Know the causes, symptoms and treatments of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), popularly known as autism, is a brain development disorder that affects individuals at birth or in the first years of life. Although there are no specific data on the number of people who have the disorder, many studies indicate that its prevalence is higher in boys than in girls.

According to Dr. Roberto Debski, psychologist and general practitioner, ASD is characterized by “commitment to the development of social interaction, communication, in addition to a restricted repertoire of interests and activities, which manifest themselves in different degrees”.

Levels of Autistic Spectrum Disorder

As explained by Dr. Juliana Arita, neuropediatrician from APAN (Paulista Association of Neurology), the disorder on the Autistic Spectrum is classified into 3 levels of severity, based on the support the individual needs:

• Level 1: needs little support – there is little or no language impairment, difficulty initiating interactions, reduced interest in relationships, and inflexibility;
• Level 2: needs moderate support – there is inflexibility, language impairment, difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, damage to social skills and the possibility of intellectual disability;
• Level 3: needs high support – absence of functional language, possibility of intellectual disability, severe communication deficit, impaired social skills, intense repetitive behaviors and inflexibility.

Causes of Autistic Spectrum Disorder

According to the most recent version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder can be genetic, environmental and/or physiological.

“Studies point out that the genetic factor is what contributes the most, in 90% of cases. Sometimes, a genetic alteration by itself determines a picture of autism, but there are cases in which a genetic predisposition associated with an environmental and/or physiological factor can lead to the development of the condition”, exemplifies Dr. Juliana Arita.

Main symptoms of ASD in childhood

ASD symptoms vary from person to person, depending on the degree of the disorder. The Doctor. Roberto Debski, however, assesses that some of the most common signs in childhood are: irritability, sleep irregularity, impaired postural changes, impaired vocalization and, in more severe cases, cognitive and socio-affective limitations.

Dr. Juliana Arita also adds that, before the age of two, the child may have little eye contact and little reaction to facial expressions. These symptoms can be observed when “the child does not look when he is called by name, does not follow the movement of people around, does not look in the direction in which other people are pointing, does not point and does not use other communicative gestures”.

Characteristic symptoms of ASD in adulthood

Especially in mild cases, ASD is often not diagnosed in childhood and, therefore, people only discover the disorder in adult life. The Doctor. Roberto Debski justifies this diagnostic failure due to the lack of information about the disorder.

“The adult with mild impairment, who was not diagnosed as a child, may at some point suspect ASD when seeking professional help for issues related to difficulties in relationships, need for routine, repetitive behaviors and problems resulting from social adaptation”, says the psychologist and general practitioner.

Diagnosis of the disorder

The main diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder it is performed clinically, that is, by describing the symptoms. Dr. Juliana Arita clarifies that the investigation takes place through the fulfillment of clinical criteria related to impairments in communication and social interaction, as well as the presence of restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior.

The Doctor. Francisco Assumpção, Child and Adolescent psychiatrist and member of the Paulista Academies of Medicine and Psychology, adds that, because it is a difficult diagnosis, extra procedures may be necessary. “Sometimes, with a view to better defining the condition and verifying the therapeutic possibilities, other tests are requested – neuropsychological tests to see the type of cognitive impairment, in addition to laboratory tests to detect possible diseases in the picture”, he analyzes.

Treatments for ASD

There is no cure for Autistic Spectrum Disorder, but there are several treatments that help reduce symptoms and improve the overall development of the individual. Psychotherapy based on Applied Behavioral Analysis, for example, “involves intensive, individualized teaching of essential behavioral and communicative skills,” reports Dr. Robert Debski.

Other treatments that should be considered, according to Dr. Juliana Arita, is the accompaniment with the speech therapist for the development of communication, as well as the occupational therapy sessions for the identification of possible alterations in the sensorial processing.

“At the same time, some patients may need associations with medications, especially in cases where there is comorbidity with other medications. illnessessuch as epilepsy, anxiety, depression and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)”, points out the neuropediatrician.

Importance of the support network and social inclusion

One of the most important points when we talk about Autistic Spectrum Disorder is the support network. In this case, family members and close friends need to understand their role in the life of an autistic person. For this, they must “study and understand the disorder, engage in treatment and follow up on guidance so that an efficient interaction occurs”, says Dr. Juliana Arita.

Another key issue is the social inclusion. Over the years, several laws have guaranteed access for autistic individuals to school education and the workplace. Despite this, Dr. Roberto Debski emphasizes that the family “should know the rights of the person with ASD and demand from the responsible bodies so that the laws are complied with”.