Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neuro-developmental disorder that affects people’s ability to communicate and interact with others. It is one of the fastest growing neurological conditions in the world. One in every 68 people in the United States has Autism Spectrum Disorder and it is usually diagnosed at a young age because of how fast it progresses. If they do find out early enough there are many strategies and skills they can learn and develop as they grow up to help them to understand more and be better off as adults. People with Autism Spectrum Disorder might have a hard time understanding social behaviors and social cues shown by others. They are likely to struggle with understanding other people’s emotions, actions, moods, and expressions.

One in every 68 people in the United States has Autism Spectrum Disorder and it is usually diagnosed at a young age because of how fast it progresses. If they do find out early enough there are many strategies and skills they can learn and develop as they grow up to help them to understand more and be better off as adults.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is considered a Spectrum Disorder because it varies in severity and symptoms. Some people, if they are on the lower side of the spectrum, can go most of there life without even knowing whether or not they have Autism Spectrum Disorder, if not their entire life. If they are on the higher side of the spectrum, the disorder can make a huge impact on their lives and they could require a lot of assistance throughout their lives.

Some signs and symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder involving school and learning are delays in learning communication, difficulty interpreting social cues, and trouble learning words and language. Some big social symptoms people with Autism Spectrum Disorder may show are making very little eye contact, not looking at or listening to people, having difficulties with talking back and forth in conversations, having a robot-like or song-like tone when talking, and having trouble understanding other peoples point of view or emotions. They may seem to others as being shy and stand-offish near other people. The more obvious and physical signs are people and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder engaging in repetitive gestures such as tapping, flapping their hands, spinning, or rocking their bodies back and forth. They can also want to focus very specifically on certain things that they have developed an interest in. For example, someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder may want to learn everything they can about an ice dispenser or a fan and know exactly how it works. People with Autism Spectrum Disorder tend to have sleep issues as well as irritability although, they can also develop some amazing gifts.

Even though people on the spectrum experience many challenges throughout life, it can have a good side to it as well. Some people with Autism Spectrum Disorder excel in certain subjects such as math, science, music, and more as well as having very good memory. People with Autism Spectrum Disorder are usually good auditory and verbal learners.

A very low birth weight, having older parents, having an older sibling with Autism Spectrum Disorder, or having certain genetic conditions such as having fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome, or Rett syndrome can all be factors for having Autism Spectrum Disorder.

In order to be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, a person must see a doctor. The doctor will look at the person’s behavior and development. The doctor’s diagnosis will not be very reliable if made before the age of two, but if a child is suspected of having Autism Spectrum Disorder, it is best for that child to be diagnosed as soon as possible in order to start their treatment.

After being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, a doctor can prescribe them with medication to help them have fewer problems with irritability, repetitive behavior, hyperactivity, attention problems, anxiety, depression, and aggression.