the different types of autism therapy, what they involve, and how they work.

Goals of Autism Therapy

Improve communication and language .
Enhance social skills and relationships.
Reduce challenging behaviors.
Promote independence in daily life.
Support academic and cognitive development.
Improve sensory processing and motor skills

Core Characteristics of Autism

Autism is generally defined by challenges in two main areas :

Social Communication and Interaction

Difficulty with back-and-forth conversation.
Trouble understanding or using nonverbal communication (gestures, eye contact, facial expressions).
Challenges forming and maintaining relationships.
May appear uninterested in others or overly interested in specific people

Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors

Repetitive movements (hand flapping, rocking).
Inflexible routines or rituals (insisting on same schedule).
Intense interest in specific topics or objects (e.g., trains, numbers, maps).
Sensory sensitivities (over- or under-reacting to light, sound, textures, smells)

Early Signs of Autism (in Children)

No smiling or social responsiveness by 6 months.
No babbling or pointing by 12 months.
No single words by 16 months.
No two-word phrases by 24 months.
Limited eye contact or social engagement.
Plays alone or in repetitive ways

Autism in Teens and Adults

May struggle with social situations, dating, or job interviews.
May have difficulty understanding social norms.
Might show strong interests or need routines to manage anxiety.
Many adults mask their symptoms and are diagnosed later in life.

Diagnosis of Autism

Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-5)

Persistent deficits in social communication and interaction.
At least two types of restricted/repetitive behavior.
Symptoms must be present in early developmental period.
Symptoms cause significant impairment in daily functioning.

Diagnosis is made by

Developmental pediatricians.
Child psychologists or psychiatrists.
Neurologists.
Multidisciplinary teams.

Assessment tools may include

ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule).
Parent interviews.
Observation in different settings.
Cognitive and language assessments.

Strengths Often Seen in People with Autism

Strong memory for facts or details.
High focus and persistence.
Unique problem-solving approaches.
Creative thinking.
Expertise in specialized interests.
Many individuals with autism go on to succeed in science, technology, art, mathematics, and more.