Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Subject : Science and technology

Section: Health

Concept :

Autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disability caused by differences in the brain.
ASD is a complicated developmental disorder characterised by difficulty in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, repetitive behaviour, and a narrow focus of interest.
ASD is referred to as a “developmental disorder” because symptoms usually appear in the first 2 years of the child.
Autism is also termed a “spectrum” disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience.
Currently, there is no cure or therapy available to treat or reverse ASD.

Levels of ASD

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) considers ASD as a single disorder.
The earlier system of classifying various levels of autism is no longer used.
The DSM-5 examines the severity of ASD by assessing social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviours.
Further, the severity of ASD is determined by assigning a level of support such as 1, 2 or 3based on the individual’s need for assistance and the impact of their symptoms on their daily lives.
Level 1: Patients with autism may have social challenges that need some help as they face trouble starting conversations, responding to others, making friends, etc.
Level 2: At level 2, the individuals require more support as they face communication challenges owing to difficulties to comprehend coherent conversations or understand nonverbal cues.
Level 3: Individuals require the highest level of support as they avoid interacting with others, have aggravated communication challenges and also have repetitive behaviours which affect their ability to function.

Screening tools

Doctors have adopted various methods of screening for autism such as informal observations, formal assessments and structured tests.
Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) is one of the most common screening tools used to test children aged 16-30 months. M-CHAT is a 20-question test.
The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) is another general developmental screen that assesses developmental challenges at specific ages.
The Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers & Young Children (STAT) has 12 activities to assess play, communication, and imitation among toddlers and young children.
Further, the Childhood Autism Rating Scale uses ratings such as “normal” and “severe” to indicate a level of autism.